Karl Worner of the Dockers is smothered by St Kilda’s Mitch Owens.Credit: AFL Photos
A one-goal half from Fremantle leaves them trailing St Kilda by 20 points in what’s been a defensive, congested slugfest bereft of highlights.
The Saints deserve their lead, after crushing the Dockers in the clinches – they are plus-23 in contested possessions and lead the clearances 28-11 and centre clearances 6-1.
Fremantle had a brief flurry of repeat inside-50s midway through the second term, but all that earned them was a single set shot that Michael Frederick steered to the left.
This is ugly stuff from Justin Longmuir’s men, who are coming off an impressive win over Adelaide in Perth a week ago.
They have lost Hayden Young (hamstring) for the game, and fellow prime movers Caleb Serong (seven disposals) and Andrew Brayshaw (10) have had very little influence.
Brennan Cox has been a rock in defence for Freo.
Saint Jack Macrae is enjoying his night as the equal-leading disposals-winner with 15, 10 contested possessions and six clearances (double that of anyone else).
