Scott Lockhart reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval, Perth.
Fremantle’s Finals hopes appear dashed and the future of coach Chris Connolly is in serious doubt after they were beaten by a courageous Kangaroos side by four points at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.
Fremantle, playing to keep their fading hopes alive, trailed for much of the day as skill errors impaired their best efforts against a determined and gutsy Kangaroos side. Despite having numerous opportunities in a frantic final term the Dockers were unable to find an avenue to goal, highlighting the importance of Jeff Farmer, who missed the match, in creating goals.
The Kangaroos started brightly in perfect playing conditions with outstanding forward line pressure leading to two early goals both through Corey Jones, but Fremantle countered that with three goals of their own despite not being as slick as their opponents in ball movement.
Both sides were content playing loose men across the ground, Glen Archer proving effective in defense without a direct opponent. Poor decision making going forward hampered Fremantle’s efforts in what was a closely fought and tight contest. Consecutive goals to Kangaroos veteran Brent Harvey, including one on the siren, had the visitors leading by two points at the first change.
Strong defense epitomized the effort of the Kangaroos across the ground. They were constant in tackling stronger and going at the ball harder than their Fremantle opponents. Two quick goals in the middle stages of the quarter through Peter Bell and Mathew Pavlich came against the flow with Fremantle appearing to have little confidence going into attack.
Continual pressure around contests from the Kangaroos, along with their ability to find men free, had Fremantle struggling to move the ball with any conviction. Goals to Hamish McIntosh and Daniel Harris were invaluable in the later stages of the quarter as both sides struggled to create and convert their scoring opportunities. A five point half time lead a massive confidence boost for the visiting side.
Fremantle’s commitment and ability continued to come into question after half time with poor decision making and erratic skills costing them greatly. Unforgivable when considering their finals hopes were on the line. The danger signs for Fremantle loomed larger after the Kangaroos kicked the opening three goals of the third quarter, including a miraculous snap from Ed Lower, to lead by 23 points at the half way mark of the quarter. A dangerous bump from Ryan Murphy could see him facing possible report during the week.
Fremantle needed their misfiring stars to step up to the challenge if they were to be any hope of bringing themselves back into the contest. And step up they did. In an inspiring 10 minutes Fremantle found run that had been lacking for much of the day and with goals to Peter Bell, Mathew Pavlich and Chris Tarrant they had the momentum heading into the final quarter.
With goals to surely be hard to come by in the final term, it was the Kangaroos who gained the important opening score to swing some of the momentum back. Fremantle found themselves in the lead following goals to Des Headland and David Mundy, but it was short lived after Glen Archer goaled from a controversial free kick in the goal square.
In an epic final five minutes where both sides had numerous opportunities to win the match, neither could convert. With one minute to go Scott Thornton had the chance to put Fremantle in the lead and perhaps win the match, but he was unable to kick truly. And so it was with this season defining kick that Fremantle’s Finals chances seemingly faded into oblivion, while the Kangaroos now set their sights on a top four finish.
Post Match Fremantle Coach Chris Connolly highlighted the disappointment within the team.“You put you heart and soul into it and people are just shattered,” he said. “The buck stops with me more than anyone, as the leader of the club."
However, Connolly said he does expect to continue coaching Fremantle until at least the end of the season.
Fremantle’s predicament gets no easier as they travel to Adelaide next week to face the Crows in a must win encounter. While the Kangaroos will face lowly Melbourne at the Telstra Dome on Sunday as they continue their charge into the finals.
Final Score:
Frem: 4.4 6.6 9.9 11.12 (78)
Roos: 5.0 7.5 10.6 12.10 (82)
Best:
Frem: J Carr, Hayden, Black, Headland.
Roos: Harvey, Simpson, Grant, McIntosh, Firrito.
Goals:
Frem: Headland Tarrant Pavlich Bell 2, Mundy Dodd Murphy 1.
Roos: Archer Jones Harvey Hale 2, McIntosh Harris Lower McMahon 1.
Umpires: Hendrie, Chamberlain, McInerney
Injuries: Wells (thigh).
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 37, 002 at Subiaco Oval, Perth
Article last changed on Friday, July 27, 2007 - 1:27 AM EDT
