Luke Jackson produced yet another rucking masterclass and Josh Treacy broke his run of ducks to lift Fremantle to a 41-point win over injury-hit Essendon at Optus Stadium.
Jackson tallied 21 disposals to go with 48 hitouts, 10 clearances and three goals in the 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) win in front of 37,570 fans on Thursday night.
Luke Jackson of the Dockers contests the ruck against Vigo Visentini of the Bombers.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Treacy, who entered the match on the back of a three-game goalless run, finished with three majors to go with crashing pack after pack.
Fremantle’s fifth win on the trot improved their record to 9-5 ahead of next week’s clash with St Kilda.
Essendon (6-8) face a major battle to turn around their fortunes, with their fourth consecutive loss leaving them well adrift of the top eight.
Jackson dominated his contest against Essendon debutant Vigo Visentini, who battled hard for 15 disposals and 17 hitouts but was outclassed by Fremantle’s star big man.
It continued a rich vein of form for Jackson, who has thrived in the lead ruck role this season, especially in the games when Sean Darcy isn’t playing.
“He’s a special player. We love having him. He’s not going anywhere,” star Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong told Fox Footy.
“He’s locked in with us. I think what him and Sean are going to build over the next couple of months is really exciting.
“I can’t wait to be a part of it. As a midfielder, I’m licking my lips.”
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