In a nail-biting Round 14 clash at Optus Stadium on a rather wet and crisp June evening at Optus Stadium with Fremantle narrowly edging out North Melbourne by six points, winning 10.13 (73) to 10.7 (67). The Dockers looked in control for most of the game, building a strong 28-point lead during the third quarter. However, a determined final-term surge from the Kangaroos brought the margin down to just a single point with minutes to play, setting up a thrilling finish.
North Melbourne’s comeback had the home crowd on edge, but it was Fremantle’s Luke Jackson who stepped up when it mattered most, kicking a crucial goal late in the fourth quarter to restore some breathing space. Just as the Kangaroos threatened to go coast-to-coast for a final attack, Josh Treacy took a match-saving mark in defence, halting the momentum and ensuring the Dockers held on for their fourth consecutive win.
Fremantle’s performance was highlighted by several standout contributors. Luke Jackson was instrumental, not only with his key goal but through his physical presence around the ground. Josh Treacy's last-minute intercept was arguably the most pivotal moment of the match. Corey Wagner also provided an early spark, nailing a long-range goal that kept the Dockers firing during the first half.
The match unfolded in contrasting quarters. North Melbourne got off to a strong start, leading by two points at quarter time. Fremantle then took control in the second and third quarters, kicking six goals to just three from the Kangaroos. But the final quarter belonged to North, as they piled on 4.2 to Fremantle's 2.2, nearly stealing the game.
Post-match, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir praised his team’s composure under pressure, noting the importance of weathering North Melbourne’s late challenge. The win lifts the Dockers into sixth place on the ladder and continues their strong mid-season form. Meanwhile, the Kangaroos, despite the loss, showed considerable improvement and competitiveness that will hearten their supporters.
The condition of the Optus Stadium surface drew some criticism following heavy use during an NRL State of Origin clash earlier in the week. Players at times struggled for footing, but both sides adapted well to the challenging conditions.
Fremantle will now turn their attention to a Round 15 meeting with Essendon, while North Melbourne will look to build on the momentum from their strong final quarter in upcoming fixtures. Despite the result, both teams left the field with positives to take forward into the second half of the season.
On the food front I delved into the habanero hot chicken wings. Priced at $16.20, these wings made a bold impression with their smoky, tangy marinade and a heat that steadily built to a serious burn. Crispy on the outside and juicy within, they delivered plenty of flavour and fire for those game enough to take them on. While I have had these during cricket matches and some other events at the stadium, the price match is a little off-balance. However, the taste factor is very decent for a stadium offering and with the sauce that pairs with it, does go down rather nicely.
Also on the stadium menu was the much-hyped cheeseburger kebab, priced at $18.50 — a figure that raised eyebrows before the first bite. Unfortunately, the taste didn’t come close to justifying the cost. Despite the novelty of wrapping classic cheeseburger ingredients — beef, cheese, pickles, and burger sauce — in a flatbread, the result was uninspiring. It tasted exactly like a stock standard cheeseburger you’d expect to get at any WAFL ground, sitting on the grassy banks watching a Saturday afternoon game. That kind of nostalgia is fine — even enjoyable — but not at nearly twenty dollars. For a stadium aiming to elevate its food offerings, this one felt like a half-hearted attempt dressed up as innovation.
Even more disappointing were the spicy chicken dim sums, priced at $14.50. Despite their name, they lacked any noticeable spice, delivering a bland and uninspired flavour that fell flat from the first bite. The texture was rubbery and forgettable, and the overall taste was compared by one fan to “chewing cardboard in soy sauce.” At that price point, the quality simply didn’t match the cost — making them feel overpriced and underwhelming. It’s a clear case of style over substance, and unfortunately, the flavour didn’t deliver on the promise of heat or value.
Drinks that were consumed were Captain Morgan and Johnnie Walker which were mid-strengths and at 13.50. I have said it a million times that alco-pop taxes are not mitigating the consumption of alcohol in Australia and is simply not working. But they went down nicely with the wings and with good company also.
Another outing at Optus stadium done and dusted. A nice belated birthday treat for myself and was a nice evening out and was good fun all round. Hopefully do this all again sometime soon.
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