Dockers defeat the winless Crows to continue their winning streak.

On Good Friday, Fremantle defeated Adelaide by 35 points to maintain their unblemished record.

As the Crows get ready to introduce Gather Round in six days, FREMANTLE maintained its perfect start to the season by defeating Adelaide by 35 points at Optus Stadium on Good Friday.

The Dockers prevailed 9.15 (69) to 4.10 (34) and celebrated their best start to a season since 2015. It was a low-scoring game full of skill blunders and wasted opportunities.

After neither team could capitalize on their opportunities in the third quarter, the teams were only separated by 10 points at the half. However, the Dockers were merciless in the closing minutes, scoring four goals in a row to win in front of a boisterous 51,037 spectators, making Good Friday football in Perth a triumph.

When given the chance, Bailey Banfield, Josh Treacy, Matt Taberner, and Michael Frederick all maintained composure and slotted goals, while the Crows were held at bay by an outstanding, in-form defense.

In addition to limiting Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty to a combined 0.3 points, captain Alex Pearce and backup Luke Ryan also set up the Dockers’ attack with their interceptions.

While midfielder Hayden Young (32 and 8 clearances) built strongly into the game to become the main architect of the Dockers’ ball movement through the middle with his piercing kicking skills and strong body, speedster Jordan Clark (26 and seven marks) made good use of his pressure game and composure with the ball.

With 2.4 goals from 21 disposals, Michael Walters was unstoppable early on and had a chance to score more if he hadn’t been inaccurate. The only other players to score multiple goals in the game were Taberner and Jye Amiss, who each scored two.

For the first time since head coach Matthew Nicks’ rookie year in 2020, Adelaide is already 0-3; this Thursday night’s Gather Round matchup versus Melbourne is crucial for the team.

They may also be without replacement Lachlan Murphy and defender Wayne Milera for that match since they both sustained knee injuries that will need to be scanned. After landing awkwardly during a marking contest and needing assistance from trainers, Milera’s condition appeared especially alarming.

The Crows brought pressure and intensity to the contest, but their ability to link up from the midfield with their forward line was well off again, resulting in their lowest score since round 17, 2021.

With neither Fremantle or Adelaide able to win an opening quarter so far this season and determined to reverse that trend, the pressure was on from the opening bounce as players attacked the contested ball and laid strong tackles.

Clark’s chasedown of Ned McHenry was a highlight in his 50th game for the Dockers, while the Crows forced their opponents into skill errors with their own pressure.

Both teams looked their best when they could move quickly and kick through the congestion, with Ben Keays kicking the opener after Walker and Josh Rachele pierced through the Dockers with quick transition on the way to a three-point lead at the first break.

The second quarter was dominated by the Dockers, even if they did not receive full credit on the scoreboard. They were the superior team in the game and dominated field position with 16 inside 50s to seven.

Nevertheless, they kicked four consecutive behinds until Walters accurately snapped to give the Dockers their first lead of the day. Amiss converted off the ground after Young broke through a standstill on the wing and kicked long, giving Freo an eight-point advantage at the main break.

A mere two goals were scored during a tumultuous third quarter. With the game hanging in the balance early in the fourth quarter, the Dockers rose to the occasion, winning their second straight game following a six-day break and securing a Gather Round matchup with Carlton 3-0 the following Saturday.

Clark’s trade is profitable for Freo
In a time when attention has been mostly focused on the players Fremantle has lost, the club’s acquisition of Jordan Clark at the end of 2021 is noteworthy. On Friday night, Clark made his 50th appearance for the Dockers and had a fantastic game, capping up an excellent third season for the team. The 23-year-old finished with 26 disposals and seven marks; his quick reflexes, calm under duress, and clean hands were crucial qualities. The Dockers will emphasize, though, his chase-down tackle on Ned McHenry in the opening quarter. It was well worth it to trade subsequent picks for pick No. 22 and to the Cats.

Crows forwards in a rut
The Crows were the highest scoring team of 2023, but on Friday night their firepower was neutralised. It’s been a concerning element of the team’s 0-3 start, and there are connection issues between the midfield and forward line that clearly impact the ability of Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty to hit the scoreboard. But combining for just 0.3 is a major concern. The key duo fell victim to the in-form pairing of Alex Pearce and Luke Ryan, who were stars, but half-forwards Josh Rachele and Izak Rankine were also unable to fire in a game that Freo forced into an armwrestle.

Dockers trademark emerging
A full-length smother from Sam Switkowski in round one has set the tone for a high-pressure game style that is playing a significant role in the Dockers’ 3-0 start to the season. Tom Emmett has followed up with similar efforts, and on Friday night there were desperate chasedown tackles and pressure acts galore as the Dockers become a team intent on doing the little things for each other. While less involved offensively than he has been in the opening two rounds, Caleb Serong led the way with 26 pressure acts, with the tackle count of 62-43 at the end of the game telling a significant story.