FREMANTLE has moved up to second place on the ladder after a ruthless 76–point triumph over Greater Western Sydney at Patersons Stadium on Sunday evening.
But the comfortable 21.10 (136) to 9.6 (60) win might have come at a cost with Hayden Ballantyne, who booted five goals in the victory, placed on report for a behind-the-play hit to the stomach of tagger Tomas Bugg.
Ballantyne already missed one game earlier this season through suspension and has 87.50 carryover points.
"It is not ideal," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said.
"I haven't seen it. We are not allowed to comment post or pre (Match Review Panel findings). It is what it is."
That was the only sour moment for Fremantle against a competitive yet outclassed Giants as the home side moved into second place on the ladder ahead of Hawthorn and Geelong on percentage.
The Dockers extended their advantage at every change having led by 16 points at quarter-time, 30 at half-time and 41 at three-quarter time but put their foot down in the final term with seven goals to two.
Giants coach Leon Cameron was bitterly disappointed with his side's last quarter.
"For three quarters of the game I thought it was a really good contest actually," Cameron said.
"The last quarter was disappointing.
"Just shocking skill errors, contested ball, stoppages, every statistic you could name we got blown away in the last quarter."
Nat Fyfe was outstanding for Fremantle with 29 possessions and two goals while Tendai Mzungu racked up 26 touches, David Mundy 25, Lachie Neale 24, Michael Barlow 23, Cameron Sutcliffe 22 and Lee Spurr 22.
Anthony Morabito played only his second game since 2010 and was again the substitute coming on late in the third quarter to a standing ovation, and was impressive with 15 disposals.
Skipper Mathew Pavlich made a welcome return with three goals, while Nick Suban also bobbed up with three.
Ryan Crowley was also at his stopping best limiting Tom Scully to just 16 touches for the Giants.
Despite the losing margin, there was a lot to like from the Giants in a competitive showing for the most part against a premiership heavyweight.
Toby Greene was in his second game back from his club-imposed suspension and was one of the best afield with 35 possessions and a goal.
Callan Ward had 29 touches, Dylan Shiel 28, Phil Davis 23 in defence and Devon Smith 23.
Lachie Whitfield kicked three goals while Adam Tomlinson kicked two from 19 touches and 10 marks.
Jeremy Cameron also regained some form with 17 touches and seven marks while kicking two goals from six shots.
Shane Mumford also did well in the ruck limiting the influence of Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands.
Zac Williams dives for the ball as Zach Clarke lands on Phil Davis. Picture: AFL Media
FREMANTLE 4.1 9.5 14.5 21.10 (136)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 1.3 4.5 7.6 9.6 (60)
GOALS
Fremantle: Ballantyne 5, Pavlich 3, Suban 3, D. Pearce 2, Fyfe 2, Spurr, Barlow, Neale, Clarke, Mayne, Sandilands
Greater Western Sydney: Whitfield 3, Tomlinson 2, Cameron 2, Ward, Greene
BEST
Fremantle: Fyfe, Ballantyne, Suban, Neale, Crowley, Clarke, Pavlich
Greater Western Sydney: Ward, Greene, Shiel, Whitfield, Davis
INJURIES
Fremantle: Nil
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Fremantle: Anthony Morabito replaced Clancee Pearce in the third quarter
Greater Western Sydney: Jono O'Rourke replaced Will Hoskin-Elliott in the third quarter
Reports: Hayden Ballantyne for striking Tomas Bugg in the third quarter
Umpires: Fleer, Dalgleish, Ryan
Official crowd: 33,597 at Patersons Stadium
