Fagan hails young guns as Lions bounce back
But the Lions might have found another ruck partner for premiership tall Darcy Fort after Henry Smith's impressive performance in his first game of 2025 in Saturday night's 27-point win against Collingwood.
Smith played four games last year before making way ahead of the Lions' successful finals push.
But playing up forward against Collingwood, Smith slotted three first-half goals, partnering superbly with Lions young gun Logan Morris.
A premiership player in his rookie season, Morris bagged a career-best six goals in the crucial victory over the Magpies to take his season tally to 40.
"He's a great player, young Logan," Fagan said.
"When he turned up, I just didn't know he was going to turn into the player that he's turned into very quickly.
"He's a level-headed young man, loves his footy and he was so disappointed in his game last week (in a 66-point smashing by Gold Coast).
"It was good to see him respond in the manner he did.
"Oscar's a bit sore at the moment so I'm not sure when he's going to be right.
"It's good that Henry's been able to come in as a forward, but he's also a pretty handy ruckman.
"I hope he can develop into a really good forward who can be a great back-up ruckman."
The Lions sit third with three games to come against Sydney (home), Fremantle (away) and Hawthorn (home) before their premiership defence begins in earnest during the finals.
Brisbane have been able to rise for the biggest games this season, particularly on the road, having taken care of Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, and Hawthorn and Collingwood at the MCG.
But Fagan is not getting too carried away with their first win against the Magpies in 11 years, having needed a thorough review following a shambolic QClash performance.
The Lions will need to replace Ryan Lester for next Saturday's clash with the Swans after the premiership defender went off with concussion in the second quarter.
Lester's injury potentially opens the door for forgotten recruit Tom Doedee to make his Lions debut, having been cruelled by back-to-back ACL injuries and then struggling to find his best form.
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan is unsure when sore ruck stalwart Oscar McInerney will return as he battles a chronic back injury.
But the Lions might have found another ruck partner for premiership tall Darcy Fort after Henry Smith's impressive performance in his first game of 2025 in Saturday night's 27-point win against Collingwood.
Smith played four games last year before making way ahead of the Lions' successful finals push.
But playing up forward against Collingwood, Smith slotted three first-half goals, partnering superbly with Lions young gun Logan Morris.
A premiership player in his rookie season, Morris bagged a career-best six goals in the crucial victory over the Magpies to take his season tally to 40.
"He's a great player, young Logan," Fagan said.
"When he turned up, I just didn't know he was going to turn into the player that he's turned into very quickly.
"He's a level-headed young man, loves his footy and he was so disappointed in his game last week (in a 66-point smashing by Gold Coast).
"It was good to see him respond in the manner he did.
"Oscar's a bit sore at the moment so I'm not sure when he's going to be right.
"It's good that Henry's been able to come in as a forward, but he's also a pretty handy ruckman.
"I hope he can develop into a really good forward who can be a great back-up ruckman."
The Lions sit third with three games to come against Sydney (home), Fremantle (away) and Hawthorn (home) before their premiership defence begins in earnest during the finals.
Brisbane have been able to rise for the biggest games this season, particularly on the road, having taken care of Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, and Hawthorn and Collingwood at the MCG.
But Fagan is not getting too carried away with their first win against the Magpies in 11 years, having needed a thorough review following a shambolic QClash performance.
The Lions will need to replace Ryan Lester for next Saturday's clash with the Swans after the premiership defender went off with concussion in the second quarter.
Lester's injury potentially opens the door for forgotten recruit Tom Doedee to make his Lions debut, having been cruelled by back-to-back ACL injuries and then struggling to find his best form.
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan is unsure when sore ruck stalwart Oscar McInerney will return as he battles a chronic back injury.
But the Lions might have found another ruck partner for premiership tall Darcy Fort after Henry Smith's impressive performance in his first game of 2025 in Saturday night's 27-point win against Collingwood.
Smith played four games last year before making way ahead of the Lions' successful finals push.
But playing up forward against Collingwood, Smith slotted three first-half goals, partnering superbly with Lions young gun Logan Morris.
A premiership player in his rookie season, Morris bagged a career-best six goals in the crucial victory over the Magpies to take his season tally to 40.
"He's a great player, young Logan," Fagan said.
"When he turned up, I just didn't know he was going to turn into the player that he's turned into very quickly.
"He's a level-headed young man, loves his footy and he was so disappointed in his game last week (in a 66-point smashing by Gold Coast).
"It was good to see him respond in the manner he did.
"Oscar's a bit sore at the moment so I'm not sure when he's going to be right.
"It's good that Henry's been able to come in as a forward, but he's also a pretty handy ruckman.
"I hope he can develop into a really good forward who can be a great back-up ruckman."
The Lions sit third with three games to come against Sydney (home), Fremantle (away) and Hawthorn (home) before their premiership defence begins in earnest during the finals.
Brisbane have been able to rise for the biggest games this season, particularly on the road, having taken care of Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, and Hawthorn and Collingwood at the MCG.
But Fagan is not getting too carried away with their first win against the Magpies in 11 years, having needed a thorough review following a shambolic QClash performance.
The Lions will need to replace Ryan Lester for next Saturday's clash with the Swans after the premiership defender went off with concussion in the second quarter.
Lester's injury potentially opens the door for forgotten recruit Tom Doedee to make his Lions debut, having been cruelled by back-to-back ACL injuries and then struggling to find his best form.
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4 hours ago
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Spirited Wallabies deny Lions series clean sweep
The Wallabies have restored some national pride and avoided a dubious place in Australian sports history with a face-saving 22-12 third-Test win over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney. Joe Schmidt's side overcame miserable conditions, the absence of key forwards Alan Alaalatoa and Rob Valetini and first-choice halfback Jake Gordon as well as the loss of dazed flyhalf Tom Lynagh to record a spirited and spiteful victory at Accor Stadium. Much of Saturday night's match was played in torrential rain while lightning early in the second half forced a rare 38-minute stoppage as several hundred fans were forced to evacuate the stadium to take shelter. The Lions had been bidding to complete the first 3-0 series whitewash in Australia since 1904 after securing the trophy with a controversial 29-26 win in Melbourne last Saturday having won the Brisbane opener 27-19. Instead the Wallabies out-played and out-enthused the series winners from the get-go to make a mockery of Andy Farrell's side's dream to be known as the greatest Lions team of all time. In a match that had everything, including four pitch invaders during the delay, the Wallabies had all the answers: grunt up front, tenacious defence and the composure to close out the contest having blown an 18-point lead in the second Test. "So proud," said triumphant skipper Harry Wilson. "Obviously it was a disappointing week this week after such a tough loss. To bounce back the way we did, to play an 80-minute performance, I'm so proud of everyone. We just wanted this game so badly. Whatever we had to do, we had to do. "To get the win was special." The Wallabies enjoyed the early running and claimed a deserved 5-0 lead when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii skipped and drew in two defenders to put winger Dylan Pietsch over in the left corner on seven minutes. Replacing the injured Harry Potter, Pietsch designed the First Nations jersey and did the jumper proud, also earning Australia a key first-half penalty by holding up Lions centre Bundee Aki. Despite being without Alaalatoa and Valetini, the Wallabies also enjoyed scrum dominance with recalled Taniela Tupou having a storming first half at the set piece. The match erupted in the 23rd minute when the Lions took exception to Will Skelton pushing hooker Dan Sheehan off the ball. Punches were thrown in several melees but it was Skelton, who'd been agitating all game, penalised for starting the scrap. The Lions, though, still couldn't manage to escape their own half as the Wallabies continued bustling the tourists into error. Lynagh slotted a 34th minute to edge the Wallabies to an 8-0 halftime lead before the flyhalf made way for Ben Donaldson after being forced off for a HIA. TV replays captured Sheehan taking out Lynagh at a ruck and the Irishman will likely come under scrutiny from match officials. While Lynagh's head knock was a blow, the Lions suffered a worse break losing skipper Maro Itoje, who failed a HIA midway through the first half. Lions winger Tommy Freeman also left the action shortly before halftime with blood streaming down his face. Further compounding the tourists' woes was lock James Ryan being stretchered off in the opening minutes of the second half after copping an accidental knee to the head from Skelton. After going within less than a minute of levelling the series last week in Melbourne, the Wallabies played with passion and surely with a point to prove in front of 80,312 fans. Tensions boiled over on several occasions but the hosts refused to take a backward step. A 50-metre runaway try to winger Max Jorgensen in the 55th minute extended Australia's lead to 15 points, before the Lions replied through replacement forward Jac Morgan to revive their fortunes. But despite a last-second try to Will Stuart, there was no coming back for the Lions when reserve half Tate McDermott reached out to score with 10 minutes left on the clock. Big men Skelton, Tupou and lineout-stealing lock Nick Frost were enormous for the Wallabies and halfback Nic White, playing his last Test, getting under the skin of the Lions all night. The Wallabies have restored some national pride and avoided a dubious place in Australian sports history with a face-saving 22-12 third-Test win over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney. Joe Schmidt's side overcame miserable conditions, the absence of key forwards Alan Alaalatoa and Rob Valetini and first-choice halfback Jake Gordon as well as the loss of dazed flyhalf Tom Lynagh to record a spirited and spiteful victory at Accor Stadium. Much of Saturday night's match was played in torrential rain while lightning early in the second half forced a rare 38-minute stoppage as several hundred fans were forced to evacuate the stadium to take shelter. The Lions had been bidding to complete the first 3-0 series whitewash in Australia since 1904 after securing the trophy with a controversial 29-26 win in Melbourne last Saturday having won the Brisbane opener 27-19. Instead the Wallabies out-played and out-enthused the series winners from the get-go to make a mockery of Andy Farrell's side's dream to be known as the greatest Lions team of all time. In a match that had everything, including four pitch invaders during the delay, the Wallabies had all the answers: grunt up front, tenacious defence and the composure to close out the contest having blown an 18-point lead in the second Test. "So proud," said triumphant skipper Harry Wilson. "Obviously it was a disappointing week this week after such a tough loss. To bounce back the way we did, to play an 80-minute performance, I'm so proud of everyone. We just wanted this game so badly. Whatever we had to do, we had to do. "To get the win was special." The Wallabies enjoyed the early running and claimed a deserved 5-0 lead when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii skipped and drew in two defenders to put winger Dylan Pietsch over in the left corner on seven minutes. Replacing the injured Harry Potter, Pietsch designed the First Nations jersey and did the jumper proud, also earning Australia a key first-half penalty by holding up Lions centre Bundee Aki. Despite being without Alaalatoa and Valetini, the Wallabies also enjoyed scrum dominance with recalled Taniela Tupou having a storming first half at the set piece. The match erupted in the 23rd minute when the Lions took exception to Will Skelton pushing hooker Dan Sheehan off the ball. Punches were thrown in several melees but it was Skelton, who'd been agitating all game, penalised for starting the scrap. The Lions, though, still couldn't manage to escape their own half as the Wallabies continued bustling the tourists into error. Lynagh slotted a 34th minute to edge the Wallabies to an 8-0 halftime lead before the flyhalf made way for Ben Donaldson after being forced off for a HIA. TV replays captured Sheehan taking out Lynagh at a ruck and the Irishman will likely come under scrutiny from match officials. While Lynagh's head knock was a blow, the Lions suffered a worse break losing skipper Maro Itoje, who failed a HIA midway through the first half. Lions winger Tommy Freeman also left the action shortly before halftime with blood streaming down his face. Further compounding the tourists' woes was lock James Ryan being stretchered off in the opening minutes of the second half after copping an accidental knee to the head from Skelton. After going within less than a minute of levelling the series last week in Melbourne, the Wallabies played with passion and surely with a point to prove in front of 80,312 fans. Tensions boiled over on several occasions but the hosts refused to take a backward step. A 50-metre runaway try to winger Max Jorgensen in the 55th minute extended Australia's lead to 15 points, before the Lions replied through replacement forward Jac Morgan to revive their fortunes. But despite a last-second try to Will Stuart, there was no coming back for the Lions when reserve half Tate McDermott reached out to score with 10 minutes left on the clock. Big men Skelton, Tupou and lineout-stealing lock Nick Frost were enormous for the Wallabies and halfback Nic White, playing his last Test, getting under the skin of the Lions all night. The Wallabies have restored some national pride and avoided a dubious place in Australian sports history with a face-saving 22-12 third-Test win over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney. Joe Schmidt's side overcame miserable conditions, the absence of key forwards Alan Alaalatoa and Rob Valetini and first-choice halfback Jake Gordon as well as the loss of dazed flyhalf Tom Lynagh to record a spirited and spiteful victory at Accor Stadium. Much of Saturday night's match was played in torrential rain while lightning early in the second half forced a rare 38-minute stoppage as several hundred fans were forced to evacuate the stadium to take shelter. The Lions had been bidding to complete the first 3-0 series whitewash in Australia since 1904 after securing the trophy with a controversial 29-26 win in Melbourne last Saturday having won the Brisbane opener 27-19. Instead the Wallabies out-played and out-enthused the series winners from the get-go to make a mockery of Andy Farrell's side's dream to be known as the greatest Lions team of all time. In a match that had everything, including four pitch invaders during the delay, the Wallabies had all the answers: grunt up front, tenacious defence and the composure to close out the contest having blown an 18-point lead in the second Test. "So proud," said triumphant skipper Harry Wilson. "Obviously it was a disappointing week this week after such a tough loss. To bounce back the way we did, to play an 80-minute performance, I'm so proud of everyone. We just wanted this game so badly. Whatever we had to do, we had to do. "To get the win was special." The Wallabies enjoyed the early running and claimed a deserved 5-0 lead when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii skipped and drew in two defenders to put winger Dylan Pietsch over in the left corner on seven minutes. Replacing the injured Harry Potter, Pietsch designed the First Nations jersey and did the jumper proud, also earning Australia a key first-half penalty by holding up Lions centre Bundee Aki. Despite being without Alaalatoa and Valetini, the Wallabies also enjoyed scrum dominance with recalled Taniela Tupou having a storming first half at the set piece. The match erupted in the 23rd minute when the Lions took exception to Will Skelton pushing hooker Dan Sheehan off the ball. Punches were thrown in several melees but it was Skelton, who'd been agitating all game, penalised for starting the scrap. The Lions, though, still couldn't manage to escape their own half as the Wallabies continued bustling the tourists into error. Lynagh slotted a 34th minute to edge the Wallabies to an 8-0 halftime lead before the flyhalf made way for Ben Donaldson after being forced off for a HIA. TV replays captured Sheehan taking out Lynagh at a ruck and the Irishman will likely come under scrutiny from match officials. While Lynagh's head knock was a blow, the Lions suffered a worse break losing skipper Maro Itoje, who failed a HIA midway through the first half. Lions winger Tommy Freeman also left the action shortly before halftime with blood streaming down his face. Further compounding the tourists' woes was lock James Ryan being stretchered off in the opening minutes of the second half after copping an accidental knee to the head from Skelton. After going within less than a minute of levelling the series last week in Melbourne, the Wallabies played with passion and surely with a point to prove in front of 80,312 fans. Tensions boiled over on several occasions but the hosts refused to take a backward step. A 50-metre runaway try to winger Max Jorgensen in the 55th minute extended Australia's lead to 15 points, before the Lions replied through replacement forward Jac Morgan to revive their fortunes. But despite a last-second try to Will Stuart, there was no coming back for the Lions when reserve half Tate McDermott reached out to score with 10 minutes left on the clock. Big men Skelton, Tupou and lineout-stealing lock Nick Frost were enormous for the Wallabies and halfback Nic White, playing his last Test, getting under the skin of the Lions all night.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'If they need me': Tupou reveals World Cup dream
Taniela Tupou is pledging to play every Test like it's his last after reviving his Wallabies career with a performance for the ages. Three months after candidly claiming he didn't deserve to feature against the British and Irish Lions, Tupou repaid Joe Schmidt's faith in him with one of the mightiest displays in a gold jumper. While back-rower Tom Hooper was a deserving man of the match, the powerhouse prop was also immense in Australia's stirring 22-12 victory over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday night. Destructive at scrum time, a menace in the loose and generally inspirational during a game-changing 60-minute shift, Tupou conceded he feared during a turbulent Super Rugby Pacific season with the NSW Waratahs that he may never play for the Wallabies again. But an emotional Tupou, wrapping his big arms around a Sydney journalist and thanking the scribe for his support during the dark times was the most poignant moment inside the Accor Stadium walls post match. "It's always an honour to be named in the Wallabies, to represent Australia. I was quite emotional when I sang the anthem," the 29-year-old said. "And as you get older, these opportunities mean a lot more to you and you tend to think when you get older, 'Oh man, one of these games could be the last'. "So I was just soaking in the environment, the crowd and everything. It was it was pretty cool to be part of it. So delighted we won the game." Australian rugby's highest-paid forward is heading to Racing 92 in France this year but hasn't given up on featuring at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, now that he's resurrected his international career. "I always make myself available for the Wallabies, whether I'm in France or wherever I am," Tupou said. "So if they need me, I'll 100 per cent put my hands up. "So hopefully this isn't the last time. Hopefully there's more to come." The gentle giant said the opportunity to play against the Lions, especially after his tumultuous season, was not lost on him. "I'm glad I'm part of this one and part of a win against the Lions. There's a lot of Wallabies legends who don't get a chance to play against the Lions," Tupou said. "We needed this win. We've been through a lot this week and the last few weeks and it's good to be out there playing footy because for me I only played the (one) game." "I need to keep playing footy so this helps me. Hopefully I keep playing and who knows what happened in TRC, so fingers crossed." Taniela Tupou is pledging to play every Test like it's his last after reviving his Wallabies career with a performance for the ages. Three months after candidly claiming he didn't deserve to feature against the British and Irish Lions, Tupou repaid Joe Schmidt's faith in him with one of the mightiest displays in a gold jumper. While back-rower Tom Hooper was a deserving man of the match, the powerhouse prop was also immense in Australia's stirring 22-12 victory over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday night. Destructive at scrum time, a menace in the loose and generally inspirational during a game-changing 60-minute shift, Tupou conceded he feared during a turbulent Super Rugby Pacific season with the NSW Waratahs that he may never play for the Wallabies again. But an emotional Tupou, wrapping his big arms around a Sydney journalist and thanking the scribe for his support during the dark times was the most poignant moment inside the Accor Stadium walls post match. "It's always an honour to be named in the Wallabies, to represent Australia. I was quite emotional when I sang the anthem," the 29-year-old said. "And as you get older, these opportunities mean a lot more to you and you tend to think when you get older, 'Oh man, one of these games could be the last'. "So I was just soaking in the environment, the crowd and everything. It was it was pretty cool to be part of it. So delighted we won the game." Australian rugby's highest-paid forward is heading to Racing 92 in France this year but hasn't given up on featuring at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, now that he's resurrected his international career. "I always make myself available for the Wallabies, whether I'm in France or wherever I am," Tupou said. "So if they need me, I'll 100 per cent put my hands up. "So hopefully this isn't the last time. Hopefully there's more to come." The gentle giant said the opportunity to play against the Lions, especially after his tumultuous season, was not lost on him. "I'm glad I'm part of this one and part of a win against the Lions. There's a lot of Wallabies legends who don't get a chance to play against the Lions," Tupou said. "We needed this win. We've been through a lot this week and the last few weeks and it's good to be out there playing footy because for me I only played the (one) game." "I need to keep playing footy so this helps me. Hopefully I keep playing and who knows what happened in TRC, so fingers crossed." Taniela Tupou is pledging to play every Test like it's his last after reviving his Wallabies career with a performance for the ages. Three months after candidly claiming he didn't deserve to feature against the British and Irish Lions, Tupou repaid Joe Schmidt's faith in him with one of the mightiest displays in a gold jumper. While back-rower Tom Hooper was a deserving man of the match, the powerhouse prop was also immense in Australia's stirring 22-12 victory over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday night. Destructive at scrum time, a menace in the loose and generally inspirational during a game-changing 60-minute shift, Tupou conceded he feared during a turbulent Super Rugby Pacific season with the NSW Waratahs that he may never play for the Wallabies again. But an emotional Tupou, wrapping his big arms around a Sydney journalist and thanking the scribe for his support during the dark times was the most poignant moment inside the Accor Stadium walls post match. "It's always an honour to be named in the Wallabies, to represent Australia. I was quite emotional when I sang the anthem," the 29-year-old said. "And as you get older, these opportunities mean a lot more to you and you tend to think when you get older, 'Oh man, one of these games could be the last'. "So I was just soaking in the environment, the crowd and everything. It was it was pretty cool to be part of it. So delighted we won the game." Australian rugby's highest-paid forward is heading to Racing 92 in France this year but hasn't given up on featuring at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, now that he's resurrected his international career. "I always make myself available for the Wallabies, whether I'm in France or wherever I am," Tupou said. "So if they need me, I'll 100 per cent put my hands up. "So hopefully this isn't the last time. Hopefully there's more to come." The gentle giant said the opportunity to play against the Lions, especially after his tumultuous season, was not lost on him. "I'm glad I'm part of this one and part of a win against the Lions. There's a lot of Wallabies legends who don't get a chance to play against the Lions," Tupou said. "We needed this win. We've been through a lot this week and the last few weeks and it's good to be out there playing footy because for me I only played the (one) game." "I need to keep playing footy so this helps me. Hopefully I keep playing and who knows what happened in TRC, so fingers crossed." Taniela Tupou is pledging to play every Test like it's his last after reviving his Wallabies career with a performance for the ages. Three months after candidly claiming he didn't deserve to feature against the British and Irish Lions, Tupou repaid Joe Schmidt's faith in him with one of the mightiest displays in a gold jumper. While back-rower Tom Hooper was a deserving man of the match, the powerhouse prop was also immense in Australia's stirring 22-12 victory over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday night. Destructive at scrum time, a menace in the loose and generally inspirational during a game-changing 60-minute shift, Tupou conceded he feared during a turbulent Super Rugby Pacific season with the NSW Waratahs that he may never play for the Wallabies again. But an emotional Tupou, wrapping his big arms around a Sydney journalist and thanking the scribe for his support during the dark times was the most poignant moment inside the Accor Stadium walls post match. "It's always an honour to be named in the Wallabies, to represent Australia. I was quite emotional when I sang the anthem," the 29-year-old said. "And as you get older, these opportunities mean a lot more to you and you tend to think when you get older, 'Oh man, one of these games could be the last'. "So I was just soaking in the environment, the crowd and everything. It was it was pretty cool to be part of it. So delighted we won the game." Australian rugby's highest-paid forward is heading to Racing 92 in France this year but hasn't given up on featuring at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, now that he's resurrected his international career. "I always make myself available for the Wallabies, whether I'm in France or wherever I am," Tupou said. "So if they need me, I'll 100 per cent put my hands up. "So hopefully this isn't the last time. Hopefully there's more to come." The gentle giant said the opportunity to play against the Lions, especially after his tumultuous season, was not lost on him. "I'm glad I'm part of this one and part of a win against the Lions. There's a lot of Wallabies legends who don't get a chance to play against the Lions," Tupou said. "We needed this win. We've been through a lot this week and the last few weeks and it's good to be out there playing footy because for me I only played the (one) game." "I need to keep playing footy so this helps me. Hopefully I keep playing and who knows what happened in TRC, so fingers crossed."
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Star Dockers mid injured in comeback win over Carlton
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there.
