AN impressive Fremantle Dockers have issued a warning to the AFLW competition with a commanding 27-point victory over Brisbane Lions in an entertaining finale to round two.
The Dockers handled the warm and blustery conditions at Fremantle Oval better to register an impressive 10.7 (67) to 6.4 (40) win on Sunday.
After knocking off Melbourne Demons on the road in round one, the Dockers’ high- octane game plan under new coach Trent Cooper overwhelmed the two-time finalists.
Freo had a host of contributors with 18-year-old Sabreena Duffy starring with two goals, while Dana Hooker was superb with 24 disposals. Alexandra Anderson worked tirelessly in the midfield for the Lions with 25 disposals, while Jess Wuetschner snagged two goals in limited opportunities.
The Dockers trailed by 11 points at the first break but made their move with the aid of the breeze in the second quarter and held the Lions scoreless.
After fending off Brisbane’s push after half-time, the Dockers broke the game open with two vital goals late in third term before storming home.
The one-sided result looked unlikely early with the Lions jumping out to an early lead in a fiery contest marked by physicality and strong tackling.
The Lions were left feeling bruised and battered by a fired up Dockers side with Kate McCarthy on her haunches moments after the opening bounce and Shannon Campbell requiring medical attention following a knock to the head by Gabby O’Sullivan.
The match flipped in the second quarter with the Dockers utilising the breeze with relentless forward entries and their hardnosed approach flustered the Lions.
Lions star forward Wuetschner menaced after halftime but the Dockers responded against the run of play through a brilliant running goal from speedster Ashley Sharp.
The Dockers scored another invaluable goal against the breeze when Ebony Antonio snapped a major to give the home side a 15-point lead just before the last break.
An early goal in the final term from O’Sullivan effectively sealed the Dockers’ unbeaten start to the season.
© AAP 2019
FREMANTLE DOCKERS 1.2 4.5 6.5 10.7 (67)
BRISBANE LIONS 3.1 3.1 4.3 6.4 (40)
Goals: Fremantle Dockers: A Sharp 2 G O’Sullivan 2 S Duffy 2 A Atkins E Antonio E Gooch G Houghton. Brisbane Lions: J Wuetschner 2 N Exon 2 A Anderson K McCarthy.
Best: Fremantle Dockers: D Hooker S Duffy K Donnellan K Bowers E Antonio. Brisbane Lions: A Anderson J Wuetschner N Exon E Bates.
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.
Umpires: Dan Johanson, Tom Bryce, Trent McPhee.
Venue: Fremantle Oval.
