How the Dockers dodged Collingwood’s tackling tactic to bring home four points

In Fremantle’s stirring comeback victory over Collingwood, the ladder-leaders implemented a new strategy in a bid to keep the ball alive, hoping to find a match-winning goal in the dying moments.

The Magpies executed a “non-tackling tactic”, consciously avoiding jumping and lying on their Docker opponents.

Lay the initial tackle and then give the player time to dispose of the ball to continue the play and rid the area of congestion and repeat stoppages.

It showed an evolution in coaching and also the importance of on-field leadership from both sides.

While the Magpies carried it out perfectly, the Dockers showed wonderful awareness to understand the situation and what was happening.

It was part of a number of big plays in the dying quarter which helped Fremantle kick the game’s final four goals and pinch a one-point victory.

Luke Jackson was ice-cool, calmly slotting the go-ahead goal while Josh Treacy’s move to defence resulted in the match-saving mark.

Great faith should be taken from the Dockers recent body of work.

In the past nine games, they’ve won eight, beating GWS, Gold Coast and Collingwood on the road.

They’re the competition benchmark when it comes to facing other top-eight sides with victories over the Magpies, Suns, Giants, Hawks and Crows.

Their game is in good shape, and they should take unwavering confidence and belief to not just play finals, but shape September.

Rioli’s run-down leaves onlookers in awe

The Rioli name is Aussie Rules royalty and on Saturday night one of footy’s famous names was again up in lights.

Maurice Rioli Jr produced two of the more eye-watering and breathtaking pieces of individual brilliance you will witness this season.

In the opening term, a centering Jamie Cripps kick set Brady Hough free. With only grass in front, the Eagles appeared destined to score – before Rioli Jr set off in pursuit.

From deep in his own 50, the 22-year-old gave Hough a 15-metre head start. But as all good Tigers hunting their prey do, Rioli Jr pounced, his speed and determination bringing him within striking distance, before executing a marvellous full-length diving tackle, the turnover resulting in a Tim Taranto goal.

The spark of Rioli Jr was again on display in the second term.

He performed a full-length diving smother, following up by retrieving the ball and sending captain Toby Nankervis into an open goal.

The acts had many at Optus Stadium in awe, while again serving as a reminder footy is better off for the Riolis running around.

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