In a dramatic AFL clash at Perth, the Fremantle Dockers staged a remarkable comeback to draw with Collingwood, each team scoring 75 points in a match that will be remembered for its heart-stopping finale. The game, held on a cool Friday night, saw the Dockers’ captain, Alex Pearce, play a crucial role in the comeback, scoring a pivotal goal in the dying minutes from a sliding mark, reducing the deficit to just one point with under two minutes left on the clock.
Initially, Collingwood appeared to have the game under control, leading by 25 points following a goal from Bobby Hill with just eight minutes to go. However, the Dockers refused to yield, and a succession of goals from Bailey Banfield, Hayden Young, and a contentious one from Sean Darcy rapidly closed the gap. Jeremy Sharp nearly completed the comeback for Fremantle, but his late shot resulted in just a behind.
In the final moments, Collingwood pushed forward, managing to keep the ball in their attacking half with consecutive ball-ups as time expired, ensuring the draw. The defensive effort from Fremantle in these last moments was critical in holding off Collingwood and securing the draw.
This match was not just significant for its on-field drama. Alex Pearce’s late-game heroics were a tribute to his former teammate and friend, Cam McCarthy, who had recently passed away. Pearce dedicated his critical goal to McCarthy, highlighting the emotional depth of the game for the players involved.
Adding to Collingwood’s frustrations, the game also saw injuries to key players. Mason Cox suffered a severe leg injury and a head knock in a marking contest, and Brody Mihocek, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, had to leave the game due to concerns over re-injury.
This result marks Collingwood’s second draw of the season and raises concerns over their growing injury list, which already includes several key players. Despite these challenges, Nick Daicos stood out with 35 disposals and 10 clearances, though his efforts were not enough to secure a win.
The game also underscored ongoing issues with goal accuracy, a recent problem for both teams, with Collingwood notably struggling in front of goal in the first half. The Dockers, meanwhile, showed improvement in this area compared to their previous performances.
The thrilling draw leaves both teams reflecting on what might have been, with Fremantle showing resilience to fight back and Collingwood ruing missed opportunities to close out the game. This match, a blend of strategic play, emotional tributes, and intense competition, encapsulates the drama and unpredictability of the AFL.
