Snapshot of Fremantle’s AFL final triumph

SNAPSHOT OF THE SECOND AFL ELIMINATION FINAL

* Result: Fremantle 11.7 (73) defeated Western Bulldogs 8.12 (60) at Optus Stadium.

* Key moment: After trailing by 41 points and going goalless until the 20-minute mark of the second quarter, Fremantle rose from the dead to level the score early in the final term. Minutes later, Bulldogs youngster Laitham Vandermeer had a moment he will desperately want to forget – infringing the protected area and giving away a 50m penalty which gifted Griffin Logue a simple set shot. Logue converted and the Dockers claimed what proved to be a match-winning lead.

* The stat: 52 minutes. That’s how long an increasingly restless 58,000-plus Fremantle fans were forced to wait for their side’s first goal. When fan favourite Michael Walters finally ended the drought, the relief was palpable.

* Injuries: Bulldogs veteran Jason Johannisen was subbed out late in the game with a hamstring injury. Dockers rookie Nathan O’Driscoll had an ankle concern looked at in the first quarter but returned to finish the game. All eyes will be on whether Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury, can recover in time to rejoin the Dockers’ premiership push.

* What’s next? Fremantle head to the MCG next weekend to face Collingwood in a do-or-die semi final. It’s season over for the Western Bulldogs with plenty of time to reflect on a horror fadeout.