FREMANTLE has set up an intriguing Western Derby with its second win of the season, bouncing back to hold off a charging St Kilda by five points at Optus Stadium on Sunday. 

But the Dockers might have to take on the reigning premiers without captain Nat Fyfe after the superstar midfielder stumbled from the ground after a head clash and didn't return. 

DOCKERS EDGE SAINTS Full match coverage and stats

The Dockers were made to earn Sunday's win, with the spirited Saints scrapping all day before eventually going down 11.5 (71) to 9.12 (66) in their first loss of the season. 

The visitors trailed by only six points at the final change in a low-scoring clash, but small forward Brandon Matera emerged to boot back-to-back goals at the start of the fourth to give Fremantle some breathing space. 

Red-time goals from Jade Gresham and then Jack Billings with eight seconds remaining set up a critical final centre bounce, but the Dockers held on after the umpires spotted an extra man in St Kilda's forward line and forced a reset in the 6-6-6 formation.  

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson said the extra player in his team was the result of a "brain fade" from one of his defenders, who had been directed to move forward late in the game.   

Ross Lyon's men will be serious underdogs when they take on West Coast next Saturday night, but the win gets the Dockers back on track after a dismal performance against Gold Coast in round two. 

WATCH The last two minutes of Dockers v Saints

Michael Walters was superb for the winners, carving through the midfield to finish with 27 possessions at 92 per cent efficiency, two goals, and eight clearances as a clear best-on-ground. 

Defender Luke Ryan (32 possessions, 13 marks and nine rebounds) was crucial marshalling the backline and mopping up the Saints' forward entries, while Ed Langdon (29 possessions) was prolific early. 

It was a quiet day for key forward Jesse Hogan, who spent more time forward but was scoreless and is yet to kick his first goal for the Dockers. 

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The former Melbourne big man could be scrutinised for a high bump on St Kilda key defender Nathan Brown, who was forced from the ground for a concussion test but returned to play out the game.

Fyfe was excellent in the midfield before colliding with Josh Battle in a fair contest for the ball that resulted in a serious head clash. 

The skipper was helped from the ground by two trainers and staggered as he made his way to the interchange gates, putting his availability in question for the Derby. 

Fremantle had the game on its terms early, controlling possession and showing glimpses of the exciting brand it opened the season with against North Melbourne. 

The Dockers dominated field position and went inside 50 20 times to six but were unable to take full toll, kicking just three goals to lead by 13 points at the first change. 

'BRAIN FADE' Saints' 6-6-6 breach was not deliberate: Richardson

Unable to generate any attacking movement in the first quarter, St Kilda lifted in the second on the back of its contested game, kicking four straight goals into half-time to cut the margin to five points. 

The Saints battled hard for the final three quarters but lacked touch when going inside 50 and then in front of goal. 

Gresham (20 possessions and two goals) was critical during their periods on top, while Billings (32 and two) continued a strong run of form. 

ANALYSIS When Fyfe went down, it wasn't his defence that Freo missed

Ruckman Rohan Marshall controlled the air with 40 hitouts and paired that with a presence at ground level with six clearances. 

MEDICAL ROOM 
Fremantle: Fyfe's concussion will be the story of Derby week in Perth, with the Brownlow medallist to be assessed. Lyon said his gun midfielder was a bit "doey" post-game, with a six-day break leading into the clash with West Coast working against him. 

St Kilda: Key defender Brown was taken from the ground after being caught high by Hogan, spending 20 minutes on the sidelines and passing concussion testing before returning. 

NEXT UP 
The Dockers will be hunting for their first Derby win since 2015 next Saturday night, having lost their past seven crosstown clashes. The Saints will host Hawthorn on Sunday at Marvel Stadium where they are 2-0 this season.    

FREMANTLE 3.2 6.2 9.2 11.5 (71)
ST KILDA 1.1 5.3 7.8 9.12 (66)

GOALS
Fremantle: Matera 3, Taberner 2, Walters 2, Hill, McCarthy, Hughes, Lobb
St Kilda: Gresham 3, Membrey 2, Acres, Bruce, Billings, Lonie

BEST 
Fremantle: Walters, Ryan, Langdon, Hill, Cerra, Fyfe, Matera
St Kilda: Gresham, Billings, Geary, Marshall, Newnes, Steele

INJURIES 
Fremantle: Fyfe (concussion)
St Kilda: Nathan Brown (head knock)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Margetts, Fisher, Mitchell

Official crowd: 38,227 at Optus Stadium