Sandilands, Ballantyne injuries a concern as Dockers cruise past Demons
Loss of ruckman, forward concerns for Freo as it strolls past Melbourne
RUCKMAN Aaron Sandilands was subbed off with concussion in a concern for the premiership hopes of Fremantle, who cruised to a 95-point win over Melbourne on Sunday.
Fremantle's 20.13 (133) to 5.8 (38) victory keeps the Dockers only half a win away from second-placed Geelong with two rounds remaining.
The round-21 clash, which at times was little more than a training run for the Dockers, attracted a tiny crowd of 13,768 fans at the MCG.
Ballantyne and skipper Matthew Pavlich booted four goals each for Fremantle while David Mundy dominated midfield and athletic big man Zac Clarke was also influential in the absence of Sandilands.
Nineteen-year-old Jack Viney with 28 disposals was one of Melbourne's better contributors as the Demons suffered their 18th loss from 20 games.
Melbourne's 103kg defender Jake Spencer ran with his back to the ball and crashed his forearm into Sandilands' head during a marking contest early in the first term in an incident which will be assessed on Monday by the Match Review Panel.
Fremantle led by 27 points at quarter-time after holding the Demons goal-less in the opening term.
The Dockers slammed on another five goals in a six-minute burst to jump out to a 50-point lead at the 17-minute mark of the second term, but the Demons scored the last three goals of the half to narrow the margin to 31 points at halftime.
Fremantle stretched their lead to 58 points at three-quarter time after a five-goal third term to Melbourne's solitary major.
Nathan Fyfe's goal just before the siren, after a frustrated Lynden Dunn crashed into his back and conceded a 50-metre penalty, was one of several disciplinary lapses from the Demons in defence.
Fremantle helped themselves to another six goals in the final term to Melbourne's one behind.
The Dockers host top-eight rivals Port Adelaide next Saturday while Melbourne face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on the same day.
Michael Walters slides in ahead of James Strauss during the Dockers' big win. Picture: AFL Media
What will give Brisbane the edge when they meet their old foes, Adelaide, in a preliminary?
10:05
Full 2024 draft recap: Who came out on top?
Draft guru Cal Twomey teams up with Nat Edwards and Riley Beveridge to unpack all the winners and surprises from the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft
03:29
Roos explain shock pick swap, praise O’Sullivan
North Melbourne’s Will Thursfield offers insight into his club’s bold trade with Richmond and explains why No.2 pick Finn O’Sullivan is one to watch for fans
06:37
Tigers’ draft jackpot: What’s in store for 2025
Richmond’s Blair Hartley unpacks his club’s impressive draft haul and weighs in on No.1 pick Sam Lalor’s round one hopes