Fremantle cruised to a 61-point AFL win over Melbourne at Patersons Stadium, but in doing so ensured they would be on the road in the first week of the finals.
The Dockers had little trouble accounting for Melbourne with a 14.17 (101) to 5.10 (40) victory to finish the home and away season with a 14-8 record and in seventh position, but that means an elimination final against reigning premier Geelong in Melbourne next week.
If Fremantle had lost to Melbourne or failed to win by 13 or more points they would have remained in eighth position and stay in Perth to play West Coast next week, but the first western derby final remains elusive to the West Australian football public.
The victory was comfortable for Fremantle with captain Matthew Pavlich kicking two goals to move to 62 on the season and equal Geelong’s Tom Hawkins as the league’s leading goalkicker.
The only thing that could stop him sharing his first Coleman Medal now would be if Jack Riewoldt kicks four or more goals against Port Adelaide at the MCG.
Small forward Hayden Ballantyne booted three for Fremantle with ruck pair Jonathon Griffin and Aaron Sandilands as well as Tendai Mzungu kicking two goals each.
Michael Barlow racked up 32 possessions, David Mundy 31, Nat Fyfe 30, Michael Johnson 24, Paul Duffield 23, Clancee Pearce 23 and Stephen Hill 22.
However, the news wasn’t all good for Fremantle with likely All-Australian defender Luke McPharlin subbed out of the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.
His battle to be fit could give Antoni Grover the chance to end his career in the finals after announcing his retirement during the week, although Alex Silvagni is another option with both playing well at WAFL level.
Melbourne provided little opposition for Fremantle kicking just four goals in the first three quarters, and then just one more to three in the last to end their disappointing first season under new coach Mark Neeld with a 4-18 record.
Jack Fitzpatrick kicked two goals for the Demons while Colin Sylvia picked up 25 possessions, Jack Grimes 23, Jack Trengove 21, Tom McDonald 18 and Jordie McKenzie 18.
