September 20, 2024

Nat Fyfe concussed as Dockers thrash Giants in Perth

Fyfe #Fyfe

David Mundy has wound back the clock with a best afield display in Fremantle’s 31-point win over Greater Western Sydney, but Dockers skipper Nat Fyfe was subbed off with a suspected concussion.

Mundy, in his 334th AFL game, tallied 35 disposals, six clearances, and 15 score involvements in Sunday’s 11.21 (87) to 7.14 (56) win at Optus Stadium.

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The 35-year-old was a class above throughout the match, and was particularly damaging in the first half when he racked up 21 disposals, six clearances, and seven score involvements.

Fellow midfielder Andrew Brayshaw (32 disposals, two goals) was also crucial in a game where Fyfe played as a permanent forward.

But the win came at a big cost, with Fyfe left dazed and confused after copping a high bump from Giants big man Sam Reid late in the third quarter.

Fyfe was watching the ball after his teammate dropped a mark when Reid came in to collect him.

The two-time Brownlow medallist, who had tallied 1.2 from 15 disposals, was helped off the field by trainers before being subbed out of the game.

Sam Switkowski of the Dockers celebrates a goal against the Giants. Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The incident is sure to be looked at by match review officer Michael Christian given the serious and high impact of the bump when not in possession of the ball.

Dockers defender Brennan Cox also suffered an injury scare following a heavy collision with teammate Reece Conca, but he was able to return.

Sunday’s result saw the Giants slump to a 0-2 record, and on current form they appear destined for a second straight season without finals action.

The Giants posted a wayward 1.9 (15) in the first half, with their sloppy execution in front of goal costing them dearly.

GWS were also error-riddled all across the park, and they’ll need to improve drastically if they are to beat in-form Melbourne next Sunday.

Mundy’s game awareness and clean skills shone through during the opening term, with the veteran racking up 12 disposals and playing a crucial part in a number of attacking forays.

The highlight of the term came when Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy expertly tapped a ball-up down to a running Sam Switkowski, who snapped truly to give the Dockers a 30-11 lead at the break.

The Giants’ sloppy skills made for horror viewing, with their wayward kicking on goal costing them any opportunity of staying within striking distance.

The margin was 27 points at half-time, and it ballooned out to 47 points late in the third quarter on the back of Michael Frederick’s spectacular banana from the pocket.

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