Fremantle hold off late surge from Bulldogs in a Perth thriller

Fremantle secured a gutsy 16-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Sunday, surviving a spirited second-half comeback to notch their second victory of the 2025 AFL season.

A dominant second quarter proved decisive, with the Dockers booting seven goals to two to set up a 15.7 (97) to 12.9 (81) triumph in Round 4.

The Bulldogs clawed their way back into the contest after half-time, reducing a 39-point deficit to just 10 late in the final quarter.

But it was first-year Docker Murphy Reid who sealed the result, kicking a composed goal on the run inside the final minute to send the purple faithful into raptures.

Caleb Serong was a standout performer for Fremantle, racking up 38 disposals and an enormous 15 clearances in a best-on-ground display.

Milestone man Andrew Brayshaw also shone in his 150th game, finishing with 29 disposals and four clearances to cap a memorable outing.

For the Doggies, Sam Darcy produced a career-best performance with five goals in a breakout display up forward.

Matt Kennedy continued his strong start to life at the Kennel with 24 touches and nine clearances, while Tom Liberatore was typically tough with 30 disposals and six clearances.

The Dockers suffered a couple of injury setbacks, with Luke Jackson succumbing to a suspected hamstring injury before three-quarter-time and Corey Wagner subbed out in the third term due to a calf issue.

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