AFL: Fremantle will hunting their ninth consecutive victory - which would equal the greatest-ever winning run in club history - when they come up against Essendon at the MCG.
The Dockers tasted defeat against Geelong in round one but have not done so since, and securing another four premiership points would mean they have matched runs from 2015 and 2006 as the club’s best.
The Bombers sit 17th with only one win to show for the season, but have been competitive in patches throughout their campaign.
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Prancing Pony in on the act!
Former Bomber Pat Voss is now in on the act against his former side!
To a cacophony of boos at the MCG, the Prancing Pony - who was delisted by the Bombers in 2023 without having played a game - managed to get a right-foot checkside to work.
Fremantle are well on top here.
FRE 7.5 (47) lead ESS 1.3 (9)
Scerri slots first AFL goal!
Fremantle small forward Chris Scerri has slotted his first goal at AFL level!
While Essendon’s Sam Durham may have felt aggrieved after being penalised with a holding the ball call, the speedy small forward produced a brilliant run-down tackle and thumped his set shot home from beyond the 50-metre arc.
Scerri was recalled to the senior side this week and is playing his fifth AFL game.
FRE 6.5 (41) lead ESS 1.3 (9)
Bombers get a rev-up
Essendon coach Brad Scott was clearly not happy with what he saw from his side in the first term.
Scott gave his side a fair rev-up when they came together at the quarter-time break.
FRE 5.4 (34) lead ESS 1.3 (9)
Quarter-time
The first quarter of this game has well and truly belonged to the Dockers.
At a wet MCG, they have taken their chances in front of goal and given Essendon very few opportunities to get through their defence.
QT: FRE 5.4 (34) lead ESS 1.3 (9)
Wayward Jye
Jye Amiss has not quite been able to capitalise on his chances to join Fremantle’s party.
Both of his snaps have only resulted in minor scores, with the second hammering into the post.
FRE 5.4 (34) lead ESS 1.2 (8)
Cyclone Treacy hits the ‘G
Josh Treacy might have missed a set shot earlier, but he looks to have his kicking boots on today.
Spotted up by Murphy Reid, he honoured a classy kick from the rising star by thumping home his second goal.
He is giving East Fremantle product Lachlan Blakiston real problems.
FRE 5.2 (32) lead ESS 1.2 (8)
Dudley with class!
And just like that, the Dockers have hit back.
An end-to-end transition ended with Isaiah Dudley picking the pocket of Essendon’s Archie Roberts and making no mistake with his snap, despite the ball being wet in slippery conditions.
FRE 4.2 (26) lead ESS 1.2 (8)
Bombers get a foothold
Essendon have managed to get something of a foothold in his contest, but are not managing to put it on the scoreboard.
They are battling to get through Fremantle’s solid set-up behind the ball.
FRE 3.2 (20) lead ESS 1.2 (8)
Docker dominance
Just over 10 minutes into the first quarter, the stats sheet is not making for pretty reading for Essendon.
The Dockers own a 50-20 advantage in disposals and are ahead 9-3 in inside-50s.
FRE 3.2 (20) lead ESS 1.1 (7)
Bombers hit back
Essendon have turned up their pressure and been rewarded with their first goal of the afternoon.
An aggressive kick from Heath Chapman was picked off and ended up with last week’s Rising Star nominee Sullivan Robey, who kicked their opening goal of the game.
FRE 3.1 (19) lead ESS 1.1 (7)
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