A Heartbreaking End to Fremantle's Season

The final home and away game of the season went down to the wire, with so much on the line for Fremantle. A victory would have secured a spot in the finals, but a finely tuned Port Adelaide stood in their way. Ultimately, the Dockers fumbled their chance, suffering a 20-point loss at Optus Stadium that handed Carlton the final September spot.

Trailing by three points early in the final quarter, Fremantle lost their ability to handle the ball cleanly under pressure, conceding the last three goals to a formidable Power team. Port Adelaide made sure of their second-place finish with the 13.9 (87) to 9.13 (67) win.

The Power of Pressure

Ken Hinkley's team will host a qualifying final against Geelong in the opening week. They carry significant momentum into their fourth finals campaign in five years, having brought a relentless pressure brand to the last game of the home-and-away season.

Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines was outstanding in his 250th match, finishing with 31 disposals. He led a midfield that applied relentless pressure and handled the big moments better than their opponents. Jason Horne-Francis was also a star in an ominous performance, kicking two goals as he rotated forward and plenty more, with Zak Butters also vital.

A Rollercoaster Ride for Fremantle

While Fremantle will kick themselves for stumbling when the game was on the line, they fought to the end and will be driven in 2025. The team's September chance slipped away with four close losses to end the year, highlighting a recurring theme of execution under pressure.

The equation for the home team was simple: win and you're in. The team played with an early intensity that reflected the stakes, moving the ball quickly and bringing the pressure. An early conversion from 45m for spearhead Jye Amiss was a good sign, and wingman Nathan O'Driscoll broke the lines with his attacking mindset and speed, kicking a brilliant early goal.

The Dockers held an eight-point lead at the first change, but they would have been concerned by the Power's weight of forward entries as their midfielders worked into the game. They had the better of the second quarter in many ways, dominating groundball and contested possessions for the term, but spraying opportunities to kick 2.6 for the quarter.

A Moment of Hope, Then More Disappointment

Fremantle's dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe cut it to one-point at the main break when he took a brilliant one-handed mark deep in attack and converted with less than 10 seconds left in the quarter. However, the Dockers couldn't maintain this momentum.

Port ramped up its pressure in the third quarter and looked like using it to create a game-breaking period as Francis Evans and Horne-Francis kicked early goals. They maintained it throughout the quarter and didn't relent in the run home, showcasing their professional approach with a finals brand that looks ready to take more scalps in the next month.

A Season of Learning

The difference between the two teams in the fourth quarter can be summed up by how they kept their cool under opposition pressure. Where Port was able to absorb the Dockers' defensive efforts and surge forward, Fremantle double handled the ball or spilled it entirely when there was no room for error. It's been the story of their past month, which has seen winning chances slip against teams that handle the moment better. This will give the team a clear focus over the pre-season as it strives to return to the finals stage.

Looking Ahead

Despite the disappointment, Fremantle can take heart from their overall performance throughout the season. With a strong foundation in place, the Dockers are well-positioned to bounce back and challenge for the premiership in 2025. They must focus on improving their execution under pressure and building on their strengths, particularly their ability to move the ball quickly and bring the pressure.

The 2024 season may have ended in heartbreak for Fremantle, but it has also provided valuable lessons. With the right adjustments, they can return to the finals stage next year and become a force to be reckoned with.