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Fremantle have eased the pressure on coach Ross Lyon with a staggering 34-point win over ladder leaders Geelong at Optus Stadium.
Geelong coach Chris Scott doesn't regret the decision to base his team in Perth for a week despite Saturday's shock 34-point loss to Fremantle that has put their minor premiership hopes at risk.
The Cats led by 10 points early in the third term of Saturday's AFL clash at Optus Stadium, but Fremantle booted the next seven goals on the way to a stunning 14.11 (95) to 9.7 (61) win.
Geelong will still finish round 20 on top of the ladder courtesy of their superior percentage, but they could be joined on 14 wins by both West Coast and Brisbane.
The Cats have now lost four of their past seven matches, with their inability to beat an injury-riddled Fremantle sure to raise questions about their premiership credentials.
Questions might also be asked about the Cats' decision to base themselves in Perth for the week, instead of flying back home following last Sunday's win over the Swans at the SCG.
"It's a really superficial and cheap analysis to say it was only a good idea if you win both of the games," Scott said.
"And even then we played pretty well in Sydney.
"No one has more information than us. We were really confident in our preparation and we don't make excuses."
Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe starred with 27 disposals 11 clearances and two goals, while Aaron Sandilands (39 hitouts), Brad Hill, and Michael Walters were also influential.
Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield copped a big knock in the first half and finished the match with just 16 disposals and one clearance.
Gary Rohan suffered a game-ending knee injury in the third quarter, but Scott says it isn't serious.
Fremantle, who lost to Geelong by 133 points last year, entered Saturday's match with a series of negative headlines swirling around the club.
The loss of Rory Lobb, Nathan Wilson and Luke Ryan during the week robbed the Dockers of further class and quality, on top of an already alarming injury list.
But their win will give coach Ross Lyon and the club much-needed breathing space, with Fremantle (9-10) still in the finals race with three rounds to go.
Lyon did his best to play down the significance of the win over Geelong and also the excitement generated by the final-quarter flurry of goals.
"I've been to four grand finals, a few prelims. Home and aways don't get you too excited," Lyon said.
"Really simply, it just highlights our growth in a 12-month period with a young team."
Cats forward Tom Hawkins booted three goals in the opening term, but Geelong fell away after that, finishing the match with just 43 inside 50s.
Fremantle veteran David Mundy had just five disposals to his name at three-quarter time playing as a forward, but was important when the game was there to be won in the last term as the Dockers ran riot.