The stat the Dockers nearly doubled in Hawks win; Did Harley reveal his future plans in opponent jab?

6 hours ago 1

The Dockers pulsating win against Hawthorn was so much more than four points.

Sure, they returned to the top eight with a crucial scalp of another finals contender, but this meant so much more.

Luke Jackson, Andrew Brayshaw, Sam Switkowski and Oscar McDonald sing the Fremantle song after a crucial win.

It was about defending their own, a coach who came under criticism over if he was the right man to lead them into the future.

Star player Caleb Serong proving he could work through a tag with adequate support and protection from teammates.

And about honouring and bidding farewell to one of their most loved, loyal and respected players in Michael Walters.

Fremantle played with a mongrel and an edge, they were hard and uncompromising at the contest and opponents for the entire night.

This was best showcased by laying a staggering 103 tackles – their most by any team this season – and a huge increase from their average of 60 in 2025.

They showed grit and determination, a team-first mindset and a will to impact every contest. Like the swift defence of Justin Longmuir in the build-up, they were united, strong and calculated.

Fremantle displayed a brand of footy that will stand up come September. They’re capable, the question now is can they reproduce on a consistent basis?

And there’s no better litmus test than the ladder leaders Collingwood, fresh off their first loss in nine matches, at a venue they want to feature in come finals, the MCG.

The hidden meaning behind Harley’s jab

Two alpha males, chests out, adrenaline pumping, game on the line. Harley Reid and Jason Horne-Francis going head-to-head was must-watch, captivating viewing.

The number one draft picks didn’t give an inch, but did Harley give a hint as to where his playing future lies?

In a fiery final quarter, Reid taunted his Power opponent, saying “Back to mummy, leave after one year”.

He was mocking Horne-Francis for requesting a trade from North Melbourne back to South Australia after one year in blue and white.

Two years into his own career, Reid’s future is constantly spoken about, many on the east coast believing it’s a matter of “when”, not “if” Harley returns to play in Victoria.

Some would suggest Reid’s actions should give confidence to West Coast he’s committed to the club and play a key role in its rise back up the table.

I mean, why would you insult someone, only to do the exact same? On the flip side, as the second of his initial three-year contracts nears the end, the Tongala product does risk being a “hypocrite” should he request a move home.

At just 20 and 22 years old, there’s no doubt the Reid and Horne-Francis match-up is set to trill and entertain for the next decade. It’s just a matter of what colour jumper they’ll be doing it in.