Fremantle's season has a pulse, with the Dockers snapping a four-game losing streak after a thrilling one-point win over the Swans in front of 33,594 people at Optus Stadium.
Without inspirational leader Nat Fyfe, Fremantle overcame a 10-point half-time deficit to notch its eighth win of the season and now sits just one win outside the top eight.
Andrew Brayshaw levelled scores with just under two minutes remaining when his shot on the run from 50m missed left, before Ed Langdon put the Dockers in front by a point when his snap on goal veered right 30 seconds later.
The Swans were unlucky not be awarded a free kick at half-forward with just over a minute remaining when Ethan Hughes was brought to ground after appearing to have prior opportunity.
Sydney had the ball in its forward line for the final minute, but was unable to score, with Fremantle's defence doing extremely well not to concede a behind.
"What a great contest," Dockers veteran David Mundy, who had 24 disposals and a game-high 11 clearances, told Fox Footy.
"The big guys were really good, really crucial for us, obviously giving us first use, but the smalls played their part, too.
"It was a great term performance."
Langdon puts Freo in front with a behind!#AFLFreoSwans pic.twitter.com/8ORax0KBHW
— AFL (@AFL) July 20, 2019
Aaron Sandilands (14 touches, 17 hitouts) added: "We'll take any win at the moment. To get there by one pint, we'll take it."
Fremantle dominated Sydney at the stoppages 42-21; it's best effort of the season.
Remarkably, the Dockers have won four games in 2019 by less than five points.
Rory Lobb was a focal point all night and booted three goals, but finished the game with a left arm injury.
Full Score
Fremantle: 1.1, 3.6, 6.7, 7.10 (52)
Sydney: 1.4, 5.4, 5.6, 7.9 (51)
BEST
Fremantle: Mundy, Lobb, Conca, Ryan, Darcy, Brayshaw
Sydney: Lloyd, Reid, Parker, Hewett, Jones, Kennedy
GOALS
Fremantle: Lobb 3, Matera, Conca, Hill, Walters
Sydney: Reid 3, Papley, Blakey, Parker, Fox