Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The Fremantle Dockers secured a stunning Fremantle comeback win on Thursday night, kicking four goals in the final five minutes to sink the Hawthorn Hawks by 14 points. This result at Optus Stadium saw the home side overcome a late 19 point deficit to reach an 8-1 record for the season.
Luke Jackson was the star of the night, finishing with 22 disposals and 22 hitouts to lead the late surge. His physical presence in the final quarter overwhelmed the visitors and helped keep the winning streak alive.
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Jackson and Frederick Lead the Surge
Michael Frederick kicked three goals, including the snap that started the final charge for the Fremantle Dockers with four minutes left. Jye Amiss followed with a snap of his own to put the Fremantle Dockers in front for the first time in the term.
Luke Jackson then produced a match-saving smother to set up another goal for Michael Frederick to put the game out of reach. Hayden Young added a late goal to finish the scoring as the crowd celebrated an eighth straight win for the club.
Gunston Efforts Fall Short
Jack Gunston was nearly the hero for the Hawthorn Hawks after booting six goals in a dominant individual display. The veteran forward gave his side a 19 point lead late in the game before the Fremantle Dockers flipped the script.
The Hawthorn Hawks will be sweating on the health of star defender Tom Barrass. He was ruled out early in the match with a left hamstring injury.
Serong Praises Team Grit
Caleb Serong was busy all night with 28 disposals and eight clearances to help drive the midfield. He admitted the team had to work hard to find a way past a disciplined Hawthorn Hawks outfit.
"The way we ground that out and that last quarter was special," Caleb Serong told Channel 7 after the siren. The Fremantle Dockers now travel to the MCG next week to face the Essendon Bombers.
Fans can track the latest ladder positions and team stats on the AFL official website.