FREMANTLE has survived a desperate fightback from Melbourne to notch a thrilling 11-point win at Subiaco Oval and maintain its hold on fourth spot.
 
Melbourne, down by 44 points late in the second term, staged a remarkable turnaround and kicked seven goals to two in the second half to draw within one point of the home side.
 
Only two goals were kicked in a high-pressure final term, with both sides missing gettable opportunities before Hayden Ballantyne sealed the important win, 11.16 (82) to 10.11 (71), with a superb roving goal.  
 
Fremantle maintains a one-game break on next week’s opponents the Western Bulldogs, while Melbourne slips three games adrift of the top eight. 
 
Mark Harvey’s side rediscovered the high-pressure, highly-skilled game that had driven them into the top four and kicked nine of the first 11 goals, appearing destined for a comfortable win.
 
They dominated possession in the opening term and enjoyed clean entries inside 50, kicking six goals to Melbourne’s sole major. When the Demons did go into attack it was rushed and they crumbled under relentless forward pressure.

INJURY-ravaged Richmond has claimed a stunning 19-point victory over Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

The courageous Tigers made it four wins in a row the hard way after playing the second half with two fit men on the bench.

They were out on their feet in the dramatic closing stages of the match, but dug deep to record a famous win, 15.10 (100) to 11.15 (81).

An interchange bungle by Freo with 4:38 remaining saw Jack Riewoldt bang through his fifth goal from point-blank range to put Richmond six points up. Dustin Martin added the sealer with two minutes left on the clock and Andy Collins put the icing on the cake with the last major of the contest.

Daniel Connors played the game of his career with 35 touches and a goal with Brett Deledio (29 possessions), Chris Newman (26) and Shane Tuck (30) all important.

Riewoldt overcame a sluggish start to finish as the leading goal kicker on the ground with five.

The brave win came hot on the heels of the side's stirring, come-from-behind win over the Sydney Swans. That effort earned high praise from coach Damien Hardwick, who was equally glowing in his praise of Saturday's performance. 

"I said last week was the best win … I thought tonight was a testament to our playing group, the bravery they showed to be down two troops before halftime," Hardwick said.

"It was just outstanding, the mental strength to get through that. It was very, very good. Full credit to our guys."

FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey says the loss of key midfielder Michael Barlow will test his group, but he has challenged the side’s doubters to write them off at their own peril.

Barlow, who has emerged from Fremantle’s rookie list to be one of the stories of the season, broke his left leg late in the fourth quarter against Port Adelaide as he ran with the flight of the ball and collided with teammate Rhys Palmer.

Harvey said the 22-year-old, who attempted to stand up but couldn’t support himself, was distressed after the match and the club would wait on reports from hospital before declaring his season over.  

Barlow’s loss on Saturday afternoon soured a 57-point win that leaves Fremantle two games clear in fourth spot, but Harvey said his side had the character to continue its impressive season.

“If people want to suggest that because we’ve lost Mick it may be the end of us, well do that at your own peril,” he said after the match.

“It’s indicative of the way we’ve been playing with that spirit, putting it all on the line; we’re going to have to show a resolve amongst the group.

“I wouldn’t have thought it would stop us from progressing.

We have move our base to Moondyne Joe's in Wray Ave Beaconsfield and what a great start. We have played exciting games away and this game will be no exception!Were you home alone? If you were you missed all the excitement of being with fellow passionate dockers.

Abbasolutely don't miss our next Away Game Function on Sun July 25th 11.00am V WBulldogs. Come along and be part of passion with the Fremantle Football Club's Largest Supporter group - The FreoMOB. Book to get a get a seat in the  restaurant/Huge Sports bar!!

Don't be caught home along be part of the Dockers resurgence in 2010. Moondyne Joe's has great meals, huge screen TV's to watch the game and heaps of parking.

See http://www.moondynejoes.com.au/

We will be having our margin tickets, raffle and membership draw(have to be present to be in the draw). All Docker supporters and members are welcome to join the MOBsters and cheer the boys home.