Fremantle's collapse: how a 17-point lead became a seven-point loss
Fremantle blew a 17-point lead in the final five minutes to lose the Grand Final by seven points to Brisbane.
Fremantle's heartbreak in the Grand Final is already fueling the Dockers' pre-season drive, coach Justin Longmuir says. The Dockers held a 17-point advantage with less than five minutes to play but conceded two back-to-back goals to lose by seven points to Brisbane.
Longmuir said he has processed the loss and identified specific moments, particularly a forward 50 stoppage with two minutes left, where execution fell short. 'There will be some clear things we need to get better at and didn't execute well enough in the biggest moment,' he said on Friday.
Despite the loss, Longmuir, who was confirmed as Western Australia's coach for February's AAMI AFL Origin clash, said the experience will only strengthen the team in 2027.
- 17 points
- Lead blown
- 7 points to Brisbane
- Final margin
- 45
- Coach age
- MCG
- Venue
Why it mattersUnderstanding what went wrong in those final moments could help Fremantle close out tight games and challenge for the 2027 premiership.
AustraliaThe devastating loss stings for AFL fans across Australia, but Fremantle has time to rebuild and challenge again in 2027.
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