Overview

• Broadcasters first spotted the umpire headshots in Fremantle’s changerooms during last week’s win over North Melbourne, prompting broader media attention.
• Fremantle backed up the North Melbourne result by defeating Essendon 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) at Optus Stadium to extend their winning streak to five matches.
• Luke Jackson starred in the Essendon fixture with 48 hitouts, 21 disposals, 10 clearances and three goals to lead the Dockers’ dominant performance.
• Shai Bolton drew attention when he gestured towards the scoreboard during the second quarter of the Essendon game, stoking on-field competition.
• AFL commentators remain divided on the display’s impact, with some calling it a clever edge tactic and others viewing it as a routine educational tool.