England's foreign legion Ashes squad

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YOU'VE got the whole world in your team.

This parody of the modern English cricket side, made popular by The Fanatics during previous Ashes series, seems more appropriate than ever after the unveiling of England's Ashes squad this week.

England's selectors have opted to include Boyd Rankin, who represented his native Ireland at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, as well as Gary Ballance, the nephew of Dave Houghton and a former Zimbabwean under-19 representative, in their touring squad. They join a foreign legion that includes the South Africa-born trio of Kevin Pietersen, Jonathon Trott and Matt Prior.

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England have made a habit of recruiting foreign players over the last decade including Darren Pattinson, the brother of current Australian fast bowler James Pattinson, for the Headingley Test against South Africa in 2008.

The younger Pattinson has previously stated that the abuse levelled at Darren from inside the England camp for "defecting" has provided ample motivation ahead of his previous duels with the old enemy. He was more diplomatic when assessing the current England squad, however.

"There's a few of them there, isn't there?" Pattinson said. "Obviously they're fantastic players, they've come through the development squad in England so they've done all the work with the English boys."

Family aside, Pattinson has ample experience of the free movement of labour within modern international cricket. Fawad Ahmed, born in Pakistan and Australia's newest limited overs spinner, is Pattinson's teammate with Victoria.

Pattinson's Australian teammate, Steve Smith, was similarly reluctant to criticise England's selection policies.

"They've obviously come through the system and have qualified to play for England now," Smith said. "So you've just got to put up with it.

"I've seen a few of them play. Gary Ballance, one of the new guys, got a hundred against us in the tour match at Northampton, so he obviously can play a fair bit. Boyd Rankin played in the one-day series, so I saw a bit of him. They've obviously got some good young players coming through, and people that we'll probably have to look to target if they get a game."

Matt Wade, meanwhile, supported coach Darren Lehmann's push for Australia to produce an entertaining style of play. Lehmann raised the ire of elements within English cricket this week by describing their approach to the game as "dour", but Wade was supportive of his coach's approach.

"Boof obviously encourages us to express ourselves on the cricket field, and play the way we want to play, (which is to) be exciting and entertaining," Wade said. "That's the brand of cricket he's after and that's what he's going for especially in our team.

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"I'm not sure about his comments about England being dour and boring – they're a good cricket team, that's for sure. They've just beaten us in the Ashes so we're going to have to play some good cricket to win the Ashes here."

Brett Lee, Lehmann's former teammate, described the coach's comments as pre-series gamesmanship.

"When you talk about the Ashes … there's going to be a bit of stick thrown around the media," Lee said. "We all know how it works.

"As long as no one crosses the line, which Darren certainly hasn't … he's just trying to get one up on the Poms, I think."

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Osieck's bemusing Socceroos squad

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IF the selection of David Carney in the Socceroos squad for the France and Canada clashes was one of the more surprising inclusions by Holger Osieck, the exclusion of Millwall's Shane Lowry at his expense has to be the most bemusing omission.

The national team has gone through almost as many left back's since Scott Chipperfield's retirement as the Australian cricket team has done spinners since Shane Warne called it quits.

So it beggars belief that 24 year old Lowry, who is coming off a 39 game season in the English Championship that saw him feature in an F.A Cup semi-final, has again been overlooked in favour of 29 year old Carney who has played eight club games in the past two seasons. Four of which were in Uzbekistan.

This is not a criticism of Carney's ability. 

Of all the left-backs Australia has used since Chipperfield's departure he has easily been the most capable and after a near, year-long search for a club he has found himself an excellent set-up at the New York Red Bulls in which to relaunch his career. But having played only four times in the MLS since signing, he should be required to prove his form over a longer period of time in order to win a national team recall, especially after such a long absence from regular club football.

This is, though, a criticism of Osieck's continual refusal to grant Lowry his first cap.

After graduating through Aston Villa's academy, the West Australian opted to leave the Midlands club for greater opportunities. Millwall chose to make his loan spell there permanent last season and Lowry flourished in London.

He was unmovable in Millwall's back four, winning over the fans and making the left-back spot his own as well as filling in at the centre of defence when required. And while his attack on the ball fits in perfectly with his club's aggressive culture, his elevation to set-piece taker for both corners and free-kicks proves that his left foot possesses just as much craft as it does tenacity.

The Socceroos would be well served by another option from dead ball situations.

Lowry's start to this season has been slower than the last, and while there's no guarantees that he's the long term solution at left-back, it's perpelexing as to why Osieck hasn't yet made him an option by surveying him in camp.

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The Championship may lack a touch of technical class but there are few leagues in the world that are as gruelling and demanding as the 46 game marathon of English Football's second tier. Socceroo legends Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill could both vouch for its credibility having launched their careers at Millwall too, while Mile Jedinak spent two seasons there before winning promotion to the Premiership with Crystal Palace.

Michael Zullo, Jason Davidson and Aziz Behich have all had their Socceroos chances hindered by the lack of regular club football while Matt McKay has done a serviceable job but as a midfielder he is a potential liability defensively against top class opposition, as Brazil so brutally proved in their 6-0 thrashing of Australia.

Lowry presents the most obvious combination at present of both defensive acumen with regular game time at a quality level in the left-back position, of any Australian player.

In a Fox Sports interview last season, Lowry said he was willing to bide his time but thought his chance might have come in the February friendly against Romania.

Right now, he must be wondering if it ever will.

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Crameri wants to join Dogs

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Stewart Crameri of the Bombers runs down the wing during the round 14 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Essendon Bombers at Patersons Stadium on June 27, 2013 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

ESSENDON forward Stewart Crameri has told the Bombers he wants to be traded to the Western Bulldogs on a four-year deal.

But the Dons are determined to hang onto Crameri and have told him they are not prepared to trade him under any circumstances.

It will set up weeks of intense haggling between the clubs, which could see Crameri forced into the pre-season draft to get to the Dogs.

The Dogs have an early pick and ample salary cap room, but might have to give up a late first-round or early second-round pick to get their man.

Crameri had met with Essendon on Monday to discuss his prospects, but told the Dons he would accept a Dogs offer believed to be $1,8 million over four seasons tonight.

He is in hospital after having ankle surgery, but is determined to move to a new club.

The 25-year-old is Essendon's leading forward when injury-free despite the inclusion of Joe Daniher this year and the lofty reputation of Michael Hurley.

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Grand Finals full of "What if" moments

Hawthorn Hawks ... Defeat in the grand final was a sad end to the Hawks' season as bad kicking for goal allowed Sydney to spring the upset. The club has vowed to bounce back in 2013. Source: News Limited

"HERE it is", roared Paul Roos as he held aloft the premiership cup.

"That's what I'm talking about", said Shane Crawford, on the same day his coach Alastair Clarkson admitted the 2008 premiership was won three years earlier than expected.

CHAT LIVE WITH JON RALPH FROM 11am

Grand Final week is for "What If" moments about the effect of a premiership for players, coach and club.

Yet this year's Grand Final also has some alternate what ifs that just must be considered too.

What if the Hawks again capitulate on the big stage as they did so heartbreakingly last September?

What if Ross Lyon fails for the fourth time at the big dance, saddling him with an unwanted and unfair legacy of coming up short at the Big Dance?

Fremantle is a premiership contender under coach Ross Lyon. Source: Getty Images

And what if the Hawks lose and then Buddy still leaves them, unprepared to saddle up again to consider unfinished business at Hawthorn?

All of them valid if blunt questions.

The prevailing wisdom is still that Franklin hasn't made up his mind, or at least has told only his closest confidantes if he has.

GWS aren't doing the smug Lets-Wait-And-See thing, confident they have their man.

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They genuinely don't know which way he will go.

But they are desperately hoping Buddy wins on Saturday to make his decision easier.

Much easier to depart having given your club two premierships and nine years of service.

Yet Gary Ablett left Geelong just weeks after a horror year — and a disastrous preliminary finals loss to Collingwood in which he was magnificent.

The what if no one wants to consider is what if Franklin struggles to have an impact in a loss to Fremantle, then is gone just six days later.

What would that do to the love the Hawthorn faithful have for Buddy?

And what if Hawthorn falls short as they have done with such regular monotony since 2008?

Dynasties aren't easy to come by — ask 2010 premiers Collingwood — but this was a side set for a decade of dominance.

Instead they have gone: missed finals, terrible finals loss to Fremantle, preliminary final heartbreak, grand final heartbreak.

So if they cannot conquer Fremantle, do they just keep banging their head against a wall or make significant changes to their list and tactics?

Does Clarkson accept Franklin is gone and use the cap space and picks to replenish the midfield with free agent Dale Thomas and Saint Leigh Montagna as well as Brisbane's Billy Longer.

Clarkson, contracted for next year, has spoken of unfinished business in rebuffing interested from Melbourne in recent seasons.

West Coast would likely throw him a five-year deal and tell him to name his own price, but surely he would saddle up for Hawthorn again in 2014.

And of Ross Lyon, who has been denied by a Matt Scarlett toe-poke, an errant bounce past Stephen Milne and then a hungry Collingwood outfit in a premiership replay?

He is too hellbent on success, and too accomplished and too young at just 46 not to achieve his premiership dream some day.

But he would know the planets have aligned.

How many more times will he have a fit and in-form trio of Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Luke McPharlin plus the frenetic attack on the ball and man which has proved elusive even for past masters like Collingwood?

Both of these coaching titans deserve premiership success, but one will go away searching for answers.

Grand Finals are about achieving greatness with success, but they are also about picking up the pieces if the afternoon goes pear-shaped.

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Dees expected to miss out on pick

Melbourne doesn't look likely to receive a priority pick. Source: DAVID CROSLING / AAP

THE AFL Commission is expected to hear an alarming picture of the financial health of AFL clubs as it decides on Melbourne's priority pick.

The rival 17 clubs are in violent opposition to the prospect of Melbourne receiving a priority pick before or after the draft's first round.

The 2014 debut of dominant 17-year-old Jesse Hogan will likely count against Melbourne, with the expectation an extra pick will not be forthcoming.

The Herald Sun revealed this month that Melbourne had put in an official submission for a priority pick, believing it would help them swiftly turn about their on-field fortunes.

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But while Melbourne's pick is the most controversial topic to be discussed, the financial future of both Melbourne and Brisbane will also be in focus.

The Demons will have their $2.7 million handout officially approved by the AFL Commission today, and the early indication is they will not have to pay that money back.

But Melbourne is also likely to declare a loss of $2 million or more this year — even after receiving the $2.7m AFL cash — and is far from the only club in difficulty.

The commission will consider Brisbane's request for a cash handout given a cash flow crisis that has rival clubs despairing at the Lions' fortunes.

Brisbane will likely have strict conditions placed on their cash hand-out, with the league summoning bickering board members for mediation at AFL House on Tuesday.

In recent days club officials have been informed of a situation approaching a financial crisis with eight or nine clubs to declare losses, many of them significant.

It means the AFL's equalisation discussions are critical to the well-being of the league.

It is expected that the issue of revenue sharing will be discussed by the AFL Commission, although it will be another year before binding rules are implemented.

Some club officials have been told in the past week of the financial black hole facing clubs, and therefore the league.

It means even the most powerful clubs are slowly coming around to the idea that radical measures might be needed to keep the competition in balance.

AFL club presidents and chief executives will meet with the league after this morning's AFL Commission meeting.

The AFL Commission will also consider Melbourne's ability to rebound quickly from this year's struggles.

The Demons have a new coach in Paul Roos and a raft of injured players who will be fit next year, with Hogan gained as a result of the loss of Tom Scully, himself a priority pick.

The Commission will take a recommendation from the AFL executive but can ignore that dossier if it sees fit.

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Why Pav deserves a flag

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PREMIERSHIPS are earned and not deserved.

But if Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich is able to hoist the premiership cup about 5.30pm on Saturday, there will be a collective nod of heads.

Pavlich doesn't deserve it any more than Luke Hodge does, or Max Bailey, of Brian Lake, yet his journey is one of resilience, respect and crazy loyalty.

He rejected million-dollar offers from afar, from both South Australian clubs and Carlton, and at times you wondered if he was making the right decision.

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Such was Fremantle's ineptness on the national stage, Pavlich arguably had earned the right to seek greener pastures, because a football career is short, and failure can menace the minds of even the most balanced sports person.

Since his debut in 2000, the Dockers have finished 12th, 16th, 13th, fifth, ninth, 10th, third, 11th, 14th, 14th, sixth, 11th, seventh and this year awaits.

That's eight double-figure positions on the ladder from 14 seasons.

Through 2007-2009, the Dockers were diabolic.

In Round 4, 2009 at Etihad Stadium against St Kilda, the Dockers kicked 4.4 (28) on the competition's easiest ground to score on.

In Round 15, of the same year, they kicked a humiliating 1.7 against Adelaide and lost by 117 points.

Basket-case teams were quietly chuffed, because no matter how bad they were performing, the Dockers were always worse.

Matthew Pavlich celebrates a goal against Geelong in the qualifying final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

Even in coach Mark Harvey's final season, 2011, where the Dockers showed vast improvement, their last seven games of the season produced scores of 64, 44, 72, 85, 45, 52 and 61.

The Dockers had some pluck, but they couldn't kick goals.

Harvey was sacked and Ross Lyon was hired in a clandestine hit and run assignment, which history would now record as the most critical decision in the club's 19-year history.

Pavlich has lived the turmoil and mostly thrived.

Saturday night was his 290th game.

He is the club's greatest player and a future of Hall of Famer.

But he, too, shouldered blame for being the champion that he is.

There was a period when Pavlich, in big moments in big games, seem to hit the post at every second attempt at goal.

It would beg the question: Has he the big-match temperament to lead his team in a September campaign?

In 2007, former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas famously asked whether Pavlich would rather play great in a Fremantle loss or play poorly in a Fremantle win. Thomas thought the former.

It was a slicing comment from Thomas, directed squarely at Pavlich's leadership priorities.

"There's never been any question about his football ability," Thomas said.

"In the areas where I think he has improved significantly and I firmly believe, and stand by comments I made in the past about him, I didn't see him as a great team leader.

"I saw him as a guy driven to be as a good a player as he could be himself, but I didn't believe he was selfless team leader.

"He's now the complete package and has been for a few years.''

Lyon has a wealth of terrific subjects to add to the pre-Grand Final commentary and didn't forget his skipper on Saturday night.

To be where they are, there had to be buy-in, Lyon said, and Pavlich and key backman Luke McPharlin were front and square.

Thomas reckons Lyon has able to squeeze from Pavlich the final fragments of greatness.

"Ross has been able to take him up another notch again, even it's only been a few per cent,'' Thomas said.

"Pav gets a lot of strength from having a strong leader like Ross. Ross won't let anyone get away from playing selfishly or playing for themselves and you know what I've noticed about Pav is when Freo when under Ross have been dominating sides, he's kept it together.

"Six or seven years ago, Pav would've been jumping on the bandwagon, trying to kick eight goals and do it himself.

"Now, he is the sort of player who gets as much enjoyment out of helping a teammate to succeed than him doing it himself.''

Again, premiership cups are not for good blokes alone, but in Pavlich, there's a sense not so much of destiny, but of reward.

Still, he will have to earn it.

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Buddy the only Hawk yet to sign

Franklin says he'll be fine for the Grand Final. But will he re-sign? Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

BARRING the obvious exception, Hawthorn has secured the services of virtually every one of its best 22 players for the next season at least.

That feat of list management has been achieved despite the difficulty created by Lance Franklin's decision at the start of this year to put on hold all contract discussions until the end of the season.

And while the club has done a remarkable job in not allowing the Franklin situation to become a damaging distraction from the business of winning, it could still have a sting in the tail.

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Of the Hawks' first-choice team, only Franklin and ruckman Max Bailey are not out of contract — and the manager of unrestricted free agent Bailey said last week that he would be going nowhere.

It was reported last week that the Hawks had taken their latest offer to Franklin off the table, at least temporarily.

The year-long Franklin stand-off means the club has either had to deal with its other players with more than a tenth of its salary cap set aside for Franklin, or — with a spate of signings in recent weeks — it has moved on without him.

The former scenario is much more likely, and means the Hawks could aggressively enter the trade and free agency markets if and when Franklin declares he is gone.

Lance Franklin, Adidas deal. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

On the one hand, other stars at the club could be pleased at the possible influx of new talent — a late play for Dale Thomas and even Sydney ruckman Shane Mumford has been mooted.

On the other, several could be a little aggrieved that they have signed for less than their market worth because Franklin had decided to spend the year weighing his multi-million-dollar options.

Even premiership captain and perennial Brownlow fancy Sam Mitchell said this year that Franklin deserves to be the highest paid Hawk.

But how happy would he be if the Franklin money was spent on incoming trades?

It is possible that there are clauses in some Hawk contracts that allow for more money should Franklin walk.

In the period between Hawthorn's qualifying final win over Sydney and Friday night's win against the Cats, they club quietly stitched up its young brigade — Jed Anderson, Bradley Hill, Isaac Smith, Ryan Schoenmakers and Paul Puopolo.

Already this year, it had dealt with Luke Hodge, Jarryd Roughead, Matt Suckling, Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne and Cyril Rioli.

Unless you follow Hawthorn on twitter or are a regular visitor to the club's website, you could be forgiven for missing the more recent signings.

There was little fanfare and the club did not want to talk to the Herald Sun about it.

It hasn't said a lot about Franklin, either and neither has his manager Liam Pickering.

We could expect to hear from both parties as soon as next week.

Whether Franklin stays or goes, the Hawks are in excellent shape.

BUDDY'S DECISION

GWS: Up to $12m over six seasons, including marketing allowances and third party agreements

HAW: $4.5m over four seasons

HAWTHORN SIGNINGS

NEW DEALS IN 2013

Luke Hodge

Jarryd Roughead

Sam Mitchell

Shaun Burgoyne

Cyril Rioli

Matt Suckling

Jed Anderson

Bradley Hill

Isaac Smith

Ryan Schoenmakers

Paul Puopolo

ALREADY LOCKED UP

Jordan Lewis

Josh Gibson

Brad Sewell

Grant Birchall

Brian Lake

Jack Gunston

David Hale

Shane Savage

Luke Breust

Ben Stratton

Liam Shiels

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Max Bailey

Xavier Ellis

Brent Guerra

Michael Osborne

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Dusty welcome back at Tigerland

Future ... Dustin Martin is likely to remain at Richmond. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

RICHMOND would welcome Dustin Martin back into Punt Rd after a positive meeting with coach Damien Hardwick over a beer on Friday.

The move to sound out Greater Western Sydney saw his manager Ralph Carr roundly criticised and another prospective home removed from the table.

Only Brisbane remains as a potential suitor, and even the Lions are an extreme long shot given they do not have a coach and would be unlikely to pay him $600,000 a year.

Martin and Hardwick met in St Kilda on Friday afternoon, where the Tigers coach reinforced to Martin just how valuable a player he is to Richmond.

They will work towards trying to seal a deal for Martin this week.

Forward Aaron Edwards has emerged as an unlikely mentor and quasi-minder for Martin, who at one stage lived with captain Trent Cotchin.

Edwards is no stranger to controversies, but has been helping close friend Martin to get through this difficult period and working on his off-field habits and behaviours.

But while Hardwick and Martin have an extremely strong relationship, the fourth-year Tiger must still decide to re-engage in contract negotiations.

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It has been confirmed that the Tigers have taken the two-year million dollar contract off the table given the breakdown in negotiation after four months.

But there are still varying reports about whether the Tigers will reduce that offer if and when Martin decides to come back to the negotiating table.

Tigers sources said the Reece Conca and Martin contracts were not linked in any way, so Conca's signing on a three-year deal should not affect Martin's price.

But while the Tigers hoped to be active in the trade period that seems unlikely if both sign, with GWS midfielder Taylor Adams also harder to acquire.

Former captain Chris Newman signed a one-year deal mid-season, while key position player Ben Griffiths will also sign a one-year deal.

In injury news, star forward Jack Riewoldt has needed minor knee surgery that won't affect his return in late November.

Small forward Jake King also needed toe surgery but will make a swift recovery after surgeries to his foot, wrist and knee in the previous off-season.

The Tigers are considering a training camp in Queensland later in the pre-season but have not confirmed any dates.

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Tigers will never give up on Dusty

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RICHMOND has always gone the extra mile for Dustin Martin.

He's had cooking classes, free lodging, advice on how to spend his money and work experience at Lindsay Fox's trucking company.

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"We have heavily invested in Dustin Martin as a person and a player — probably more so than anyone else beyond his family," Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said.

"He is a young man that has grown up significantly since he arrived at the club. As we have said from day one — he is a required player and a very important player.

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"He has had his best season ever. I anticipate he will finish high up in the best and fairest.

"Whilst we are bitterly disappointed with the way the contract negotiations have unfolded, nothing has transpired in the past seven days that will change our commitment to him as a person or player."

During his early days as a Tiger, Martin lived with president Gary March, his wife Bev and the kids in Middle Park.

"I appreciate them having me in,'' Martin said at the time.

"I'm very comfortable there. Marchy had the spare room and it has helped me a lot. It's hard to explain. I just felt more comfortable, a bit more relaxed living with a family instead of out on my own."

March's previous billet was a bloke called Ben Cousins.

It was all part of Richmond's constant efforts to steer Martin through life as an AFL star.

But under the guidance of his manager, Ralph Carr, Martin surprisingly decided to publicly test his worth in the marketplace.

On Thursday, he jetted out of Melbourne with Carr to meet with officials from Greater Western Sydney.

It followed a breakdown in contract negotiations between Richmond and Carr.

Martin wants $600,000 a season and the Tigers won't budge from their offer of $500,000.

The Giants pulled out of the race on Friday, leaving the Brisbane Lions as the only possible suitor.

It's a strategy that has backfired. Martin is likely to stay at Tigerland, possibly on less money than he was offered months ago.

Martin's former player agent, Ricky Nixon, has urged the bullocking midfielder to stay. He says leaving Richmond would be a mistake.

"I would say to him: 'Richmond is the best place for you'," Nixon said.

"Sometimes agents get caught up in trying to prove to the player how good they are. You have to make a decision for your client, not for yourself."

At different times, Martin has been compared to Darren Millane, Leigh Matthews, Mark Riccuito and even Sam Kekovich.

He's a powerhouse midfielder, but still way off fulfilling his potential. Off-field, too, he's a work in progress.

Richmond's player welfare program looks after all of its young players, but the club has gone above and beyond for Martin.

Martin's mentors at Richmond have included former skipper Chris Newman and assistant coach Wayne Campbell. His best mates at the club include Newman, Shane Edwards and Luke McGuane. For a while last summer, he lived with captain Trent Cotchin and his fiancee Brooke.

This year, development coach Mark "Choco" Williams wrapped his arms around the No.4, resulting in Martin's most consistent season.

Martin often has dinner at Williams' Brighton home.

The Port Adelaide premiership coach has helped Martin with presentations he has given to indigenous youths at Punt Rd's Korin Gamadji Institute. Martin also spoke this year at prestigious Caulfield Grammar.

"He has worked very closely with Mark and the two have developed a great relationship," Gale said. "The club will continue to support Dustin in any way possible as we do with all our players."

Another footy figure said Martin was a good kid, receiving bad advice from his management.

"All kids who come from interstate or the country and are not living at home need attention," the figure said.

"But the fact he's such a high-profile young lad with tattoos on his neck means he just draws a lot of attention.

"People know who he is. He burst on to the scene."

Martin is adamant he has not yet quit the club. He's just keeping his options open.

"The claims that I have walked out on the Richmond Football Club are totally incorrect," Martin tweeted on Monday.

"I can tell you that at this time, no decision has been made. As you can understand, this is a very important decision for myself and my family and one that I won't make lightly."

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Dockers smash Swans, into big dance

Winners ... Michael Walters celebrate the Dockers victory. Source: News Limited

ROSS Lyon said during the week there was nothing magical about finals.

2.9 (21)	Q1	2.1 (13)
7.11 (53)	Q2	2.2 (14)
11.12 (78)	Q3	5.5 (35)
14.15 (99)	Q4	11.8 (74)

Michael Walters 3	Harry Cunningham 2
Nathan Fyfe 2	Gary Rohan 2
Matthew Pavlich 2	Jude Bolton 1
Nick Suban 2	Daniel Hannebery 1
Hayden Ballantyne 1	Lewis Jetta 1
Michael Barlow 1	Ben McGlynn 1
Ryan Crowley 1	Jarrad McVeigh 1
Paul Duffield 1	Luke Parker 1
Lachie Neale 1	Mike Pyke 1

The 43,249 long-suffering fans who crammed into Patersons Stadium last night to witness Fremantle's finest moment in 19 years thought otherwise.

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They will now hope the 25-point dismantling of Sydney in last night's preliminary final can be topped at the MCG on Saturday as the Dockers take aim at a maiden premiership in a history-making debut Grand Final.

The 14.15 (99) to 11.8 (74) victory was chillingly executed by Fremantle, whose handling of the big stage suggests it won't be overwhelmed in the big one.

The Dockers' methodical and relentless game plan was made for a game like this and the extent of their control during the defining second quarter was awesome.

The team's confidence comes through steadfast belief in what each player can bring to the team and it's that belief in its method that will be the cause of some nerves in the Hawthorn camp this week.

While it was the buy-in from every player that underpinned Fremantle's performance, it was also an occasion that saw the cream rise to the top for the Dockers.

Gun midfielders David Mundy (29 possessions) and Nat Fyfe (27 touches and two goals) were superb, while skipper Matthew Pavlich set the tone with two early goals.

Tagger Ryan Crowley not only destroyed Kieren Jack, who was restricted to just 11 disposals, but provided plenty of drive of his own with 22 possessions and a goal.

Like in the memorable qualifying final win in Geelong a fortnight ago, the ruck control of Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke was again significant and underpinned Fremantle's clearance control.

Powered by 13 first-quarter touches from Mundy, the Dockers got on top early but dominated most of the opening term for little reward after hitting the post four times.

Fremantle went inside 50 17 times to Sydney's seven, and while the home side controlled field position the Dockers were left to lament a series of misses from gettable set shots as they recorded 2.9 (21) for the quarter.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon said before the game that it would be a "battle of the minds'' rather than a physical one Crowley duly obliged as he tried to get inside Jack's head with a verbal barrage.

Crowley held Jack to four possessions for the opening term and had more sledging ammunition after he kicked truly from outside the 50m arc five minutes into the second stanza.

Coaches will tell you there's no such thing as the perfect quarter.

But Fremantle got as close as you can in the second term as it effectively killed off the contest.

The Dockers barely lost an important contest as their pressure game completely overwhelmed the reigning premiers, extending the margin to a commanding 39 points by the major break.

It was a margin that was flattering for the Swans. Jesse White's late behind was Sydney's only possession inside 50m and only score for the quarter.

Pavlich's second goal kick-started a run of five unanswered majors as the Dockers belatedly found their kicking boots to get some scoreboard value for their domination.

Prime midfielders Jack and Daniel Hannebery had just two touches each for the quarter as the visitors' on-ball brigade copped a hammering from Mundy, Fyfe, Crowley and Co.

The Dockers won the possession count 115-60 for the term and the contested ball tally 41-26 as they turned the screws.

The supreme half-hour of footy was acknowledged by a standing ovation as the Dockers came from the field at half-time.

The Swans lifted around the ball in the third term and gave hints of a revival, with Luke Parker getting their first goal since the opening quarter and veteran Jude Bolton kicking truly with his first kick for the game.

It was Fremantle needing to counter-punch and Michael Walters was on hand to provide a touch of class as he snapped his second goal before pulling down a screamer and finishing to become the game's leading goal scorer.

The Dockers continued to answer every question put to them, going goal for goal as substitute Lachie Neale got on the scoresheet.

By the final change, Fremantle had not only weathered the storm but extended its lead to 43 points.

Final-term goals to Michael Barlow and Nick Suban fuelled the frenzied atmosphere.

Sydney strung together five consecutive majors once the sting had gone from the game, although crowd favourite Hayden Ballantyne's late major provided a fitting exclamation point.

The Mexican Wave came out as the realisation hit home that the MCG will be turned purple on the last Saturday in September.

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