It was another case of Tassie torment for Fremantle against Hawthorn.
The Apple Isle hasn’t been kind to the Dockers, winning only two games from 15 attempts.
Docker Patrick Voss rues a missed shot on goal on Saturday. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The latest instalment will be particularly difficult to process, blowing a 15-point third quarter lead, and with it, a chance to go to second on the ladder.
Hawks skipper James Sicily showed the reason why he’s the perfect man for the role, overcoming adversity to orchestrate their ninth win, continuing their incredible finals charge.
The 29-year-old was back in the side from his second dislocated shoulder of the season.
Starting in defence, Sicily wasn’t a factor in the game, clearly restricted.
He was wary of contact, struggled to lift his arms above his shoulders, didn’t fly for marks and had his tackle attempts broken with ease.
But coach Sam Mitchell’s decision to swing Sicily forward in the third quarter was a match changer and winner.
He kick-started the comeback with a third term major, before two goals in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Sicily’s last major will haunt Fremantle, marked just metres out from the goal line which either Luke Jackson or Luke Ryan should have killed over the line.
It was a big moment with big consequences.
A new era at West Coast
A new era begun yesterday as the Eagles ran out for the first time in 3,766 days without Adam Simpson calling the shots.
After a week of change, both in coach and at selection, West Coast displayed the type of fight and spirit their fans have desperately craved in recent times.
Jarrad Schofield made a statement dropping veteran Jack Darling, rewarding WAFL form and giving youth opportunity.
And the interim coach was immediately rewarded.
Zane Trew will take huge benefit from at times following dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale.
He experienced first-hand the work rate, craft and positioning required, Trew also impressed in his own regard.
He finished with 21 touches, but a feature of his game was his tackling pressure.
His eight tackles was the most by an Eagle with two second quarter efforts resulting in direct goals to Elliot Yeo and Tim Kelly.
Harry Edwards, replacing the injured Jeremy McGovern, produced arguably his most promising display at AFL level.
Overcoming an early shoulder issue, Edwards battled manfully against Eric Hipwood, restricting the Lions tall to two goals.
Luke Edwards and Ryan Maric, playing on a wing, also had their moments, combining as Edwards kicked truly on his return to the side.
Brady Hough was outstanding, enhancing his reputation of locking down on the opposition’s dangerous forwards.
Charlie Cameron managed only four touches, his impact on the game, minimal.
His first goal coming from a 50-metre penalty, the other, while Hough was off the ground.
Navigating the remainder of the season won’t be easy and the Eagles’ younger players development and improvement won’t be linear.
But giving opportunity to the next generation may just uncover further talent. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.