How Freo found themselves with a mountain to climb at the SCG

The Dockers’ six-game winning streak came to a halt on Sunday at the hands of Sydney, as the Swans dismantled Fremantle at the stoppage, including a first-half clinic.

Sydney controlled the centre, winning the first nine clearances of the contest, directly resulting in kicking 5.1 (31) by half-time, the club’s best return in almost four years.

By game’s end, they had booted 9.6 (60) from stoppage, accounting for 64 per cent of their entire score.

Brodie Grundy was excellent, his 12 clearances was double the next best, while his support cast of Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney proved they will be more than nuisance value in the run home.

Stopper James Jordan was instrumental in quelling Caleb Serong.

The Dockers star had only four first-half disposals, managing only 11 and a goal for the game, while the Swan also booted two goals.

Fremantle were more effective in the second half, winning the clearance battle and reducing the margin, albeit falling 11 points short.

But they left too much work to do, the Swans winning all four quarters and the crucial four points.

The outcome resulted in Fremantle slipping out of the top eight, finding themselves now in a major battle to regain a finals spot.

GWS star’s Eagles dominance shows why he’s so sought-after

Such is the talent of Finn Callagahan, the GWS star could have become the highest-paid player in the game.

Earlier this year, the Victorian – taken at pick 3 in 2021 – attracted a monster $17 million deal over 10 years from St Kilda.

Rejecting the move, the 22-year-old put pen to paper on a four-year extension at the Giants, tying him to the club until 2029.

And on Friday night, it was easy to see why the Saints were so keen to lure Callaghan home.

The class and running power of Callaghan was on display, orchestrating their dominant 59-point win over the Eagles.

Much is spoken of the “Orange Tsumani” – the Giants’ incredible attacking, explosive and devastating ball movement on the back of their wave of runners.

Callaghan was the leader, so often linking up from half-back, slicing through the middle of the ground, using his trusty left foot to change angles and open up the Eagles. His opening quarter was something to behold.

By the first break he had the most touches (12) and metres gained (268) and the second most score involvements (4) and clearances (3).

His first involvement set the tone.

As Harley Reid looked to send the Eagles into attack with the game’s first clearance, Callaghan’s brilliance instantly turned defence into attack.

It set up Darcy Jones to kick the first major inside 20 seconds.

It was clean and clinical, much like his overall performance.

A career high 37 touches highlighted why he’s one of the hottest prospects in the game.

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