Freo’s Anzac Day victory was their season-best. Here’s how they can repeat it

Tough, desperate, ruthless – it’s everything the Dockers were in their season-best victory over Adelaide.

Fremantle responded strongly from a shock loss to Melbourne and Justin Longmuir’s feedback during the week.

Karl Worner typified this, first with his tackling, then with an effort against the imposing Riley Thilthorpe.

Despite being 13 centimetres shorter – and probably 20 kilograms lighter – Worner threw himself at the Crows forward, effecting a spoil.

He wasn’t alone.

Heath Chapman, who has missed so much footy due to injury, courageously went back with the flight of the ball into oncoming traffic, taking a terrific mark.

And then there was Jordan Clarke’s sheer will to close-down Alex Neale-Bullen, running more than 100 metres to provide enough pressure to prevent a seemingly certain goal. All were examples of the “team-first” mindset required.

All contributed to the Dockers restricting the Crows to just five goals at three-quarter time, their lowest return this year, despite entering the game as the most potent forward line.

With a new standard set, the challenge now is to be what Fremantle haven’t been yet this season – consistent.

Ross Lyon’s exchange with youngster Hugo Garcia and an apparent post-game spray created headlines.

It will no doubt sharpen the Saints’ focus and ensure no one is feeling comfortable. The former Dockers mentor is tough, desperate and ruthless in his bid for success.

Fremantle must ensure they’re the same when they run out onto Marvel Stadium come Friday.

Allen’s struggles emblematic of task ahead for new Eagles coach McQualter

In the opening two minutes of the second quarter in Sunday’s loss to Hawthorn, Mabior Chol kicked consecutive goals as the Hawks slammed on seven majors for the term. Standing Chol was none other than Eagle Oscar Allen.

A man returning from being “managed” the week prior.

The co-captain has been out of form and low on confidence in 2025. Unfortunately for Allen, Chol’s efforts highlighted everything which the Eagles forward currently isn’t.

Chol’s first major came from a strong lead-up mark and conversion from long range. His second followed a dropped Allen mark, the smooth-moving Chol dancing his way around Allen, leaving him on his backside.

It used to be 26-year-old Allen who was carving up defenders, running and leaping into the air, providing a towering presence in attack and finishing truly.

In 2023, he bagged 53 goals doing just this.

But it’s barely been seen since as the physical and mental toll appears to be mounting.

This peaked when a coffee date with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell was made public earlier this season.

The out-of-contract Allen clearly felt aggrieved, calling his own press conference. Andrew McQualter is only seven games into his coaching career with a mountain of work to do.

One of his most pressing and greatest challenges is trying to recalibrate his star forward, rekindle his love for the game – getting body, soul and mind back in unison, even at the risk of losing Allen come season’s end.

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