FREMANTLE has overcome a club injury crisis and a spirited Sydney to secure a hard-fought 14-point victory at Henson Park on Saturday afternoon.

It was a heated contest between two teams that started the round occupying the bottom two spots on the ladder until the Dockers skipped away to a 6.6 (42) to 4.4 (28) win.

SWANS v DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats

04:53

AFLW S7 Highlights: Sydney v Fremantle

The Swans and Dockers clash in round nine of the 2022 NAB AFL Women's Competition

The Dockers have suffered seven season-ending injuries, but in a big boost welcomed back Ebony Antonio for her first game of the year and 50th AFLW appearance after recovering from a PCL injury.

Antonio eased her way into the game but showed her class in the second half to finish with 14 touches and a goal in a rousing return.

00:29

Ebony's long-awaited return marked in typically stunning style

Ebony Antonio slots this brilliant goal in her comeback to footy to give the Dockers their first major of the afternoon

But it was Hayley Miller that led the way for the Dockers in a dominant display to gather a game-high 27 disposals and one goal, including a record-equalling 14 disposals in the opening term.

Airlie Runnalls (25) and Kiara Bowers (19) were also influential, while Bianca Webb slotted two goals to ensure the Dockers made the most of controlling the ball in tricky conditions.

00:39

Webb snags a late one to put Dockers in front

Bianca Webb puts through this go-ahead goal late in the third term to give her side the lead

The Swans matched the Dockers through the first half as they searched for their first victory, but were unable to take advantage of kicking with the breeze in the third term.

Young guns Sophie Hurley (15 disposals, one goal) and Montana Ham (13, one) were again among the best for the Swans and kicked their opening two goals.

00:38

Ham slams through first AFLW major to excite Swans fans

No. 1 draft pick Montana Ham has her first goal in the big league with this exceptional finish late in the first term

Ham, the Swans' prized No.1 draft pick, had to be helped from the field in the first term after landing heavily in a tackle but returned to boot her first AFLW goal and kick off jubilant celebrations.

Bella Smith and Paige Sheppard battled hard for the Swans, while Brooke Lochland added her usual spark with 12 disposals and a goal.

Bella Smith contests the ball in Sydney's round nine clash with Fremantle at Henson Park on October 22, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

Swans head coach Scott Gowans missed the match due to illness with senior assistant Baker Denneman taking the reins for the day.

Say what?
"Whenever Ebony Antonio is on the ground, you feel like you have a chance to win, she's an incredible presence. She has lacked a bit of confidence in her knee so for her to bounce back and compete is great." - Fremantle coach Trent Cooper

"We went out and executed the game plan we wanted to, it was just unfortunate Freo were too good today ... I think it was just lapses in concentration for us and the ability to stay focussed for the four quarters, that's something we'll continue to work on." - Sydney senior assistant coach Baker Denneman

Up next
The Swans will end their season away to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon, while the Dockers host Hawthorn that night at Fremantle Oval.

SYDNEY            2.0     2.1     4.3     4.4    (28)   
FREMANTLE      2.0     3.2     5.4     6.6    (42)

GOALS
Sydney: Ham, Hurley, Privitelli, Lochland
Fremantle: Webb 2, Miller, Antonio, Gore, East

BEST 
Sydney: Ham, Smith, Hurley, Szigeti
Fremantle: Miller, Bowers, Webb, Runnalls

INJURIES 
Sydney: Nil
Fremantle: Miller (hip)