A SEAN Darcy-inspired Fremantle produced its best performance of season 2023 to defeat Sydney last weekend.
Darcy, who was best on ground, set the tone in the midfield, claiming 18 disposals, nine clearances and 44 hit-outs in a 16.7 (103) to 13.8 (86) victory.
It was one of his best games of the season, with new life being breathed into the Dockers campaign after a sluggish start.
Over in Tasmania, Willem Drew and Port Adelaide extended its run of consecutive wins to six with a thumping victory against North Melbourne.
Drew collected 17 possessions and laid five tackles in the victory, with the Kangaroos missing Cobden export Ben Cunnington.
Back in Melbourne, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s Western Bulldogs held off Sam Walsh’s Carlton at Marvel Stadium.
The Blues trailed for the majority of the contest but managed to hit the front in the last quarter before the Dogs steadied with the final four goals to run out 20 point victors.
Ugle-Hagan once again had opportunities in front of goal but finished with 1.2 from nine disposals, while Walsh racked up 29 touches and nine inside 50s.
In Brisbane, Hugh McCluggage’s Brisbane Lions proved too strong for an Essendon side featuring Zach Merrett.
McCluggage was productive for the Lions with 26 touches but kicked three behinds, while Merrett had 23 disposals for the Bombers.
Rowan Marshall could not lift St Kilda to victory against Adelaide despite getting the upper hand in the ruck.
Marshall had 49 hit-outs and 10 possessions in the loss and was prominent at ground level with eight tackles.
Meanwhile, West Coast midfielder Jamaine Jones missed the majority of his side’s loss to the Gold Coast Suns after breaking his nose.
He was subbed out at half-time after sustaining the injury, which came just one week after a career best performance.
Ben Cunnington impressed in his demotion to the VFL, collecting 24 possessions in North’s win over Frankston, while Josh Corbett and Gary Rohan spent the week on the sidelines with injury.
