A second-half collapse has seen an important four points slip through St Kilda's fingers, with Fremantle prevailing by 41 points at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

St Kilda could have moved into the top-eight with a win but were left to rue a missed opportunity despite the best efforts of Zak Jones (27 disposals, six clearances), Brad Crouch (30, seven), Jack Steele (28, four) and Brad Hill (28, four).

The Saints has control around the contest early and should have led by more at the main break, with huge advantages in centre clearances (10-2) and contested possession (69-52), but they were just eight points clear after a soft free kick to Lobb gifted Fremantle the final goal of the second term.

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The Dockers ultimately prevailed 17.9 (111) to 10.10 (70) to now boast a 12-4 record, level with Geelong and Melbourne, but sit third with an inferior percentage.

Nat Fyfe's important second-half contribution was at the centre of his side's turnaround, moving into the centre square at the start of the third quarter to precipitate two quick goals to Rory Lobb and Lachie Schultz to put the visitors in front.

SAINTS MATCH CENTRE: View all news, stats and videos from Round 17 

Fyfe started forward and had just five disposals to half-time, with his shift sparking a momentum-shifting turnaround at the source.

The visitors slammed on seven in succession and though St Kilda got a couple back, a controversial goal after the three-quarter time siren to Michael Frederick via a 50-metre penalty kept the Saints at bay.

Round 17 v Fremantle
  • 14:08

    RD17 | Mini-Match: St Kilda v Fremantle

    Extended highlights of the Saints and Dockers clash in round 17

    AFL
  • 05:53

    RD17 | 'We missed an opportunity today': Ratten post-match

    Watch St Kilda's press conference after round 17's match against Fremantle

    AFL
  • 01:40

    RD17 | Dare Coach's Message

    Senior Coach Brett Ratten spoke to STK Media following our Round 17 loss against Fremantle.

    AFL
  • 01:23

    RD17 | 'It was a tough night': Steele after loss to Fremantle

    Jack Steele spoke to STK Media after our Round 17 loss to Fremantle

    AFL
  • 07:36

    RD17 | Highlights v Fremantle

    The Saints and Dockers clash in round 17

    AFL
  • 00:42

    RD17 | Wanganeen-Milera joy as young gun finally earns first AFL goal

    Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is surrounded by teammates after bagging his first ever goal in the big league

    AFL
  • 00:42

    RD17 | Sinclair shows off the moves with crazy side-stepping goal

    Jack Sinclair adds another highlight to his sensational season with this mesmerising major

    AFL
  • 00:45

    RD17 | Jack in the box has Higgins and Saints up and about

    Jack Higgins shows off his small forward prowess with this crafty snap

    AFL

Fyfe finished with 21 disposals and three goals, with Andrew Brayshaw (36 disposals), Jordan Clark (30), Will Brodie (29, six clearances) and Caleb Serong (25, four) also influential.

The Dockers spread the scoring load with Fyfe and Michael Frederick (three), Bailey Banfield, Rory Lobb, Sean Darcy, Lachie Schultz and Brodie (two each) all booting multiple goals, while Dan Bulter, Max King and Tim Membrey kicked two goals each for the Saints.

Banfield was a late inclusion for key defender Alex Pearce, who pulled out with a tight calf muscle.

ST KILDA  4.4  7.6  9.8  10.10 (70)
FREMANTLE  4.3  6.4  13.8  17.9 (111)

GOALS
St Kilda: Butler 2, King 2, Membrey 2, Higgins, Sinclair, Wanganeen-Milera, Wood
Fremantle: Frederick 3, Fyfe 3, Banfield 2, Brodie 2, Darcy 2, Lobb 2, Schultz 2, Brayshaw

BEST
St Kilda: Crouch, Battle, Hill, Steele, Sinclair
Fremantle: Brayshaw, Clark, Brodie, Fyfe, Darcy, Young

INJURIES
St Kilda: TBC
Fremantle: Alex Pearce (calf) replaced in starting side by Bailey Banfield

MEDICAL SUBS
St Kilda: Ben Long (unused)
Fremantle: Liam Henry (unused)

Crowd: 21,652 at Marvel Stadium

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