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Fremantle Dockers kick 100 points for first time under Justin Longmuir in 62-point belting of Hawthorn in Launceston

Headshot of Braden Quartermaine
Braden QuartermaineThe West Australian
VideoRory Lobb kicks his second major against Hawthorn.

It might have been Nat Fyfe’s day, but he wouldn’t have begrudged David Mundy doing the honours as Fremantle brought up a rare and cherished century.

Mundy’s second goal midway through the final term edged the Dockers past 100 points for the first time in more than two years, as they posted a clinical 62-point win over Hawthorn in Launceston.

Having arrived with the aim of increasing Fremantle’s scoring firepower, it was also a satisfying first century for coach Justin Longmuir as the Dockers rode Rory Lobb’s four-goal contribution and three majors from Bailey Banfield all the way into the top eight. At least temporarily, anyway.

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Rory Lobb had his best game in Dockers colours.
Camera IconRory Lobb had his best game in Dockers colours. Credit: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos
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In Fyfe’s first season, Fremantle were sitting so comfortably inside the eight they could afford to rest him from the trip to Tasmania as Mark Harvey fielded a controversial B-team that was walloped by 116 points.

There was no such luxury for Longmuir in Fyfe’s 12th season, but the Dockers were handsomely rewarded for their efforts, kicking eight goals to two after half-time to coast home 16.12 (108) to 6.10 (46).

While Tom Mitchell racked up a game-high 39 touches for Hawthorn, it was Fremantle who had the weight of numbers in the midfield as Fyfe, Mundy and youngsters Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong all hit the 30 mark.

Serong was influential with 10 clearances to go with his 30 disposals as he relished being unshackled from tagging duties, while evergreen Mundy decorated his 30 touches with two goals and 10 score involvements.

The Dockers dominated contested possession 152-127, setting up a 59-41 edge in inside 50s to underpin their scoring achievement.

Fyfe set the tone with a brilliant first quarter and big men Sean Darcy and Lobb were shining lights as Fremantle recorded their first win over the Hawks in Launceston.

VideoBailey Banfield kicks the first goal for Fremantle against the Hawks.

The Dockers got the jump in the opening term and kept Hawthorn at bay during the second to take a valuable 26-point advantage to half-time.

Lobb kicked three of his four goals in the opening stanza as Banfield got two to celebrate his first call-up for the season.

Lobb’s sidekick Josh Treacy missed a couple of early opportunities, but couldn’t miss in the second term when he got his first from the goal line.

Sam Switkowski capitalised on Travis Colyer’s reflex intercept and Mundy snapped a beauty from the boundary line as the Dockers ensured they would have some reward for their ascendancy in the clearance, contested ball and inside 50 counts.

Fremantle’s kicking woes reared for a time in the third, when they dominated the territory before eventually getting rewarded as the three-quarter time siren closed in.

The Dockers added 3.5 to 1.2 for the term to slowly but surely turn the screws.

In stark contrast to their only previous win at the venue in the infamous 2006 Sirengate game against St Kilda, there was no tension in the final term as Fremantle set about stuffing their suitcases with some percentage for the long flight home.

SMART INVESTMENT

Fremantle might have timed the re-signing of Darcy during the bye week to perfection, because his value has only gone north since then on the back of a stunning three-game road trip.

Sean Darcy was a standout for the Dockers.
Camera IconSean Darcy was a standout for the Dockers. Credit: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos

The 23-year-old followed up his best-on-ground outing against Carlton last weekend with another remarkable set of numbers to dominate his tussle with Jonathon Ceglar.

Darcy had a career-high 25 disposals to go with five clearances and nine marks, of which six were contested. He was an almost impassable wall for the Hawks as he intercepted at will.

While Darcy is locked in until the end of 2024, the Dockers will have to start saving their pennies for when he becomes a free agent and could be approaching his peak.

And a scary reminder for opposition ruckmen - Darcy is yet to complete a full AFL pre-season due to injury.

MILESTONE MAN

Defender Alex Pearce called on the Dockers to put in a special performance for Fyfe during a pre-match presentation in the rooms, but it was Fyfe who led the way by setting the tone with an outstanding opening term.

Fyfe had 13 touches and a whopping six score involvements in the first quarter as Fremantle took a 23-point lead to the first change.

The skipper was used forward more after that, getting some reward in the final term when he kicked a goal and took a late hanger.

Fyfe finished with 31 disposals, six marks, 12 score involvements, three clearances and a goal in a fine afternoon’s work.

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