Port Adelaide vs Fremantle: Last-Minute Drama Seals Dockers’ Top-Four Push
The clash between Port Adelaide Power and Fremantle Dockers in Round 22 of the AFL season was nothing short of spectacular. Played at Adelaide Oval, the game delivered everything fans crave—momentum swings, standout performances, and a heart-stopping finish that will be remembered long after the final siren.
Fremantle emerged victorious in dramatic fashion, snatching the win by just six points: 13.14 (92) to 13.8 (86). The result didn’t just add another thrilling chapter to their season—it also propelled the Dockers into the top four, igniting hopes for a strong finals campaign.
A Match That Had It All
From the first bounce, the intensity was obvious. Fremantle looked sharp in the opening quarter, applying pressure around the contest and moving the ball efficiently. Port Adelaide, however, were never going to roll over at home, and the game quickly developed into a battle of grit and strategy.
The true drama came in the final minutes. With less than a minute to go and the scores tight, Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce rose above a pack to take a spectacular mark. He calmly slotted the goal that sealed the win—a captain’s moment in every sense.
Pearce’s heroics were the exclamation mark on a game full of twists and turns, where neither side could ever feel comfortable.
The Momentum Swings
The scoreboard tells part of the story, but the match narrative reveals just how volatile the contest was.
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First Quarter – Fremantle started strong, finding targets inside 50 and applying scoreboard pressure. Port’s defence held firm early but was caught off guard by quick ball movement from the Dockers.
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Second Quarter – This is where Port Adelaide exploded into life. In just 16 minutes, they piled on seven goals, turning a narrow deficit into a commanding lead. Zak Butters, Connor Rozee, and Willie Rioli were central to this surge, using speed and skill to tear through Fremantle’s structure.
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Third Quarter – Fremantle steadied the ship, regaining composure in midfield and reducing the margin. Caleb Serong began to dominate at stoppages, winning clearances and driving his side forward.
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Final Quarter – Tension rose with every possession. Fremantle kept pushing, and when the opportunity came in the dying seconds, Pearce delivered the match-winning blow.
The Key Performers
Alex Pearce – The Captain’s Moment
The Fremantle skipper is usually lauded for his defensive work, but in this game, he became the hero at the other end of the ground. His contested mark in the final minute was the turning point, and the composure to convert under pressure was pure leadership in action.
Caleb Serong – The Midfield Engine
With 28 disposals, Serong was a constant threat. His ability to win contested ball, absorb tackles, and deliver clean disposals was crucial in Fremantle’s comeback. Time and again, he provided the link from defence to attack.
Patrick Voss – The Emerging Forward
Voss’ three goals were pivotal. He crashed packs, took strong marks, and lifted his teammates with physical presence. His contribution ensured Fremantle stayed within striking distance when Port threatened to run away with the game.
Zak Butters – The Power’s Spark
For Port Adelaide, Zak Butters led from the front with 29 touches and relentless energy. His work in the second quarter was instrumental in building Port’s lead, and his creativity with ball in hand constantly worried Fremantle.
Aliir Aliir – A Rare Highlight
Known for his intercept marking, Aliir Aliir provided one of the game’s lighter moments—kicking the first goal of his career after 112 games. The Adelaide Oval crowd erupted, and even opposition fans appreciated the milestone.
Team Changes and Selection Notes
Port Adelaide made four changes coming into the match:
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Ins: Connor Rozee (back from illness), Jack Lukosius (calf issue cleared), Willie Rioli (recalled after SANFL form), Christian Moraes (returning to AFL level).
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Outs: Jase Burgoyne, Hugh Jackson, Dylan Williams, Jack Whitlock (omitted).
These inclusions were designed to add experience and speed, and for much of the game, they delivered. However, Fremantle’s late surge proved too strong.
The Tactical Battle
This match wasn’t just about individual brilliance—it was a chess game between the coaches.
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Port’s Second-Quarter Aggression – By pushing more numbers into attack and moving the ball quickly, Port dismantled Fremantle’s defensive setup. They capitalised on stoppage wins and transitioned directly through the corridor.
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Fremantle’s Final-Term Composure – Rather than panic, the Dockers tightened their defensive pressure and used controlled possession to open up Port’s backline. Their ability to hit targets inside 50 in the last quarter was the difference.
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Midfield Matchups – The Serong vs. Butters contest was central to the game’s flow. Both were prolific, but Serong’s late influence swung momentum Fremantle’s way.
The Broader Impact
For Fremantle, this win is massive. They moved from sixth to inside the top four, giving themselves a double chance in finals. The belief generated from winning a high-pressure game in enemy territory could be priceless.
For Port Adelaide, the loss is a blow to their finals positioning. With just two rounds left, they now face a tougher path to secure a top-four berth. The Power will need to regroup quickly and address lapses in concentration—particularly in final quarters.
The Fans’ Perspective
The game wasn’t just intense for the players—it was an emotional rollercoaster for fans. On Reddit’s r/AFL, the post-match thread filled with hundreds of comments in minutes. Fremantle supporters celebrated Pearce’s heroics, while Port fans lamented the missed opportunity and defensive lapses late in the game.
Social media lit up with videos of the final goal, reactions from the stands, and debates about coaching decisions. For neutral fans, it was simply another example of why AFL footy is so compelling.
What’s Next?
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Fremantle: With momentum on their side, they’ll aim to cement their top-four position in the final two rounds. Maintaining composure and continuing to spread the goal-kicking load will be key.
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Port Adelaide: A response is needed. They’ll be looking to tighten defensive structures and sustain intensity for four quarters if they want to be a serious finals contender.
Conclusion: A Classic Clash in the Making
The Port Adelaide vs Fremantle showdown in Round 22 had all the hallmarks of a classic AFL encounter—explosive scoring bursts, star performances, tactical intrigue, and a finale that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Fremantle’s ability to stay calm under pressure and execute when it mattered most speaks volumes about their growth as a team. Port Adelaide, despite the loss, showed patches of brilliance and will take lessons from the defeat.
As the finals approach, games like this remind us why we love the sport—because in footy, it’s never over until the final siren.
