AFL finals: Fremantle Dockers storm into grand final with stunning finish in prelim against Sydney

Fremantle will play in a grand final for just the second time in their history after an extraordinary preliminary final comeback in a never-say-die 12-point win at the SCG.

The Dockers looked dead-set gone when they trailed by 28 points during the third quarter. They were finished when they handballed backwards five times and went from the wing to the defensive 50 and conceded a goal to Angus Sheldrick.

But you don’t win the minor premiership, produce a club record 14 wins in a row and inspire a nation without having courage, character and skill.

They put their heads down and created history. There was no Wharfie Time, at least not officially.

But if there was the scoreboard would have lit up in the final term as they won 12.11 (83) to 10.11 (71), with the three-quarter time comeback from 21 points down marking their biggest such deficit overturned in club history.

It all started with a Hayden Young goal from a set shot while tucked on the boundary line after the three quarter time siren.

Then came a goal to Shai Bolton to start the final quarter. Now they had hope.

And when Pat Voss produced a stunning goal after a powerful fend off, the impossible was possible.

Now there was only nine points the difference. Fremantle edged closer with points. Eight points down. Seven points down. A shot went out of bounds on the full. Still seven points down. But the ball was at the right end.

Bolton was a match winner last week and he kicked the next goal to make it a one point game. What were we watching?

The Swans were nervous. They’d been taking intercept marks in defence all night. But Joel Hamling spoilt instead of marking and the Dockers got the ball to Mason Cox.

He’s won preliminary finals before and he put the Dockers in front. It was extraordinary.

Bolton had six touches in 16 minutes. He was running wild. The inside 50s were 15-3 for the quarter. It was a barrage. Michael Frederick hit the post. Six points up. Handy point.

Josh Treacy should have had a shot for goal after being infringed against by Tom McCartin. But the umpire called play on.