Fremantle Dockers fall short of upsetting Brisbane Lions despite huge game from Luke Jackson

Last year in round 15, then still wearing the red and blue, Jackson produced one of the best performances of his short career. In a stirring victory, the premiership Demon was electric in the absence of Max Gawn. Some 21 disposals, 18 hit-outs, three clearances, nine tackles and 10 score involvements later, an argument formed that Jackson could serve Melbourne better as its number one ruck.

A year on, Jackson is in purple but that same argument remains after he nearly led Fremantle to an upset win over Brisbane in the absence of Sean Darcy. A late dagger from Eric Hipwood made sure of that despite a stunning bender from Michael Frederick putting the Dockers back within two points.

Jackson fumbled slightly late, exhausted from a massive performance. He equalled his career high disposals with 24, kicked one goal and could’ve had two more. He had 44 hit-outs, five clearances and 445 metres gained. And on one of the few occasions the Dockers have managed this year, he managed to connect with his midfield and generate some serious power out the front of clearances.

An injury to Ethan Hughes in the third quarter forced Fremantle to get creative in the last. Already marginally ahead in the midfield battle, Matthew Johnson was the man in the vest, giving the Dockers an oversupply of on-ballers.

Jaeger O’Meara went into defence and played as the highest defender. Caleb Serong was massive in the middle. And Jye Amiss took a stunning mark on the goal line to get the Dockers going.

But Brisbane’s inaccuracy in the final quarter turned out to be its best friend. Three points was the final margin and Fremantle was left to rue a missed scalp. But there was plenty to like.

Fremantle gave away its intentions early when Hayden Young was sent to warm-up with the midfield group pre-game. A week after curtailing Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield, Young went straight to Neale at the opening centre bounce.

Neale was the orchestrator the last time the Dockers came up against Brisbane, winning 35 touches. But Gold Coast proved last week that you can contain the Brownlow medallist if you force him to work both ways.

Fremantle are of course familiar with Neale’s talents. But he’s yet to win against his former side in Perth since requesting a shock trade.

That looked like it might continue when Young won 10 touches to Neale’s four in the first quarter. Playing somewhat as a sweeper, Young relished the space on offer out the back of stoppages and gained a touch under 200 metres in the first quarter.

His defensive pressure was also strong, as was to be expected from someone who’s cut his teeth on the halfback flank. But the best aspects of Young’s offence being his power and disposal, look even better in the middle of the ground. He is stronger than he appears and Young attempted to win possession rather than react to Neale.

On the flip side, Brisbane ball magnet Josh Dunkley was assigned a negating role on Caleb Serong. With Neale under wraps, it should’ve posed an opportunity for Dunkley to get busy. Instead his attention was focused on Serong. And Serong was too busy focusing on the ball, winning 14 disposals in the first half to Dunkley’s three touches.

Despite Fremantle winning the midfield battle, the Lions had control around the ground. A sloppy first quarter saw the Dockers miss tackles and targets. It wasn’t costly but Fremantle would’ve gained some confidence from a first quarter victory.

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Brisbane stifled that momentum early in the second quarter, taking away Fremantle’s speed with a controlled, slow method. The Dockers reset and adjusted, kicking three quick goals from intercept possessions.

With inside 50s a rare commodity, Fremantle were more efficient, striking at 29 per cent in the second quarter compared to Brisbane’s 15 per cent rate of conversion. The Dockers’ best looks came when they pressed up on the Lions and burnt them back the other way.

Sam Sturt and Michael Frederick gave Fremantle the lead back and Jackson consolidated it, giving the Dockers an 11-point advantage at the half.