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Dockers leave it late, Gary Ablett injures knee

A last-minute goal to David Mundy propelled Fremantle to a stunning four-point AFL win over Richmond at the MCG.

The Tigers led for the most of a pressure-packed encounter but a late mistake from defender Bachar Houli let the Dockers in for the 12.10 (82) to 10.18 (78) win.

Damien Hardwick’s men hit the post five times in an inaccurate display that ultimately cost them the game.

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The Dockers trailed by two goals early in the final term but kept coming, with Matthew Pavlich kicking one of his three goals for the evening.

Garrick Ibbotson then marked Houli’s errant kick-in following a behind, after Tom Sheridan missed his chance at the match winner.

Ibbotson set up Mundy who broke Tiger hearts with a set shot from 50m out with just 31 seconds left on the clock.

Mundy was influential throughout with 28 possessions, with Nat Fyfe, who looked troubled by a corked thigh, and Michael Barlow also key contributors.

Brandon Ellis and Trent Cotchin were prominent for Richmond, along with Dustin Martin, but he was the chief offender in front of goal with four behinds.

A dour first quarter that yielded one goal to each side and ended with scores level at quarter-time gave way to an entertaining second term.

Ivan Maric then helped spark the Tigers with a brilliant chase down tackle on Fyfe and backed it up with two goals as Richmond edged ahead.

But a bizarre 50m penalty paid against Martin for squirting Lee Spurr with his water bottle played a part in a Dockers’ fight-back.

Chris Mayne kicked a goal from point-blank range following the penalty and when Matt Taberner kicked truly after the halftime siren, Fremantle trailed by just two points.

The Tigers lost Shaun Hampson to a knee injury but they gained the upper hand early in a third quarter played with a finals-like intensity.

The Dockers couldn’t break through Richmond’s stifling forward press, with only the Tigers’ continued inaccuracy stopping them from going further than 12 points up.

Another odd 50m penalty when Clancee Pearce was whistled while trying to get off the ground to receive treatment on a shoulder injury didn’t hurt Fremantle, who again finished strongly with Fyfe and Barlow key.

The Tigers held a slender five point lead at three-quarter time and looked the stronger team early before Ross Lyon’s men came with a late charge.

Earlier, Adelaide finished full of running to post an 19.11 (125) to 12.8 (80) win over the Gold Coast Suns.

The Crows led by just nine points at the final change but stormed home, kicking seven goals to two in the last quarter.

Gary Ablett’s injury was the story of the game, though, with the Suns star – playing just his sixth match of the season – subbed off at quarter time with a knee problem.

Ablett suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee in a collision with team-mate Matt Shaw and is expected to miss four to six matches.

Patrick Dangerfield (36 disposals) and Scott Thompson (34) led the way for the Crows, while small forward Charlie Cameron kicked four goals.

Tom Lynch booted four for the Suns and Harley Bennell won 39 disposals in an excellent return from a club-enforced suspension.

And Tom Hawkins kicked five goals as Geelong kept their finals hopes alive with a dour 9.15 (69) to 6.6 (42) win over Greater Western Sydney in Canberra.

Geelong, bidding for a ninth successive finals appearance, led at every change in an impressive performance.

Steven Motlop, linked with a switch away from the Cats, won 31 disposals and kicked two goals for the winners in an excellent performance.

Adam Treloar had 30 disposals for the Giants but with key forward Jeremy Cameron well-held they struggled in attack.

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