FREMANTLE has cruised to a 44-point NAB Cup victory over West Coast at Subiaco Oval, but it could have come at a huge cost with Paul Hasleby suffering a knee injury.
Hasleby looked in fine form for the first two-and-a-half quarters, gathering 10 possessions, before going down awkwardly in the third term. It looked like a potentially serious injury to his left knee despite Hasleby's good spirits when being carried off the ground.
With Des Headland starring in a midfield-based role and a host of veterans in good touch, exciting bursts from youngster Rhys Palmer were the icing on the cake for the Dockers.
Headland finished 21 possessions and a super goal, while Josh Carr had 21 touches, Daniel Gilmore 23 and Solomon 21.Marcus Drum also had 20 in a sign that he might be on the way to cementing a first-team spot in 2008.
The result won't worry the Eagles too much given they were without Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Tyson Stenglein, Andrew Embley, Michael Braun and Adam Hunter. The only notable absentees for Fremantle were Peter Bell and Heath Black.
For the Eagles, the form of Jamie McNamara was particularly impressive and he finished with 16 possessions while Scott Selwood had a strong first-up appearance with 15 touches. Mark Seaby did well in the ruck, and Mark Nicoski looked good in defence after an injury-ravaged 2007. Coach John Worsfold would have also been pleased with Brent Staker and Brett Jones.
Fremantle began with a David Mundy super goal after just two minutes and it held a 19-point lead before David Wirrpanda goaled at the 14-minute mark for the Eagles' first score.
Palmer's first possession showed his ability. He sped off after taking a mark and, despite a looming tackle, pin-pointed a pass on to the chest of Farmer, who slotted the goal.
Adam Campbell then goaled to ensure Fremantle held a 24-point advantage at quarter-time.
Even though West Coast scored the opening goal of the second quarter through Chad Jones, Fremantle kicked five of the next six to open up a 45-point lead before Mark LeCras brought the Eagles to within 39 at half-time.
Headland proved the star for the Dockers in his new midfield role and capped it off with Fremantle's second super goal at the 16-minute mark of the second term.
The first goal of the third quarter was also Fremantle's, when Mark Johnson kicked his first Freo goal from a free kick just after Hasleby went off on the stretcher.
Just before three quarter-time, Wirrpanda kicked the Eagles' first goal of the quarter – a super goal – to bring the margin back to 35 points.
A brilliant Wirrpanda tackle on Byron Schammer led to a Seaby goal to begin the final term, but goals to Farmer and Pavlich saw the Dockers out to a game-high 48-point lead. Seaby and LeCras then both kicked their second for the Eagles, before Palmer kicked his first goal to see the Dockers home by 44 points.
Fremantle now advances in the NAB Cup to play Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday, while West Coast plays Collingwood at Albany's Collingwood Park on Saturday.
FREMANTLE 1.3.4 2.7.5 2.8.8 2.12.14 (104)
WEST COAST 0.1.1 0.4.2 1.4.8 1.7.9 (60)
Goals:
Fremantle: Nine-point goals: D Mundy, D Headland
Six-point goals: P Hasleby 2, J Farmer 2, M Pavlich 2, A Campbell, D Mundy, D Solomon, Mark Johnson, Michael Johnson, R Palmer
West Coast: Nine-point goals: D Wirrpanda
Six-point goals: M Seaby 2, M Le Cras 2, D Wirrpanda, C Jones, A Hansen
Best:
Fremantle: Headland, Mundy, Solomon, J Carr, Sandilands
West Coast: M Seaby, B Jones, S Selwood, J McNamara, D Wirrpanda
Umpires: D Margetts, R Chamberlain, S McInerney
Crowd: 32,502 at Subiaco Oval, Perth.
Injuries:
Fremantle: P Hasleby (knee)
West Coast: Priddis (calf)
Reports: None
