1. Fremantle for premiers?
If you weren't convinced of Fremantle's premiership potential before this game, then you couldn't possibly argue now. In a performance of which the Sydney Swans would be proud, the Dockers squeezed the life out of North Melbourne to remain undefeated in their past eight matches. More importantly, Ross Lyon's team jumped into third spot on the AFL ladder – the first time they have occupied such a lofty position since late in 2006. That season, they missed their chance to play against West Coast in a grand final when they were beaten by the Swans at ANZ Stadium. And, with both Aaron Sandilands and Matthew Pavlich on the verge of returning to action, it's not out of the question that Fremantle could push even further up the ladder and further into September this time around.
2. North better in the east than in the west
Patersons Stadium hasn't been a happy hunting ground for North Melbourne. On their last trip west, the Roos had the four points stolen from them by a lethargic West Coast (and a supercharged Nic Naitanui mark). Their previous trip was for the embarrassing elimination final loss to the Eagles. In fact, this was their seventh loss in Perth in a row. But what do you expect when you can only manage to kick 1.3 (9) in the first half? That was the Kangaroos' worst effort in four years – since Round 12 in 2009 when they managed just 1.2 (8) against Adelaide in the wet at AAMI Stadium. North Melbourne finished that season in 13th position – the same position they currently hold. The Roos' final score against Fremantle of 4.5 (29) was their second lowest since Round 14 of the 1980 season, when they managed just 27 points against Geelong. That season, they finished fourth.
3. Boomer's temper
North doesn't perform well on their travels to Perth, but inspirational games-record holder Brent Harvey seems to take it all a bit too personally. In the elimination final of 2012, Harvey struck both Adam Selwood and Daniel Kerr and was later suspended for six matches. The close-checking attention of Ryan Crowley also caused Harvey to lash out against Fremantle. Though there were plenty of minor incidents off the ball, the most noticeable took place during the third quarter when Harvey felled Crowley with an open-handed push/hit to the throat in front of the umpire. The Match Review Panel will almost certainly have a close look at the replay.
4. Where do they come from?
Most clubs would kill for the depth Fremantle has in its big-man department. Pre-season, it seemed Aaron Sandilands would lead the ruck and would be supported by either Zac Clarke or pinch-hitter Kepler Bradley. But Sandilands' hamstring injury put paid to that. Then Bradley went down with a knee injury and big Jonathon Griffin followed suit. Somehow, Fremantle has not only managed, but thrived. Clarke has steadily improved and Jack Hannath has joined him in the ruck. Against North Melbourne, the 197cm Matt Taberner got his chance to ease into the AFL. He finished with eight disposals and six tackles and showed he had a future at this level.
5. Coleman woes
A hamstring injury to Lindsay Thomas during the third quarter will have upset plenty of punters on the Coleman Medal. The race for the Coleman is as open as it's ever been with no less than eight players having kicked between 33 and 39 goals for the season. West Coast's Josh Kennedy sits at the top of the table, while Thomas is just four goals back. But a serious hamstring injury would likely put paid to his chances of taking home the coveted award. There will be a few punters crossing their fingers for a more favourable diagnosis.
