FREMANTLE 15.12 (102) d NORTH MELBOURNE 11.10 (76)

KEY POINTS

JACKSON STARS: Premiership star Luke Jackson reinforced why the Dockers prized him from Melbourne with a match-defining third term in a 26-point win over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. The Dockers trailed by 17 points at half-time (that had burst to 32 during the second term), having been cut open by the Kangaroos’ run, but Jackson sparked a remarkable turnaround which led to a seven-goal third term and a 23-point lead by the final break. That was enough for the Dockers to hold on, and remain unbeaten after two rounds. Jackson, the prototype modern ruckman, had seven disposals in the third term, including five clearances – the latter the same as the Kangaroos, for the term. Jackson’s ability to get the ball forward, including a goal of his own, was a sight to behold. “Our overall energy, we spoke about that half-time, we played our game in the third quarter,” Jackson told Fox Footy. “There were a few structural changes … we just wanted to go back to our game. Just stay in the moment, that’s what we are big on.” Jackson finished with 24 touches, seven clearances and 21 hit outs in a best-on-ground performance. Andrew Brayshaw, after a quiet start, and veteran Nat Fyfe were excellent, while the imposing Alex Pearce held Nick Larkey to only one goal. Brayshaw said the Dockers were “sliced up in the middle” in the first half, but his team was able to regroup at the main break. “We knew we just had to keep backing ourselves … there were a few critical contests we won, and that was infectious,” Brayshaw said. Coach Justin Longmuir has the Dockers purring, for they put 93 points on the board against grand finalist Brisbane last week, and had 102 against the Kangaroos. Next up is winless Adelaide in Perth.

ROOS WILL TROUBLE TEAMS: The Kangaroos, complete with their “North ball”, are a work in progress, but the half-back line they had, at times, against the Dockers will trouble most teams. Former hard-running Blue Zac Fisher, star rookie Colby McKercher and best-and-fairest Harry Sheezel, in only his second season, provided creativity and drive. The Dockers had few answers in the first term, particularly as they seemingly were outnumbered by the Kangaroos at every opportunity. And with clean ball users Fisher and Sheezel among those with ball in hand, it made it a tough start for the visitors, who trailed by two goals at the first change.

FAST ROOS IMPRESS EARLY: Speaking of “North ball”, this is the attacking game-plan Alastair Clarkson has devised, as most teams now are seeking to move the ball quickly, and score more through the corridor. The Kangaroos were ballistic in the first term, but it was a patient build-up through the win and to the pocket which led to a Cam Zurhaar goal in the second term which would have pleased close observers. That highlighted a maturity, a sense of when to run, and when to be patient, giving the Kangaroos a chance to compete against all opponents this season. We also liked Tom Powell’s performance, the hard-working Kangaroo backing up a career-high 26 touches last week, with 28 today.

KEY STATS