AFLW 2024: Fremantle pull off come-from-behind win over Port Adelaide in dramatic last quarter

Fremantle have ridden a strong breeze at Alberton Oval to a thrilling come-from-behind eight-point victory over Port Adelaide in their first-ever meeting on Saturday.

Debutant Gabby Biedenweg-Webster gave the Dockers the lead for the first time late in the contest with a point before stand-in-skipper Hayley Miller soccered the sealer in the 5.7 (37) to 4.5 (29) win.

Kicking with the aid of a strong wind, the Dockers were able to over-run the Power who twice held solid leads after dominant periods of play.

Miller was instrumental with the match-winning goal to go with 18 disposals and seven clearances, while ruck Mim Strom continued her incredible form with 18 touches, five clearances and 32 hit-outs.

A goal to Aine Tighe against the wind in the third term proved crucial as it was the only one kicked to that end in the tough contest.

“I thought Port played the conditions better in the first half,” Dockers coach Lisa Webb said.

“We knew what we needed to do, we just couldn’t execute. But we had a pretty strong chat at half-time and we put some measures in place to make sure we were a bit cleaner around the contest.

“And pleasingly they got over the top.”

Port Adelaide star Julia Teakle threatened to have another big outing with two goals and several strong marks in defence in the final term.

But the Dockers showed incredible grit, dominating the territory battle in the last quarter with goals to Miller and late inclusion Amy Mulholland, giving them their second win of the season.

Fremantle were dealt a blow when key recruit Aisling McCarthy was a late out with knee soreness.

And they looked out of sorts as the Power’s pressure overwhelmed Fremantle, who made uncharacteristic errors and were full of indecision.

Fremantle’s defence held strong early, but they cracked when Emma O’Driscoll coughed up the ball down back which resulted in a goal to Teakle.

The home side applied more scoreboard pressure with a goal from Caitlin Wendland out of a forward 50 stoppage that really deflated the Dockers.

Fremantle had a late opportunity to open their account, but a set shot from Gabby Newton only 30m out fell just short.

After five goalless quarters, Ebony Antonio ended the drought for the Dockers late in the first half when a chaos footy landed in her hands before she kicked it into an unguarded goalsquare.

Gabby O’Sullivan then drew within a point by half-time when she converted a goal after being awarded a questionable free kick close to goal.

It was all about the breeze though with Teakle kicking her second and Olivia Levicki extending the lead back out to 12 points.

Tighe was being well held by Amelie Borg but managed to finally kick a goal against the momentum and the breeze to keep the visitors within touch.

They then controlled the entire final term, keeping the Power scoreless while they kicked two goals to walk away with the big victory.

Webb said they hoped McCarthy would be fit to tackle Melbourne at Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

“She had bone bruising, so we’re hopeful she’ll be back next week,” Webb said.

“She’s a really important player for us, one that complements around midfield. So hopefully she’ll get up next week.”

SCOREBOARD

FREMANTLE 0.1, 2.2, 3.4, 5.7 (37)

PORT ADELAIDE 2.2, 2.3, 4.5, 4.5 (29)

Goals – FREMANTLE: E Antonio H Miller A Mulholland G O’Sullivan A Tighe. PORT ADELAIDE: J Teakle 2 O Levicki C Wendland.

Best – FREMANTLE: M Strom H Miller D East A Tighe G Newton G O’Sullivan. PORT ADELAIDE: M Moloney J Teakle M Scholz S Goody A Borg P Window.

Injuries – FREMANTLE: A McCarthy (knee soreness) replaced in the selected side by A Mulholland.

Umpires: K Bayre A Adair L Haussen. Crowd: TBC at Alberton Oval.