There was so much to like about this game, I am afraid I won’t be able to fit it all into one review.
Do I do two?
No… that would be silly, and as silly as I am, I am just not that silly. What I am silly enough to do is sit here and break down a game that had a little bit of everything, as Freo stretched their winning streak to ten games and established a new club record in the process, and the Saints threw everything they had at the home team for three and a bit quarters before the cream rose to the top.
I am sure those who didn’t watch this game will glance at the scoreline and simply think that Fremantle did what they had to do in running out 30-point winners, but there was so much more to this contest, and it is worth noting that the Saints actually hit the front early in the last quarter, and a boil over was starting to look like it could occur.
Of course, leaving the introduction there would be a discredit to the Dockers. Yes, the Saints were brave, and I genuinely think they are at the point Freo were at a couple of years ago (which is a GOOD thing), but the collective Docker lift was something to behold. When they drop the hammer and play attacking football, I am not too sure there are many that can go with them.
A heap to get through in this game that is a genuine pleasure to write about. Let’s jump into The Mongrel’s Big Statements.
This is just the introduction – the remainder of this article is for our members. They support me, and I provide for them. It’s a good deal.
Oh… a Mongrel paywall… the worst of all paywalls. We’re all in on the 2026 AFL season. Player articles, stats, awards, game coverage. Dump the mainstream lip service and dive into articles like this – you will never look back. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I consider it your loss as we get into the grind of the season, and you’re stuck with the stuff that’s frustrated you for years.
