Fremantle have pulled of one of their most impressive wins in recent seasons, defeating Melbourne 49-141 at Alice Springs on Sunday afternoon.

In beautiful conditions in the nations red centre, it was the Demons who burst out of the blocks early with two goals but everything from then on in the first half went Fremantle’s way.

Justin Longmuir’s side cut Melbourne to pieces with slick and skilful ball movement - aspects of their game which have long been criticised.

That dominant opening half gave the men in purple a ridiculous 71-21 half-time lead. The Dockers only improved on that in the third term as they pushed the lead out to 81 at the final break having kicked seven goals to two in the third term.

With the game fizzling out in the fourth, Fremantle pushed forward again and even led by triple figures at one stage before the final margin finished at 92 points.

Fremantle’s midfield unit of Andrew Brayshaw, Hayden Young and Caleb Strong all stood up, while they got some standout performances from forwards Josh Traecy and Sam Switkowski.

For the Demons, Christian Petracca tried his best on-ball and Steven May got enough of it down back, but they carried far too many passengers to compete.

The Dockers next enjoy the Round 13 bye before returning in Round 14 to face the Dogs at Marvel Stadium. The Dees will hope to rebound when they host an undermanned Collingwood outfit in a huge King’s Birthday clash at the MCG next Monday.

Our player grades.

Melbourne

Christian Petracca: B+

Kicked a goal and had 26 disposals, but wasn’t at his absolute best. Speaks volumes given he was one of his side’s best.

Christian Salem: B+

27 disposals starting at half-back. Solid outing.

Max Gawn: B+

Played well in the ruck but certainly didn’t get the better of Freo duo Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson who also hit the scoreboard well.

Jack Viney: B+

Decent in an in and under role, also kicked a goal.

Steven May: B

Not his best day defensively playing primarily on Jye Amiss but wasn’t helped by a serious lack of pressure up the field.

Tom McDonald: B

Started in defence and eventually switched forward for Turner, kicked two goals once he went inside 50.

Clayton Oliver: B

Finished with 20 disposals and seven tackles but just wasn’t near his usual output.

Trent Rivers: B-

Tom Sparrow: C+

Started pretty well but just faded as the game went on.

Ed Langdon: C+

Alex Neal-Bullen: C+

Jake Bowey: C+

Judd McVee: C

Adam Tomlinson: C

Kysaiah Pickett: C-

The first time he’s been held goalless since Round 23 last season.

Caleb Windsor: C-

Not his best day in an otherwise strong season.

Kade Chandler: C-

Bayley Fritsch: C-

Did not have his usual impact in a hard day for a forward, eventually moved onto a wing.

Shane McAdam: C-

Harrison Petty: D

Kicked an early goal but just had zero impact on the game otherwise.

Daniel Turner: F

Came in for Jacob Van Rooyen and had absolutely no impact up forward. Eventually went into defence in a switch with Tom McDonald.

Lachie Hunter: N/A

Was subbed out at half-time with a left calf issue. Finished on seven disposals.

Taj Woewodin: N/A

Came on for Hunter at half-time and finished with 13 disposals.

Fremantle

Sam Switkowski: A+

Was the orchestrator up forward behind so many scores. Had a goal, 25 disposals and 10 score involvements.

Jordan Clark: A+

Gave his side run and carry all day from defence with 35 disposals and a goal. Great outing.

Luke Ryan: A+

Continues to press his All-Australian claims as an intercepting half back that picks up huge numbers.

Josh Treacy: A+

Was great in the air with 18 disposals and three goals, benefited from some brilliant ball movement.

Jye Amiss: A+

Huge playing primarily on Steven May to kick four goals.

Hayden Young: A+

Probably Fremantle’s best midfielder with ball in hand on Sunday, finished with 26 disposals.

Andrew Brayshaw: A

Great outing with eight clearances and 25 touches, was big as they begun to build their lead early.

Luke Jackson: A

Well and truly showed he an still have a huge say when Sean Darcy plays as the number one ruck. Kicked three goals and was impactful around the ground.

Alex Pearce: A

Massive in defence in the air with 12 intercept possessions.

Caleb Serong: A

Not at his absolute prolific best but still kicked a goal and was dominant around stoppage.

Sean Darcy: B+

Strong outing against Max Gawn as he matched the Demon in the ruck. Kicked a goal as well.

Nathan Fyfe: B+

Jaeger O’Meara: B+

Went into the rooms at one stage with a knee issue but returned and picked up enough footy.

Heath Chapman: B+

Michael Walters: B+

Another forward that had a great day with three majors.

Michael Frederick: B

Kicked two goals but was subbed out for Corey Wagner at three-quarter time.

Jeremy Sharp: B

Joshua Draper: B

Brandon Walker: C+

Bailey Banfield: C

Sam Sturt: C

James Aish: C-

Corey Wagner: N/A

Replaced Michael Frederick at three-quarter time.