Greater Western Sydney ended Fremantle’s club-record 14-game winning streak with a 21-point victory in Canberra on Saturday. The Giants defeated the ladder leaders 16.13 (109) to 13.10 (88) in a match highlighted by a standout performance from forward Jake Stringer.

Stringer, a 32-year-old former player with Essendon and the Western Bulldogs, kicked a career-best seven goals, including a run of four consecutive goals in the first half. His efforts helped GWS build an early advantage, taking a 13-1 lead and extending it to 28 points late in the third quarter.

Despite losing star midfielder Lachie Whitfield to a concussion at halftime—while he was leading in disposals with 20—the Giants maintained their momentum. They outperformed Fremantle in several key areas, including inside 50s (62-47), clearances (42-28), and contested possessions (139-127).

Giants captain Toby Greene contributed three goals and 27 disposals, while Clayton Oliver led all players with 32 touches. Younger players also made an impact, with Harry Rowston kicking a notable drop punt from 50 meters out near the boundary late in the game.

Fremantle, who had been on a dominant run prior to this encounter, were led by midfielder Caleb Serong with 31 disposals and forward Josh Treacy, who added three goals. However, injuries affected the Dockers, with Hayden Young leaving the field at three-quarter time due to a groin issue.

The game featured some tense moments and costly errors for Fremantle. Late in the third quarter, the Dockers conceded two goals due to mistakes, including a penalty from an overstepping call against Isaiah Dudley and a dropped mark from defender Luke Ryan, which Stringer converted into a goal.

Tensions flared at times during the match, notably between Giants captain Toby Greene and Fremantle players. Greene delivered a high headbutt on Serong shortly after a free kick was awarded and avoided a reversal of the decision despite the high contact. The physicality peaked with a jumper tussle between Greene and Fremantle forward Patrick Voss.

The victory is a significant boost for the injury-hit Giants, who improved their season record to 7-9 and remain in contention for a possible finals spot. Fremantle, meanwhile, will look to regroup after their unexpected loss halted their strong start to the season.