The stat that Fremantle must improve in for GF clash

Fremantle are through to the AFL Grand Final for only the second time in their 32-year history.

But following their preliminary final win against the Swans, a stat has emerged that could be a cause of concern.

Despite being down by 21 points at three-quarter time against Sydney at the SCG, Fremantle turned the deficit into a lead as they kicked the last six goals of the match to win by 12 points.

But their final quarter dominance marked only the third quarter that the club has won during this year’s finals series.

Fremantle's finals series by each quarter

Qualifying Final vs Hawthorn

• Q1 – HAW 28-9 FRE
• Q2 – HAW 15-1 FRE
• Q3 – HAW 21-21 FRE
• Q4 – HAW 8-9 FRE

Semi-Final vs Geelong

• Q1 - GEE 13-38 FRE
• Q2 - GEE 31-27 FRE
• Q3 – GEE 36-31 FRE
• Q4 – GEE 26-24 FRE

Preliminary Final vs Sydney

• Q1 – SYD 29-13 FRE
• Q2 -  SYD 19-16 FRE
• Q3 – SYD 22-20 FRE
• Q4 – SYD 1-34 FRE

Whilst they haven’t been able to have a complete four-quarter performance during this year’s finals series, former West Coast coach Adam Simpson acknowledges that it’s not a great indicator compared to their home and away season.

But with only one game remaining, all of that is irrelevant so long as they can get the job done.  

“I said at the start of the year, they're ready to lose a prelim,” Simpson said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“I think the loss in the first week (against Hawthorn) jolted them into action.

“The form line is not as good as it was earlier in the year, but it's different, isn't it?

“This time of year, it's just survive and advance, and it doesn't matter how it gets done.

“You just gotta get it done and then hopefully you turn up on the day, and you perform. That's not a great stat, and some of their better players aren't playing four-quarter footy, and some of their younger players aren't playing as well as they did during the year.

“I think Murphy Reid is a classic example. All-Australian this year, I don't think his final series I think it's one of learning and one of delivering.

“So just get through and win.”

The Dockers will now face either Hawthorn or Brisbane in this year’s Grand Final, with the two sides facing off at the MCG on Saturday twilight.

SEN will have live coverage of the clash across its radio network and on the SEN app from 3pm AEST, with the match beginning at 5:15pm.