The Dockers appeared gone 19 points down 12 minutes into the last quarter of Sunday’s Adelaide Oval fixture, but Fremantle surged with the last three goals for a stirring 11.17 (83) to 12.10 (82) triumph.

The difference would prove to be an errant pass in defence from Crows forward Riley Thilthorpe which ended with Fremantle’s Lachie Schultz converting his third goal on the run to give the Dockers a one-point lead.

Late drama ensued when with 10 seconds left, Adelaide’s Ben Keays launched a left-footer and the ball was headed for a goal, but Fremantle’s seven-gamer Heath Chapman got a desperate fist to the footy to prevent any score.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir told Chapman in the changerooms: “It was the best spoil I have seen.”

Crows coach Matthew Nicks said the result has left his players “gutted”.

“I hate losing and I feel for the group and I have probably given them a little bit too much of a spray,” Nicks said.

“But then I give them the love again … I know they have got ticker but I get so frustrated for them.”

But the Crows appear to have found a future star with goal-sneak forward Josh Rachele kicking five goals in his senior debut.

The 18-year-old, who was pick six in last year’s national draft, was instrumental in Adelaide’s comeback from a 25-point deficit at half-time.

 – AAP