Fremantle fire back with dominant Anzac Day win over Adelaide

Fremantle rediscovered their ruthless best in a tough and commanding Anzac Day victory, overpowering Adelaide by 18 points, 12.13 (85) to 9.13 (67), at Optus Stadium.

Coming off an underwhelming loss to Melbourne, the Dockers responded in style with their most complete performance of the 2025 AFL season, dominating from the opening bounce with a six-goal first quarter and holding firm when the Crows mounted a late charge.

Andrew Brayshaw led from the front with a brilliant 37-disposal performance, winning the inaugural Arthur Leggett Medal as best on ground, while Caleb Serong added 32 touches and 10 clearances to control the midfield battle.

Fremantle set the tone early, bringing the pressure Justin Longmuir had demanded all week. Hayden Young was instrumental with a 10-disposal opening term, while Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss stretched the Crows’ defence and cashed in with early goals. Freo’s relentless pressure inside forward 50 suffocated Adelaide’s ball movement and allowed Freo to lock the ball in their half.

Despite rallying in the second quarter behind goals from Riley Thilthorpe and Josh Rachele, Adelaide couldn’t sustain their momentum. Thilthorpe fought bravely through a gruesome finger injury to kick three goals, but the Crows were largely toothless in attack, managing just nine majors for the night and going goalless in the crucial third quarter.

The Dockers took full advantage, with young gun Murphy Reid and livewire Sam Switkowski both snapping brilliant late goals to push the margin out to 42 points at three-quarter time. Adelaide surged late in the final term but never genuinely threatened, as missed opportunities and a lack of polish inside 50 cost them dearly.

Fremantle’s key defenders stood tall under pressure, with Jordan Clark producing one of the plays of the night with a desperate chase-down tackle to deny Alex Neal-Bullen a certain goal. Meanwhile, Oscar McDonald made the most of his rare opportunity, crashing packs and kicking two vital goals in a backup ruck and forward role.

The win moves Fremantle back inside the top eight and keeps their impressive record intact when kicking five or more goals in an opening quarter under Longmuir, now 11-0. It was also their fifth win from the past six clashes against the Crows, who looked a shadow of the team that toppled GWS a week earlier.

Fremantle will welcome Luke Jackson back next week, adding even more depth to a Dockers outfit that looks to have found its trademark grit and balance once again.

Fremantle v Adelaide final score

Fremantle 12.13 (85)
Adelaide 9.13 (67)

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