FREMANTLE'S heartbreak at Subiaco Oval yesterday didn't come from a lack of effort. And it didn't come through coaching inadequacies, because Mark Harvey tried all manner of moves and strategies to lift the Dockers. Neither was it anything to do with heart or spirit.

The 22-point loss — 16.7 (103) to 10.15 (75) — came for two reasons. First, Port's run through the midfield in the final term and the extraordinary work of Daniel Motlop were a lethal combination.

Second, Fremantle's decision-making and skill errors in the white-hot final term buried the prospect of breaking the losing drought that has robbed the team of confidence in the clinches.

When Matthew Pavlich hit the post — again — in the final term, Fremantle fans got that sinking feeling.

Aaron Sandilands was a pillar of strength but twice botched forward line kicks in the final term, while Shaun McManus' decision to back himself against a Dean Brogan tackle gave the Power a telling goal.

But it wasn't just those errors or misses because Fremantle had no answer late in the game to Port's run sprees through the midfield.

And, when the ball went forward, Motlop, who could evade a tackle in a telephone box, iced the game. His fourth goal, the team's 11th, was an absolute gem as he bounced one through from deep in the north-east pocket.

Port's victory was built on the gut-busting running of David Rodan, the genius of Motlop and the strong defensive work of players such as Steven Salopek and Toby Thurstans. Despite the pre-game loss of Peter Bell, Fremantle started with purpose and poise, using Pavlich through the midfield to bulldoze through Port's barricades.

Port also had a significant loss, with Paul Stewart coming in for Domenic Cassisi, but the visitors looked listless against the vibrant Dockers.

Sandilands caused Port trouble at the bounce downs and also up forward where his marking strength had Thurstans at sixes and sevens.

By quarter-time, Sandilands had two goals and easily could have had another.

The Dockers were more composed, though Jeff Farmer provided a moment of madness when he collected Chad Cornes in the ear off the ball. The Docker shouldn't plan a night out on Tuesday because he'll probably have other matters to attend to.

Fremantle earned its three-goal lead at the first break but Port showed its liking for Subiaco Oval in the second term as the Dockers relinquished control of the centre corridor.

The Dockers were ferocious in the early parts of the third term, as Harvey moved Luke McPharlin forward in an attempt to provide another option in attack while Schammer went to Rodan.

The Dockers refused to lie down and had a two-point lead at three-quarter-time.

As Harvey addressed his team near the goal square, close to the Dockers' cheer squad, Fremantle's fans had memories of botched leads going into the final break. And now they've got one more.

WEST AUSTRALIAN

PORT ADELAIDE 2.1 8.3 10.5 16.7 (103)
FREMANTLE5.1 5.7 9.13 10.15 (75)
GOALS — Port Adelaide: Motlop 5, Tredrea 3, Rodan 2, Westhoff 2, Lade, Salopek, Pearce, Gray. Fremantle: Sandilands 2, Pavlich, Farmer, Black, Grover, Thornton, Crowley, McPharlin, Ibbotson.
BEST — Port Adelaide: Motlop, Rodan, K Cornes, Logan, Salopek. Fremantle: Sandilands, McPharlin, Palmer, Johnson.
INJURIES — Port Adelaide: Cassisi (virus) replaced in side by Stewart, C Cornes (cut head), Salopek (cut head). Fremantle: Bell (back) replaced in side by Schammer, Mayne (cut head).
UMPIRES: Margetts, Ryan, Chamberlain.
CROWD: 34,236 at Subiaco Oval.

THE TURNING POINT
TWO tackles from Port Adelaide were crucial. Troy Chaplin wrapped up Heath Black in the centre in the third term, then Dean Brogan slung Shaun McManus to the ground in the final quarter. David Rodan kicked goals both times.

GROUNDHOG DAY
NOT only did Fremantle set an AFL record by losing its fifth consecutive game after leading at three-quarter-time, but history repeated itself in another way. Matthew Pavlich had a crucial shot in the final term and, you guessed it, he hit the post.