Perth will host both preliminary finals for the first time EVER after Freo’s 9 point win over the Swans. There will be no AFL played in Melbourne that weekend- how bazaar!

Both teams had some big changes in their line-ups, Sydney missing Buddy Franklin, Keiren Jack and Luke Parker. Fremantle were without key defender Luke McPharlin, and welcomed back Brownlow Medal favourite Nat Fyfe and fiery pocket rocket Hayden Ballantyne, along with several other big names.

First of all, I would like to mention what I’m sure majority of Dockers supporters are already thinking- what an average game that was. Sydney performed well in the absence of their key players, and the Dockers played unconvincingly with the return of their key players. How does that work? Sydney finished with 18 behinds and Fremantle should consider themselves very lucky that the Swans had an inaccurate day in front of goal.

Fremantle applied some good pressure in the first half, however Sydney still had plenty of scoring opportunities. The tornado-like wind that swirled around Domain Stadium would have definitely been a factor in the Swans shanky goal kicking. The Dockers did well to hold off the Swans until the final siren, as Sydney made their charge in the last quarter.

Hayden Ballantyne looked fit and sharp after 8 weeks off due to injury, and finished with 3 goals. Michael Walters impressed with 21 touches and 3 goals, he and Ballantyne were the only multiple goal scorers for Fremantle. Skipper Matty Pavlich was kept goalless although he still displayed some strength around the ground. Lachie Neale and Nat Fyfe lead Fremantle’s possessions with 32 touches each, and David Mundy was also very effective through the midfield.

Sydney’s Kurt Tippet was dangerous in their forward line, kicking 3 goals. Another injury blow came for the Swans when forward Sam Reid was subbed out with a hamstring concern. The Dockers defensive pressure was fairly consistent however, I was underwhelmed with defender Zac Dawson- but that’s nothing new.

It was a game riddled with mistakes and honestly, neither team looked to be in Premiership winning form. I know in Fremantle’s case ‘a win is a win’, as it has been all season, but I’m guessing Ross Lyon will have given the boys a bit of a spray after the game. Can the Dockers get their act together in time for their next match? I hope so.

Let us know your thoughts on the game: @Tweetperth @Emmalianapayne