The Dockers continue to break club records in 2026, putting up their biggest win in club history with a 124-point victory over North Melbourne on Saturday.
Fremantle made the drive down south to Bunbury to play an on-the-road fixture against the ‘Roos – the Dockers now based in WA for the next two matches following a bye this coming weekend.
A competitive first quarter from North Melbourne made it look like fans were in for a close match at Hands Oval, but 9.1 to 2.2 in the second saw the Dockers blow the lead out to 54 points at the break.
Former Dockers Assistant Coach Michael Broadbrigde joined Sports Breakfast this morning to chat the weekend of footy.
“I think at one stage there was less than a goal in it and then from then on it was game over,” he said.
“As a coach, something that you’re requesting the players to do is stay focussed on the process, look for opportunities to improve and not look at the scoreboard.”
Ruthlessness has been the theme of the year for Justin Longmuir, and refusing to be satisfied until the final siren is something he’s bestowed upon this dominant Fremantle side in 2026.
The half time message demanded more from his side, and they responded with scoreboard and on-ball pressure which kept the Kangaroos to just three points scored for the rest of the match while Fremantle went on to kick 73 more points.
“That’s always a great challenge as a coach. So often we see teams get out to a 10 goal lead or seven or eight goals and then they just coast to the line and the opposition kick the last three or four to make the score respectable, but not Fremantle.”
“I think that’s super important for Fremantle going forward in the second half of the season particularly as their position on the ladder gets cemented in that top couple – it’s how as a group they can stay really grounded and focussed on improvement.”
Patrick Voss entertained fans once again, showing off his chest five minutes into the match following a trademark tussle to set the tone for the remainder of the game.
He was one of Freo’s best on Saturday kicking 4.4 and taking 10 marks, but his ability to set up his fellow forwards with 15 score involvements was key in helping the Dockers extend their lead.
Fremantle’s trio of talls is proving an unstoppable force this year – Treacy and Amiss again hitting the scoreboard with 4.0 and 2.1 respectively.
Luke Jackson continues to stake his claim for the best ruckman in the AFL right now – he scored three majors from 19 disposals, had 22 hit outs and 13 score involvements.
Fremantle’s ability to stay focussed on the end goal amidst all the hype thus far is something they will be looking to carry into the second half of the year after the bye.
“The most impressive thing about Fremantle is their leadership in particular. The leadership team out on the field but Justin as the coach as well, they don’t seem to ride the emotional highs and lows that a lot of other teams and players do.”
“You look at Serong, Brayshaw, Ryan, Pearce, Young… they just seem to be really stable characters and really focussed on just improvement and process.
Geelong and Gold Coast at Optus Stadium are scheduled after the break before Freo head over east to play GWS, then returning to play Sydney in what will likely be a 1-2 clash at the time.
Attitude will be key in Fremantle working towards silverware in September.