Former Fremantle hard man Troy Cook has compared the Dockers to Sydney's 2005 premiership team and urged supporters to accept the unfashionable playing style which has given them one of their best starts to a season.
The Dockers have revamped the way they play under new coach Ross Lyon and closed down the chances for the opposition to score.
They lead the league for stoppages around the ground, are ranked second for the fewest inside 50s conceded and have one of the stingiest defences with just 76 goals kicked against them in seven matches.
But the tactics attracted the ire of fans during Sunday's win over Port Adelaide as the ball was kicked sideways and backwards.
Fremantle board member Ben Allan defended the approach while commentating for SEN radio, saying it was preferable to losing with an attractive style.
Cook agreed and pointed to Sydney's 2005
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