AAP2 Minute Read
Twin towers Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy have combined to propel Fremantle to a 17-point triumph over injury-hit Sydney.
Jackson gave the Dockers a glimpse of his talents against Hawthorn last week and has now made his mark against a more competitive outfit in Saturday’s 16.7 (103) to 13.8 (86) victory over the Swans.
The prized recruit booted three goals and hauled in three strong contested marks to stand out when the game was on the line early and help set up the Dockers’ first win at the SCG since 2011.
While Jackson threatened whether roaming close to goal or pinch-hitting in the ruck, Darcy did the damage around the stoppages with 44 hitouts and an equal-game-high nine clearances.
Goal sneak Lachie Schultz slotted four majors for the Dockers, while Caleb Serong (33 disposals), Andrew Brayshaw (31) and Jaeger O’Meara (27) made the most of the visitors’ advantage in the ruck.
The Dockers’ former skipper Nat Fyfe started as the substitute for the second consecutive week and entered the contest at the final change, taking some time to catch up to the speed of the game before finishing with six touches.
The Swans started brightly as they looked to control the ball and pushed out to a 17-point lead in the opening term but lost co-captain Callum Mills with a calf injury before the first change.
Emerging Swans key forward Logan McDonald was also sidelined before halftime with an ankle issue, while Hayden McLean was restricted by a calf problem but played out the match.
Errol Gulden continued his sparkling season, the young gun gathering a career-high 39 disposals and booting two goals while spending more time in the middle than usual due to Mills’ absence.
On-ballers Luke Parker (26 disposals), Chad Warner (25) and James Rowbottom (23, one goal) also battled hard but the Swans often found it difficult to move the ball forward against the Dockers’ stoic defence.
Star forward Lance Franklin was regularly cheered by the Swans faithful but had little influence on the outcome as he went goalless in consecutive matches for the first time since moving to Sydney at the end of 2013.
The Swans will be on the road against North Melbourne next Saturday as they look to snap a four-game losing streak, while Fremantle host reigning premiers Geelong later the same day.