Fremantle’s brilliant comeback win was sparked by a midfield duo aged 22 and 21 on finals debut.
Meanwhile, their star forward had a vintage game, while their backline starred.
We rate all 23 Fremantle players for their performances against Western Bulldogs in the First Elimination Final.
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2. Griffin Logue
Played predominantly forward. Kicked a goal but didn’t have a huge influence on the contest. 4
3. Caleb Serong
This kid is only 21. Remarkable. Tough, uncompromising and relentless at the coalface. Booted a telling goal in the second term as the Dockers got on a roll. An awesome statline: 33 disposals, 16 contested possessions and 10 clearances — in a final. 9
4. Sean Darcy
Clearly had the better of Tim English at ruck contests, although the Bulldogs broke even in the clearances. Fifteen of his 47 hit-outs went to a teammate’s advantage to go with 15 disposals. 7
5. Lachie Schultz
Busy across half-forward, constantly pumping the ball inside the Dockers’ forward 50. 6
6. Jordan Clark
Patrolled the half-back flanks and wings. Showed terrific composure the longer the game went on and finished with seven intercepts. 7
8. Andy Brayshaw
The MVP of the league — and almost the MVP on Saturday night. Found the footy when most of his teammates couldn’t in the first term then booted the Dockers’ second goal late in the second term. 8
9. Blake Acres
Huge third term from the wingman with eight touches and three inside 50s. Did the basics well and was clean after quarter-time. 7
10. Michael Walters
Inspirational. Quiet first term before kicking a much-needed goal in the second. Then truly came alive in the third term, with his second-efforts, pressure and classy third goal lifting the team. Wound back the clock with his pressure and buzz around the ball. The catalyst for the comeback. 8
11. James Aish
Played on the wing with the odd stint on the ball. Finished with 16 touches, but not one kick was effective. 5
13. Luke Ryan
A great all-round defensive game. Had the job on Jamarra Ugle-Hagan for most of the night and shut him down. Then helped drag the Dockers over the line with 13 of his 31 disposals coming in the final term. Finished with nine intercepts.
16. David Mundy
He’s not done yet! Clean at the coalface as per usual. Went at 80 per cent by foot and had six clearances. 7
17. Will Brodie
Went to work at the coalface in the second term with four tackles and three clearances. Finished with 19 touches for the game. 6
24. Jye Amiss
Rushed into the side for his second AFL game — and had a key hand in Fre’s resurgences. Looked destined to kick his side’s first goal in the second term before hitting the post from directly in front. Redeemed himself on the half-time siren with a lovely set-shot goal to bring the crowd to life. Added another in the last quarter. A night he won’t forget. 7
25. Alex Pearce
The stand-in captain had a stand-in captain’s game. Had the job on Aaron Naughton and had his measure all night, using his body shrewdly in one-on-one contests. 7
26. Hayden Young
Lifted after quarter-time with an eight-disposal second quarter. Got better from there, finishing with 28 touches and 11 marks and going at 89 per cent by foot. 8
27. Heath Chapman
Stood up on the finals stage. Helped get the Dockers going in the second term with a game-high 11 disposals. Had 27 for the game and went at 100 per cent by foot. 8
30. Nathan O’Driscoll
Had a lower leg issue that saw him spend most of the first term on the bench before starting the second quarter on the field. Thank goodness he stayed out there, for he delivered one heck of a set-shot goal deep in the last quarter. 6
31. Brandon Walker
Spent a lot of time on Cody Weightman and took the points, with the Dog kicking just one goal. Showed great speed and dash out of the backline. 6
32. Michael Frederick
Lively across half-forward, especially in the third term when the Dockers had their tails up. 6
36. Brennan Cox
That’s why he was in the All-Australian 40-man squad. Spent time on Sam Darcy but rotated through other Dogs opponents. Stood tall in defence amid a flurry of Dogs inside 50s. Took ample intercept marks and used the ball efficiently out of defence. 8
37. Rory Lobb
Loves a long-range set-shot goal or two against the Dogs. Applied a strong tackle that led to Michael Walters’ first goal before booting two monster majors in the third term. Played a bit more ruck in the final term and played a key role in the Dockers’ midfield dominance. 7
39. Sam Switkowski
Quintessential game from the small forward, applying awesome pressure forward of centre and pouncing on ample loose balls after marking contests. 6
41. Bailey Banfield
Unused medical sub. N/A
