AFL round 2 Fremantle v Sydney: Swans win in a thriller against Dockers

Fremantle lost by three points – or was it three seconds? – to a come-from-behind Swans side despite a Jye Amiss mark in range just seconds after the siren which could have put them in front.

The Dean Cox era as coach at the Sydney Swans is finally under way.

Last year’s runners-up are finally on the winner’s board after coming from behind at Optus Stadium on Sunday to score a thrilling three-point win over Fremantle.

The 9.14 (68) to 9.11 (65) victory was really by three seconds, because that’s how long after the final siren had sounded that Dockers forward Jye Amiss marked the ball well within scoring range.

The Swans hold out after snatching victory in the final minutes! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cr4xmewWJV

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) March 23, 2025

If the Swans had lost a third consecutive game, Cox’s decision to bench ruck Brodie Grundy, as a tactic sub, in the final term, would have been questioned.

Grundy had been in an engaging battle with Luke Jackson, but Cox went for more run in the last term.

The Swans had turned around an alarming clearance deficit from the first two losses, to dominate this area against Fremantle.

The loss leaves Fremantle winless and in 17th spot on the ladder.

Joel Amartey celebrates putting the Swans in front on Sunday. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

JORDAN A LOCK

Tagger James Jordon was again at his defensive best on Sunday.

Backing up successful lockdown jobs on Hawthorn’s Will Day and Brisbane’s Lachie Neale, despite losing both games, he had the job on Fremantle star Caleb Serong on Sunday.

He kept the Dockers champ to 19 touches, including just three in the third term when the Swans made their move.

The Dockers champ did break the tag late in the second quarter by moving to the forward line. And he got on to the end of Murphy Reid pass inside 50m, to kick the Dockers only goal for the quarter. It was enough for them to hold on to a nine-point lead at the main break.

But Jordon was also a catalyst in moving the Swans forward.

He had 24 disposals of his own and a match-high 10 clearances.

Tom McCartin is tackled by Luke Jackson during the Swans’ win over Fremantle. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

MIXED DAY FOR TOM

Cox made another move, sending Tom McCartin back to familiar territory in defence, after he’d spent the first two weeks in attack.

He did kick a goal in each of the Swans first two games.

But with Peter Ladhams and Hayden McLean’s returning, McCartin was no longer needed as a forward marking option.

He seemed to have a decent game too, with 15 touches and five marks.

However, he spent a lot of time on Fremantle key forward Josh Treacy, who did have eight kicks, but booted 4.2 with them.

McLean worked hard in attack for his two goals and Ladhams also kicked one.

Joel Amartey also kicked two, despite a quiet day, his second coming with just 100 seconds left in the game, to give the Swans the lead.

Originally published as AFL round 2 Fremantle v Sydney: Swans win in a thriller against Dockers