Fremantle have bounced back after a loss to GWS to notch a 32-point win over Essendon at Optus Stadium.
Captain Alex Pearce led from the front with his blanketing job on Essendon key forward Peter Wright, who was held goalless after booting five goals in his last start against Carlton.
The Bombers were best-served by midfielders Zach Merrett (29 and a goal) and Nic Martin (26 and one), while star Darcy Parish returned in style, finishing with 24 and a team-high nine clearances after a hot start.
The Bombers couldn't find an avenue to goal when the Dockers' pressure was at its fiercest, however, and the game wasn't on their terms, finishing without a multiple goalkicker.
The pressure that would help Fremantle get the game on its terms was nowhere to be seen early, however, as the Bombers got the jump in Perth and kicked back-to-back goals to open.
The visitors were on top at the coalface and had free players everywhere on the outside, picking through the Dockers with uncontested marks before the response eventually came.
It was emphatic, too, with Fremantle kicking five unanswered goals either side of quarter time on the back of increased pressure around the ball and an ability to force turnovers.
The Dockers kept the momentum going throughout the second term, with Jackson influential both in the air and at ground level, and Serong racking up 11 disposals for the quarter as they dominated inside 50s (15-7) and built a 22-point lead at the main break.
Three goals from the Bombers to open the final term sent a scare through the Optus Stadium crowd, but milestone Docker Michael Frederick settled the result in his 50th game with four minutes to play.
FREMANTLE 3.3 8.7 12.8 14.9 (93)
ESSENDON 2.3 5.3 6.5 9.7 (61)
GOALS
Essendon: Caldwell, Guelfi, Hobbs, Langford, Martin, Menzie, Merrett, Parish, Stringer
BEST
Essendon: Merrett, Martin, Hobbs, Parish, Ridley
INJURIES
Essendon: Zerk-Thatcher (head knock)
LATE CHANGES
Essendon: Jye Menzie replaced in selected side by Nick Bryan
SUBSTITUTES
Essendon: Jye Menzie (replaced Nick Bryan in third quarter)
Crowd: 43,063 at the Optus Stadium
