Dockers v Demons, snippets
Turning Point: Garrick Ibbotson's snapped goal for Fremantle early in the second quarter, with the Dockers 34 points down, was an obvious turning point in this encounter. It followed one of the poorest passages of play one's likely to see this season, when both sides fumbled and bumbled and turned the ball over for some five minutes. But the Dockers worked it forward and Ibbotson showed his predatory instinct as he swept on an Aaron Sandiland's tap to snap his side's first goal. A less obvious turning point, however, happened soon after when Melbourne defenders Stefan Martin and Simon Buckley were both forced to leave the ground after a three-way collision involving Docker Luke McPharlin. With the Dockers pressing forward, Melbourne's defence was suddenly disorganised and a couple of goals followed Ibbotson's effort that turned the momentum back in the Dockers favour.
Star man: Matthew Pavlich was an unstoppable force for Fremantle after quarter-time. The skipper may have only scored five goals, but he collected 28 possessions roving between the midfield and the forward line and laid off five scoring assists to boot.
What a Shocker: During the first quarter Fremantle's Byron Schammer was so intent on getting away from the carnage that he didn't realise he ran through the mark on his way through the interchange area. From the resulting 50-metre penalty, Paul Johnson took a mark and fired in the Demons third goal. However, to be fair to Schammer, the much-maligned Docker lifted his intensity superbly, leading the way with several hard ball gets during the second quarter as he turned back several Melbourne attacks. In the end, the 27-possession performance could have sealed Schammer a new contract at the club for next year.
Unsung Hero: After being towelled up by Austin Wonaemirri the last time these side's met, Brock O'Brien was given the challenge of quite literally facing his Demons this time around. This may have been just his third match and his first at Subiaco, but O'Brien showed tremendous promise, lifting his work rate cross half-back, rebounding well from his defensive 50 and scoring a superb running goal from outside 50 during the third quarter. Unfortunately for the youngster, that's where his day ended as he did his hamstring with that kick, but O'Brien more than atoned for his poor day on Wonaemirri last time around.
Where to Dees? Melbourne looked so impressive during the first quarter that such a change in attitude and body language was a little difficult to fathom. It was almost a complete mirror image of the last time they played, when the Demons overcame a 50-point half-time deficit and beat the Dockers by a goal. But, in this encounter, their leaders did not stand up well enough, despite Cameron Bruce's 27 touches, and the club is desperately needing Brad Green to return from injury to bring some extra class into the side.