Duffield winged as Dockers dump Demons
The NAB Challenge's horror run of injuries has continued with Fremantle defender Paul Duffield helped from the field against Melbourne with an arm injury this afternoon.
The Dockers survived a scare to win by 18 points but the focus will be on Duffield.
Duffield left the field midway through the final term cradling his left arm after landing awkwardly. He was in severe pain and went straight to the rooms to be assessed.
The Dockers had already subbed off Michael Barlow and David Mundy with ankle problems but they appeared minor compared to the pain Duffield showed.
So far the NAB Challenge has claimed Eric Mackenzie, Tom Liberatore and Kaiden Brand with serious injuries.
Fremantle gave the first sign that they may be ready to improve their scoring power as Matthew Pavlich and Matt Taberner combined for six majors.
Taberner kicked seven goals from nine games last year but looked like a man ready to assume more responsibility. He and Pavlich each kicked three goals.
Stephen Hill relished the freedom to play, Lachie Neale was busy, Zac Clarke looked good in the ruck while Nick Suban and Hayden Ballantyne were energetic.
Melbourne began promisingly and led by 13 points when captain Nathan Jones kicked the team's third goal.
The Dees had the chance to lead during the final term but Mark Jamar failed to score from less than 15m out.
Jones and Dom Tyson had plenty of the ball and Collingwood recruit Heritier Lumumba showed he will provide experience and great service in defence.
Exciting key forward Jesse Hogan kicked one goal and took six marks.
FREMANTLE0.3.2 0.7.4 0.7.5 0.9.7 (61)
MELBOURNE0.3.1 0.3.2 0.6.6 0.6.7 (43)
GOALS - FREMANTLE: M Pavlich, M Taberner 3; M Walters, H Crozier, C Mayne.
MELBOURNE: D Kent, B Newton, J Hogan, C Dawes, A VandenBerg, N Jones.
