Fremantle and Gold Coast will close out Round 15 with a clash that could potentially dictate the top eight fate of either side in 2024.
The Dockers (7-1-5, 111.1%) can finish the round as high as fourth with a win, should Essendon slip up to West Coast.
As for the Suns (7-6, 107.9%), a win away from home continues to allude them as they seek a maiden finals berth.
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The match gets underway at 4pm AEST from Optus Stadium.
Watch it live on Fox Footy (channel 504), streaming on Kayo or via Hubbl from 4pm AEST.
FREMANTLE v GOLD COAST – LIVE UPDATES
There was no late change for either side with Karl Worner (Fremantle) and veteran Brandon Ellis (Gold Coast) named as subs for Sunday’s clash.
Suns midfield bull Matt Rowell was in the action early, with a couple of touches and a big chase down on Freo forward Josh Treacy.
When Wil Powell got loose through the middle, he found Sam Day and the Suns were on the board first.
“That’s what he’s in the side for,” Fox Footy’s Will Schofield said of Powell’s brilliant run.
The Suns had a second goal moments later after Rowell burst out of the middle.
“The midfield of the Suns are putting them to the sword,” Gerard Healy said.
“The alarms would be going off right now for (Freo coach) Justin Longmuir,” commentator Adam Papalia added.
But that’s where Gold Coast’s midfield dominance would end in the first half.
Only a diving Alex Pearce saved Freo from coughing up a third goal, with Jye Amiss the beneficiary down the other end.
But the rookie’s accuracy woes rolled on.
Turnovers plagued both sides in a scrappy opening term, but it was Fremantle who turned the tide with nine of the next 11 clearances.
Hayden Young finally broke the drought for Fremantle with his quick snap with just minutes to play.
Josh Treacy pulled in a monster contested grab and goaled to ensure Freo had a 15-12 lead at the first change.
Freo found their composure in the second term, with quick goals to Michael Frederick and Caleb Serong.
Sun Jack Lukosius was arguably “robbed” of a shot on goal when he was deemed not to have held the mark long enough.
The Suns had multiple opportunities to cut Fremantle’s lead – but blew them – and down the other end, Bailey Banfield was able to get out the back.
“That’s just too easy,” Healy lamented.
“The Suns just aren’t adjusting quick enough. No wonder the coach is so frustrated.”
Treacy pulled in another big grab as he flew in front of the pack and pushed the Dockers’ lead out to 23 points.
Day was able to pull a goal back for his side from long range just minutes out from half time, but Ben Ainsworth couldn’t nail his opportunity after some bravery in front of goal.
At the main break, it was Fremantle leading 43-20.
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Source Agencies
