Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley gave North Melbourne veteran Brent Harvey a torrid time as the Dockers posted a 38-point victory in Sunday’s AFL clash at Patersons Stadium.
The Dockers surged into third spot with the 10.7 (67) to 4.5 (29) victory, while the finals hopes of North Melbourne appear dim after they slumped to a 4-8 record.
The Kangaroos only managed one goal in a wet first half, but Fremantle relished the slippery conditions to open up a 27-point lead by the long break.
North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas was subbed off midway through the third quarter with a hamstring injury.
Harvey knew he was in for a long day after Crowley tempted him into a wrestle before the opening bounce.
It would prove to be a common theme throughout the first term, with Crowley and his Docker teammates pouncing on any opportunity to hammer Harvey with a fierce tackle or bump.
Crowley might come under scrutiny from the match review panel after Harvey was left on his haunches during an off-the-ball incident in the opening term.
But Harvey also faces a nervous wait after striking Crowley in the throat with an open palm during the third quarter.
The resulting 50m penalty allowed Fremantle defender Michael Johnson to kick a vital goal just as North Melbourne were making a belated charge.
Harvey, who missed the first six rounds of the season due to two suspensions stemming from last year’s finals loss to West Coast, finished the match with 11 possessions and a goal.
Crowley and Harvey shook hands after the match, but Harvey’s body language as he engaged in a lengthy chat with Crowley suggested he wasn’t happy with the Docker’s tactics.
Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow produced another star performance, but left the ground in the final quarter after copping a blow to the chin.
The Dockers also lost star on-baller David Mundy before the match due to a calf injury, while North Melbourne’s Ben Cunnington withdrew due to personal reasons.
The first term was on track to be a goalless one before Barlow soccered through the opener in the dying minutes.
A beautiful 50m goal from Aaron Mullett opened North Melbourne’s goal account early in the second term, but Fremantle dominated the remainder of the quarter to take a 27-point lead into halftime.
The Kangaroos looked more at home in the second half as the rain made way for sunshine and dry conditions.
But Fremantle had all the answers, with their frenetic pressure proving too much for North Melbourne to handle.
North Melbourne’s score was their lowest since round 12, 2009, and it was their lowest ever against Fremantle.
