Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Fremantle Dockers comeback football carried Justin Longmuir’s side past Hawthorn on Thursday night, with Fremantle winning 88-73 after trailing by 21 points in the final term.
Jack Gunston kicked six goals for Hawthorn, including five before half time, but Fremantle’s late surge at home sent them to the top of the Australian Football League ladder.
The result adds another major story to Round 9, alongside the West Coast Eagles squad changes before the Melbourne clash, while fans can follow official fixtures through the Australian Football League website.
Fremantle Fight Back Late
Fremantle looked under heavy pressure when Gunston kicked his sixth goal, but the Dockers answered with five goals in 11 minutes.
The home crowd found its voice as Fremantle kept the ball in their front half and forced Hawthorn to defend repeated entries.
Longmuir said he was “incredibly proud” of his players after a demanding run of four matches in 18 days.
Gunston Threat Forces Fremantle Shift
Gunston’s first-half burst left Fremantle chasing the game, and Jordan Clark admitted the defender’s mind went to the worst-case scenario.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say f—k he’s going to kick 10!” Clark said.
Longmuir said Hawthorn’s transition made Gunston almost impossible to stop early, but Fremantle adjusted after half time.
“Stephen Silvagni probably couldn’t stop him in the first half with the way we were letting them transition the ball,” Longmuir said.
Midfield Pressure Turns the Match
The match changed when Fremantle tightened up through the middle and began winning field position.
Longmuir said there was a stage from the middle of the third quarter when the inside 50 count was about 28-6 in Fremantle’s favour.
Clark said the third quarter was Fremantle’s best football of the year, even though the scoreboard did not show it straight away.
“The game now is momentum … When it’s your turn, capitalise. I thought we did that,” Clark said.
Fremantle can equal their club-best run of nine straight Australian Football League wins when they face Essendon next weekend.