Fremantle end Melbourne Demons’ 17-game winning streak, stun AFL

The AFL has a new contender after the defending premier Melbourne Demons were stunned on their own turf in a massive boilover.

Freo have done the unthinkable. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The Fremantle Dockers have claimed the biggest scalp in the AFL, pulling off a massive 38-point win over Melbourne Demons at the MCG.

The 14.10 (94) to 7.14 (56) win officially ends the Demons epic 17-game streak which includes the 2021 flag and firmly embeds the Dockers in the top four.

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The Demons were on the eighth longest winning streak of all-time at 17-games but the Dockers ran away to a famous victory.

On the other side, the Dockers had lost their last two matches against the Gold Coast Suns and Collingwood, Dockers coach Justin Longmuir was proud his side had responded.

“I’m just really proud of the players,” he said after the match. “Clearly, the last two weeks have been disappointing. It was about getting back to playing team footy.

“We wanted to have our best trademark game of the year. I think we have been a team that has got an even contribution from all players, and I think we got that tonight.

“That was a fantastic effort. It’s one game, and I said it last week, if we get ahead of ourself, then we will get what we deserve. We want to make sure internally that we are as consistent as we can be. We’ll enjoy this win, but it won’t go past next week.”

It was a stunning performance after a low scoring first quarter and the Demons kicking away to a 25 point lead at the main break.

But the second half was all Dockers as an eight-goal third quarter set up a stunning victory.

Freo are contenders. Photo by Michael Klein

Hawthorn great Campbell Brown told AFL Nation: “That’s the best quarter of the year for the Fremantle Dockers”.

Fox Footy commentator Anthony Hudson agreed: “It’s one of the great quarters in the club’s history,”

“They just completely dominated the reigning premiers,” Jason Dunstall added.

“It started in the opening bounce and didn’t stop for half an hour.

“Instead of composure coming out of Melbourne’s defence, it was a hack kick.”

.@freodockers might have played a better quarter in their history. I just can’t remember it. #AFLDeesFreo

— Jake Niall (@JakeNiallTHEAGE) May 28, 2022

Now some will frame it as the loss the Demons needed to have if the side can bounce back, but it’s a monumental victory for the Fremantle.

After six years out of the finals, the Dockers will now be seen as genuine flag contenders after pulling off what many believed would be an impossible feat in 2022.

And even better for the Dockers, Nat Fyfe is scheduled to return next week.

It was a massive win for the Brayshaw house as Andrew finally defeated Angus, with the victorious star saying: “I’m pretty sure mum has a scarf that’s one half Melbourne, one half Freo. So she wore that today. This is the first time I’ve beaten Angus. He’s driving me home tonight so I’ll be rubbing it in for sure.”

The AFL community was blown away by the result.

Radio 6ix’s Ian Blackley tweeted: “OMFG. I’ve just turned on the #AFLDeesFreo game. Awesome. Well done boys”.

7 News’ Andrew McCormack added: “The Freo chant echoes around the MCG. Their one and only home and away game at the ‘G in 2022. Get the feeling they might be back there at some point in September.”

Comedian Rove McManus wrote: “Dockers in front! WT actual F???”

What next Demons? Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Former West Coast star Will Schofield said on his Back Chat podcast: “I’ll tell you right now, Fremantle Dockers will beat Melbourne, they will end the streak.”

He tweeted: “Hope we were all paying attention Thursday”.

Dockers make a statement that they’re a genuine contender. Now, two potential prelim previews next week:
Melb v Syd
Frem v Bris

— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) May 28, 2022

Amazing. #AFLDeesFreopic.twitter.com/eY5hT2dXvm

— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) May 28, 2022

However, while the Freo fans were loving life, Demons fans were quick to take stock of what it meant.

The Age’s National Affairs Editor and Dees fan James Massola wrote: “Narrm @melbournefc had to lose a game eventually. Let’s not lose our collective minds, Demons.”

Originally published as Fremantle end Melbourne Demons’ 17-game winning streak, stun AFL