Kersten the hero as Freo seals miracle over Kangas

UNDER-FIRE Fremantle recruit Shane Kersten booted a goal with just 44 seconds remaining to guide his side to a pulsating five-point win over North Melbourne in last night’s AFL clash at Domain Stadium.

The Dockers had trailed since the 20-minute mark of the first quarter but went on to win 9.13 (67) to 9.8 (62).

They looked dead and buried after the Kangaroos opened up a 29-point lead at the eight-minute mark of the third quarter.

But for the second time in the space of a week, Fremantle launched a courageous comeback — following on from their thrilling win over Melbourne.

The Dockers twice closed to within a point in the frantic final term. And Kersten, who had copped plenty of flak for his poor form since crossing from Geelong during the offseason, ended up being the hero.

With the clock winding down, the ball fell to Kersten in the pocket, and his right-foot snap bounced in the goalsquare and went through for a goal, sending the Perth crowd into raptures.

The Dockers then held on in the dying seconds as North Melbourne launched a final bid for victory. The loss is a cruel result for the Roos, who have lost three games by less than a kick to sit at 0-5.

In contrast, the Dockers are daring to dream of a finals berth after improving to 3-2.

Both teams suffered injuries in the final term.

Dockers speedster Stephen Hill hurt his right hamstring, while North ruckman Todd Goldstein rolled his right ankle after landing on Aaron Sandilands’ foot.

The Kangaroos also suffered a huge pre-match blow when Shaun Higgins was left behind in Melbourne after being ruled out with hamstring tightness.

North Melbourne youngster Jy Simpkin could be in strife for his swinging punch to the ribs of Nat Fyfe during a first-quarter melee. FREMANTLE V NTH MELBOURNE 2.3 2.6 4.10 9.13 2.3 6.5 7.7 9.8 GOALS