AFL: Fremantle will hunting their ninth consecutive victory - which would equal the greatest-ever winning run in club history - when they come up against Essendon at the MCG.
The Dockers tasted defeat against Geelong in round one but have not done so since, and securing another four premiership points would mean they have matched runs from 2015 and 2006 as the club’s best.
The Bombers sit 17th with only one win to show for the season, but have been competitive in patches throughout their campaign.
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That’s where we will leave things today after Fremantle’s ninth straight victory.
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Record matched
As if next week’s Friday night clash with St Kilda was not intriguing enough, it will now have historical significance for Fremantle.
A win over the Saints would extend the Dockers’ win streak out to 10 games, a mark they have not surpassed in their history.
Glen Quartermain’s analysis
There is one box the Dockers have not ticked in this record-equalling season, writes Glen Quartermain.
Brayshaw bullish on Dockers
Fremantle’s other vice-captain Andrew Brayshaw took more of a glass half-full approach to the day.
“It’s a good position to be in, 50 points up at half-time and trying to maintain that, rather than coming back from behind,” Brayshaw told Fox Footy.
“The group is maturing in that situation. We’re going to try to keep improving, taking little steps every week.
“Winning games is really hard, as we know, so we’re really happy.”
Serong’s say
Stand-in Fremantle captain Caleb Serong was not getting carried away with their win over Essendon.
“It’s good to get the four points,” he told Fox Footy.
“I felt like, our first half, we really got the game played in our front half and that’s how we wanted to do it.
“They came out and challenged us a little bit more in the second half. It was a little bit frustrating at times, but we worked through it.
“I feel like we’ve got a few levels to go.”
Voss speaks
Fremantle forward Pat Voss has spoken after a five-goal display against his former club, although he said he had not treated it any differently.
“It’s just like a normal game now. I think the first one is built up a little bit, but after that, they’re all the same,” Voss told Fox Footy.
“There’s still some people that I know there, I’ve still got some great relationships.
“It’d be nice to be back here in September, but we’re not looking that far ahead at the moment. We’ll try to keep winning games of footy and the rest will take care of itself.”
Full time: Dockers win!
The margin was not as large as it may have been, but Fremantle have cruised to their ninth victory in a row.
Despite a goal right as the siren sounded from Will Setterfield, the Dockers grabbed a 43-point win.
The result means Fremantle have matched runs from 2015 and 2006, which had stood as the longest without a loss in club history.
FT: FRE 16.8 (104) def ESS 8.13 (61)
See-sawing second half
Jye Amiss has capitalised on a clever knock-on from Isaiah Dudley to roll home his second goal of the day.
The second half has see-sawed and the Bombers have enjoyed the ascendancy for large parts, but the margin has remained roughly where it is now throughout.
FRE 16.8 (104) lead ESS 7.12 (54)
Reward for Reid
Murphy Reid has capped off a strong day by snapping a goal on the run.
The 2025 Rising Star has relished some more midfield time today, winning 27 disposals.
FRE 15.8 (98) lead ESS 7.12 (54)
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