Fremantle responded to a shock Round 6 loss by dismantling Adelaide on Anzac Day, winning 12.13 (85) to 9.13 (67) at Optus Stadium.
The Dockers were majorly disappointing last week against previously-winless Melbourne but answered critics with a statement 18-point win, with the final margin not quite indicative of the extent of Fremantle’s dominance.
The Crows were uninspiring from the get-go after claiming their biggest scalp of the season last time out against GWS, conceding six first-quarter goals and never recovering.
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Fremantle moves to 11-0 under Justin Longmuir in games it kicks five or more goals in the first quarter.
Andrew Brayshaw was just about everywhere for the home side, notching a season-high 37 disposals and winning the inaugural Arthur Leggett Medal, with running mate Caleb Serong adding 32 possessions as the Dockers got the better of the midfield battle.
Fremantle posted 11 more inside-50s, eight more clearances and 10 more uncontested possessions than Adelaide, who was more efficient going inside-50 and had more marks inside-50 but couldn’t match the home side’s intensity.
The 3-2-1 (what we learned) via Cat Healey at Optus Stadium …
3. FREO’S HOT START BRINGS THEM ‘BACK TO THEIR BEST’
Fremantle coach Jusitn Longmuir pulled no punches during the week – demanding more from his leaders and his backline after last week’s dismal loss to the Demons.
And he’d be pleased with what he got in the opening term as the Dockers “jumped” Adelaide and never looked back.
Fox Footy’s Matthew Pavlich predicted Freo’s red hot start stating: “I’m expecting them to come out breathing fire”.
And that’s what they did as they piled on their third highest opening quarter under Justin Longmuir.
Even Crows coach Matthew Nicks was surprised as his side was “bashed” in the opening term.
“Yeah we got jumped – I think they beat us in every area,” he told Fox Footy.
“The key is around that midfield – they bashed us in there in the first quarter. We can’t let that happen again.”
The difference in that opening term? Docker Hayden Young.
The midfielder racked up 10 disposals and kicked a goal after the quarter time siren to show exactly what the Dockers have been missing to start this season.
In just his second game back, Young was influential in the first and third terms when Fremantle made their move.
“He was the firestarter in that first quarter,” Fox Footy’s Shaun Burgoyne said.
“His left foot kicking inside 50 – such a weapon.”
“He’s their missing piece,” Will Schofield added.
“They missed him to start the year”
With Young firing, and Andy Brayshaw and Caleb Serong back to their best in the middle, Pavlich said the Dockers were “back to their best”.
“It’s been their pressure and the ability to win the ball back off the Crows in their front half … they are back to their best tonight,” he said.
Fox Footy’s Leigh Montagna said the first half showed how Freo wanted to play – with 39 of their 54 points coming from the forward half of the ground at half time.
“We knew this was their plan… their forwards had to try and keep it in their forward half more,” he said.
“They were able to put real good pressure on the Adelaide defenders.
“This is what they couldn’t do against Melbourne – that’s why the Dees were able to kick over 100 points. But this is their game, this is the way they want to play.”
2. CROWS FORWARDS FAIL TO FIRE
Adelaide went into the match against Fremantle missing a key forward cog in Darcy Fogarty, who failed to overcome a shoulder complaint.
Fogarty has been a crucial part of Adelaide’s big three – alongside veteran Taylor Walker and young gun Riley Thilthorpe – with all three posting more than 30 inside 50 targets already in 2025.
The trio are the most dangerous attacking end in the AFL so far this season, as the Crows lead the AFL in the points for stat.
But at quarter time, Thilthorpe hadn’t touched the footy and Walker had just the one disposal.
But it was a different story in the second as Thilthorpe found a way to impose himself.
“He’s a powerful, powerful unit,” Will Schofield praised.
“He needed to lift – it was a slow start.
“He hadn’t imposed himself. Without Fogarty in the side, he needs to be the guy that does that.”
He took three marks inside 50 to bring the Crows into the contest.
But unfortunately for the big man, no one else came with him.
The visitors butchered opportunities to go goalless in the third term.
“When the head hits the pillow later on, they’ll think what might have been if they’d kicked a bit straighter,” Adam Papalia said on Fox Footy.
“They’ve got Freo on the ropes – pressure released because they can’t kick a set shot,” Will Schofield added.
“I feel like Adelaide have felt like they’ve just been beaten up around the ball for most of this game.”
Averaging more than 100 points a game heading into the contest against the Dockers, Adelaide managed just nine goals in a disappointing result.
1. STAR DOCKER’S INAUGURAL MEDAL WIN
Andy Brayshaw has claimed the inaugural Arthur Leggett Medal as best on ground in Fremantle’s Anzac Day win over Adelaide on Friday night.
It’s the first year the medal has been presented, paying tribute to WWII veteran Arthur Leggett, who recently passed away at the age of 106, after playing a special role in past Len Hall tribute games.
Brayshaw was outstanding in Fremantle’s 18-point win over the Crows, receiving the maximum 12 votes to claim the medal in front of more than 52,000 fans.
“Very honoured,” Brayshaw said of his medal win.
“To be able to play actually on Anzac Day is an absolute privilege.”
Brayshaw finished with a game-high 37 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and more than 520m gained.
The voting panel consisted of Ryan Daniels (Channel 7), Erin Phillips (Channel 7), Shaun Burgoyne (Fox Footy) and Tim Gossage (SEN Radio).
“This tribute is a meaningful token, recognising WA’s last surviving WWII prisoner of war veteran, mirroring the legacy of Len Hall, the last surviving WWI veteran,” Fremantle said of the newly introduced medal.
“The club has worked with both the Leggett and Hall families, as well as the Department of Veteran Affairs, to appropriately recognise Arthur’s legacy.”
Re-live Fremantle v Adelaide in our live blog below!
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