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Walyalup (Fremantle) produce key win over Euro Yroke (St Kilda) at Marvel Stadium

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Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
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VideoThe St Kilda veteran's hit left his Fremantle opponent worse for wear.

Walyalup (Fremantle) have overcome a second week of inaccuracy to beat Euro Yroke (Sy Kilda) by 17 points at Marvel Stadium and claim another crucial win on the road.

Fresh from kicking 4.15 in last week’s loss to Sydney at Optus Stadium, the Dockers again struggled in front of goal, but this time they won 9.18 (72) to 8.7 (55).

It was a night where Walayalup were fantastic around the ground and should have won by more. They dominated the clearances 49-34, led the inside 50 battle 53-45 and took 17 marks inside 50 to the Saints’ five. But it took until the final term to get the edge on the scoreboard.

The Saints started strongly and burst to a two-goal lead while playing attacking footy. Coach Ross Lyon had promised they’d play with more flair and they followed those instructions.

The Dockers were battling to find their groove and suffered a cruel blow when Michael Frederick was knocked out in a horrible collision during the opening minutes.

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Euro Yroke had 10 of the first 12 inside 50s before Walyalup steadied. But the visitors seized control in the midfield and made the most of that with three goals during time on to enter quarter time leading by eight points.

The second quarter followed the same pattern as the Saints started better with goals to Owens and Liam Henry before the Dockers finally found their range through a Jye Amiss snap.

But then the kicking problems started. Amiss and Patrick Voss both missed two set shots each, but Bailey Banfield finally converted his chance and the Dockers led by three points at half time.

Bailey Banfield celebrates
Camera IconBailey Banfield celebrates Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Dockers looked amazing when they got the ball into space. Their forward handballs opened up the game, particularly when they had the ball in the centre corridor.

The clash had a fascinating battle between the ruckmen with Luke Jackson and Rowan Marshall influential for their teams. By half-time, Marshall had a game-high 19 disposals and four clearances but Jackson had won seven clearances of his own among 16 possessions which included five score involvements.

Walyalup needed to start a quarter well instead of playing catch-up but Anthony Caminiti kicked the first two goals of the third term to give the Saints a 10-point break.

Hayden Young in action
Camera IconHayden Young in action Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Amiss replied moments later, but then they kicked five points in a row as frustrations rose.

Scores were level with one quarter remaining and it was familiar territory for the Saints who had played in six games decided by 10 points or less and won only one of them.

Walyalup started the final term with three consecutive points and then had their hearts broken when a score review over ruled a Jeremy Sharp goal. The irony was a horrible kick in left the Saints in a hole and Josh Treacy finally nailed the snap to give his team the reward they’d worked so hard for.

Matt Johnson applies pressure
Camera IconMatt Johnson applies pressure Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It was just a matter of if Walyalup could finish the Saints off and, having not booted a goal all season, Jaeger O’Meara kicked the last two majors to seal victory.

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