Fremantle have survived a Marcus Bontempelli-inspired Western Bulldogs comeback, hanging on for a thrilling 12-point win at Marvel Stadium.
Leading by 28 points 12 minutes into the final term, the Dockers’ advantage was almost wiped out as the Bulldogs slammed through the next four goals.
But star Fremantle ruckman Luke Jackson’s desperate tackle on Bontempelli with two minutes left then created a passage of play that allowed Shai Bolton to snap the match-winning goal.
The Dockers met the Bulldogs’ final challenge to win 17.12 (114) to 15.12 (102) for their seventh-straight victory – their best winning streak since they won the minor premiership in 2015.
Receiving a quarter-time spray from coach Justin Longmuir when they were 26 points down, the Dockers rallied as the Bulldogs wilted.
Two stunning goals from Hayden Young late in the third quarter helped Fremantle hit the lead for the first time just before the final break.
Young then slotted a goal of the year contender early in the final quarter as Fremantle’s midfield momentum seemed irresistible.
It was only the classy left-footer’s 13th game in the last two seasons, having been cut down by hamstring injuries.
“He might be the difference,” Melbourne great Garry Lyon said of Young in Kayo commentary.
“The one that just separates them from top four to going somewhere (in search of a maiden premiership).
“If only they can hold him up and keep him fit.”
The Dockers banged through six-straight goals either side of three-quarter time.
Fremantle appeared home when Andrew Brayshaw snapped truly to put them 28 points in front, accidentally whacking teammate Josh Treacy in the eye during celebrations of the goal.
But Bontempelli, who finished with a game-high 33 disposals and booted two goals, threatened to rain on the purple parade.
Fremantle’s midfield was exposed in the first quarter, as Bontempelli, Ed Richards and returning ruck Tim English caused chaos.
But Jackson, Bolton (30 possessions, nine clearances) and Brayshaw lifted to engineer the Dockers’ resurgence.
Already with seven first-choice players on their injury list, fringe forward Laitham Vandermeer suffered a hamstring strain in his first AFL appearance of the season.
After starting the season with four-straight wins, including beating reigning premiers Brisbane at the Gabba, the Bulldogs have now lost four matches in a row.
In better news for the Bulldogs, star forward Aaron Naughton kicked two first-half goals following his frightening tumble on his head in last week’s loss against Sydney.
Fremantle will take the red eye home to Perth on Saturday morning before preparing for a Thursday night blockbuster against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.