If Fremantle is to go deep into September in 2026, it will likely be due to x-factor duo Shai Bolton and Hayden Young.
The pair add a dynamic sense, goal scoring and an ownership of the moment to a Dockers' midfield mix that is already strong with the ever impressive and consistent Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw.
Young, who recently returned from time on the sidelines, produced three highlight reel worthy goals to help Fremantle overcome the Western Bulldogs in the second half on Friday night. Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said the proof is available for all to see as to why the Dockers don't send Young back to defence.
"It's great for (Young) and great for us," Longmuir said.
"I feel like we are probably in that stage now where we don't have to rely on one or two, sometimes it's one player bobbing up and having their moments in games. We are sharing the land well. (Young) got some looks and finished off his work as we know.
"We get asked why we don't play him at half-back, I think that's why we don't play him at half-back because when he gets on a tear like that and gets the ball forward of centre you see what he is able to do. It was good for him and good for us that he got the lick of the ice cream there."
Bolton kicked the sealer against the Dogs and his past two last quarters (against Carlton and Western Bulldogs) have been incredible. The midfielder-forward has collected a total of 26 disposals, three goals, six clearances and 12 score involvements in his previous two fourth quarters to prove that he owns the big moments.
Longmuir said he was buoyed to see the impact Bolton, who is pushing for his second All-Australian blazer, has late in the game.
"Bolts, yeah, he bobs up all game, but I was just really proud of how he handled the last five minutes of the game," he said.
"He just wants to have his hands on the ball when the game is on the line. I think he had 16 score involvements across the day."
