Bolton shines as Dockers rain on Suns' parade
Fremantle star Shai Bolton kicked three goals to get one over former mentor Damien Hardwick, inspiring his side to a hard-fought 11-point win against fast-finishing Gold Coast.
Bolton showcased his elite talent in wet and wild conditions, leading the Dockers to a precious 11.9 (75) to 9.10 (64) victory at People First Stadium on Saturday.
Highlighted as Fremantle's "barometer" by ex-Richmond boss Hardwick in the build-up to the game, Bolton shone in the front half with 20 disposals.
But his late tackle on Nick Holman was every bit as important, directly leading to Jye Amiss's match-sealing goal in the final 30 seconds.
The Dockers had led by a game-high 20 points in the final quarter, but saw the lead trimmed to five as Gold Coast gave them a huge scare.
A third straight victory put the Dockers (7-5) into the top eight, while the Suns (8-3) suffered just their third loss of the season and first on home turf.
Caleb Serong (27 disposals, six clearances) and stand-in captain Andrew Brayshaw (30, five) were important for Fremantle, and Patrick Voss stood tall in attack with a career-best three goals and eight tackles.
Luke Jackson (27 disposals, 20 hit-outs) was influential as a ruckman, and Jordan Clark (30 touches) was composed in defence.
Gold Coast captain Noah Anderson was immense with game-high tallies of 39 disposals and 12 clearances.
Switched on early, Fremantle built a 20-point lead by quarter-time on the back of their pressure game and ability to score from turnovers.
But Gold Coast cut the margin to one point with three consecutive goals, including one from highly rated academy graduate Leo Lombard on his debut.
The 18-year-old pounced at a forward-50 stoppage and burnt off an opponent to run into an open goal, sparking wild celebrations among his teammates.
A steadying goal from Bolton kept the Dockers in front, leading 6.5 (41) to 5.5 (35) at halftime as heavy rain fell.
The visitors led inside-50s 33-21 at that point, despite the Anderson-led Gold Coast's stoppage dominance (28-17).
Suns midfielder Matt Rowell was reported on the spot for high contact on Neil Erasmus with his left hand, but is unlikely to face sanction after the incident is properly assessed.
There were four lead changes in an entertaining third term that defied the atrocious conditions, as Voss gave Fremantle a 13-point buffer at the final change with his third goal.
Dockers veteran Nat Fyfe made his long-awaited return from injuries as the substitute, activated for the last quarter, and played a role with seven disposals and some important touches.
The Suns made a huge late move, inspired by Sam Flanders' three second-half goals.
They got within six points through Flanders' ridiculous goal off the ground with the outside of his right boot.
Mac Andrew had the chance to level the scores with four minutes left, but missed his set shot around the body from the pocket.
Brayshaw was crunched in a huge hit from Daniel Rioli moments before Amiss clinched the Dockers' victory.
Rowell (27 disposals, eight clearances) and Touk Miller (24, nine) were strong contributors for Gold Coast, and Jed Walter kicked two goals.
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