Fremantle cops a hammering after another dismal showing on the road sees them crash to an embarrassing defeat against St Kilda. The Dockers, who were expected to perform better, only managed to score five goals and struggled to make any meaningful progress throughout the game. The Saints, on the other hand, dominated the match and emerged victorious with a scoreline of 14.10 (94) to 5.3 (33) at Docklands Stadium.
The Dockers hit a new low with just one goal in the third quarter, marking their third-lowest half-time score in the club’s history. This loss adds to Fremantle’s poor run in away games in Victoria, following defeats to Geelong and Melbourne earlier in the season. The stark difference in performance between their home games in Perth and away games has raised concerns, with Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall suggesting that the team lacks mental strength outside of Perth Stadium.
In a scathing assessment, former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon criticized Fremantle’s lackluster display, noting that the team seemed to lack the will and determination to compete. He pointed out that the Saints effectively shut down Fremantle’s preferred style of play and outworked them in every aspect of the game. It was a humiliating outing for the Dockers, especially considering their highly-touted midfield was outplayed in almost every contest.
St Kilda’s dominance was evident in their commanding lead in the clearance battle, contested possessions, and disposals, with Jack Macrae and Cooper Sharman leading the charge. Sharman’s exceptional performance, including a stunning goal from the boundary line, highlighted Fremantle’s defensive weaknesses and inability to contain the Saints’ forward line. To make matters worse, Fremantle’s star midfielder Hayden Young suffered a hamstring injury and had to be substituted off in the second quarter.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir expressed his concerns about the team’s lack of consistency and emphasized the need for a stronger mental approach to challenges. He acknowledged that the team’s behavior, rather than emotions, was a key factor in their inconsistent performance. Longmuir urged the players to rise to the occasion and maintain a more stable level of performance throughout the season, emphasizing the importance of avoiding extreme highs and lows.
As the game progressed, St Kilda continued to dominate, with players like Sharman, Macrae, and Mitch Owens showcasing their skill and determination. The Saints’ relentless pressure and superior ball movement left Fremantle struggling to keep up, leading to a one-sided affair that exposed the Dockers’ vulnerabilities. Despite a brief resurgence from Fremantle in the third quarter, St Kilda’s strong performance ultimately secured a convincing victory.
In the aftermath of the match, questions were raised about Fremantle’s ability to compete at a high level away from home, with concerns about their mental resilience and tactical approach. The contrast between their performances in Perth and Victoria highlighted the need for the team to address their shortcomings and adapt to different playing conditions. As Fremantle looks to bounce back from this humiliating defeat, the pressure is on the players and coaching staff to regroup and improve their performance in future games.