Fremantle’s landmark MCG moment as Magpies suffer back-to-back defeats

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A late Josh Treacy mark deep in defence has secured Fremantle a thrilling and crucial win as they handed Collingwood back-to-back narrow defeats despite another prolific Nick Daicos performance.

The Dockers kicked the last four goals of the game – including emerging key forward Patrick Voss’ career-best sixth – to steal a one-point victory after trailing the ladder-leading Magpies by 22 points early in the final quarter.

Former Fremantle forward Lachie Schultz had the last opportunity for Collingwood with barely 10 seconds left, but his desperation snap landed in Treacy’s lap in front of 62,198 fans.

Jamie Elliott, who has a reputation for late-game goalkicking heroics, also missed a set shot inside the last three minutes that levelled the scores before a Shai Bolton behind – after Jack Crisp conceded a high-contact free kick – gave the Dockers the lead for good inside the last two minutes.

Fremantle are now only percentage outside the top four after starting the season with five losses in the first nine rounds.

The Magpies stormed home in similar circumstances last week against Gold Coast before falling short by six points. They are only two points clear of reigning premiers Brisbane Lions, who they host at the MCG in two weeks’ time.

Brownlow Medal favourite Daicos shrugged off soreness to amass a career-most 43 disposals and eight clearances that could deliver him maximum votes.

However, he will have stiff competition from towering ex-Bomber Voss, who had never kicked more than three goals in a game, but already beat that by early in the second term.

All of those were on Darcy Moore before coach Craig McRae switched Brayden Maynard onto him.

Collingwood had 23 more inside 50s, laid an extraordinary 35 tackles in their attacking territory and ended up winning the clearance battle, but were unable to match the Dockers’ efficiency.

Darcy Cameron was excellent in the ruck and aerially against Fremantle pair Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson, with help from Mason Cox, but Jackson’s strong mark and goal deep in the final term was a pivotal moment.

Caleb Serong was the Dockers’ leading ball-winner with 37, to go with match-highs of nine clearances and 16 contested possessions.