Sabreena Duffy has led Fremantle to a 16-point win against Geelong, booting four goals as the Dockers opened their campaign in thrilling style.

Both defeated preliminary finalists in 2019, the Dockers and Cats signalled their intent to figure at the pointy end again in a high-quality clash that Freo eventually won 6.8 (44) to 4.4 (28).

Duffy was menacing around the ground-ball inside 50, kicking three goals across the opening three quarters before sealing the match late with a right-foot snap.

Duffy kicked for in Freo's round one win over the Cats

Gemma Houghton extended the margin for Fremantle in a match that was much closer than the final margin suggested. 

The win was soured by a knee injury to midfielder Stephanie Cain, who left the ground with trainers in the first quarter and did not return.

Fremantle dominated the inside 50 count 47-13 but wasted some opportunities against the patient Cats, who used the ball well through the midfield but lacked a killer blow going into attack.

Dockers midfielder Kiara Bowers (22 possessions, 14 tackles, seven clearances and eight inside 50s) set the tone for a ferocious clash early and was only rivalled by Duffy for best-afield honours. 

Midfield teammates Hayley Miller (17 and seven clearances) and Kara Antonio (12 and five tackles) followed her lead.

Kiara Bowers finished with 22 disposals.

The trio combined for seven of the team's 16 first-quarter tackles and made sure Freo controlled field position early.

Geelong was able to soak up the early pressure, however, and took a quarter-time lead after Georgia Clarke found space and converted her set shot. 

The match went to another level in the second quarter, with Richelle Cranston extending the Cats' lead when she exploded free at half-forward, handballed to herself and then converted on the run from 25m. 

It was the clear highlight for Geelong, who lost no fans in a high-quality clash in front of 5509 fans.

FREMANTLE    1.0   3.3   4.4   6.8 (44)

GEELONG        1.2   3.2   4.4   4.4 (28) 

GOALS
Fremantle: Duffy 4, Roux
Geelong: Cranston, Morrison, Clarke, Maguire

BEST 
Fremantle: Bowers, Duffy, Roux, Miller, Houghton, K Antonio, Strom 
Geelong: Crockett-Grills, Webster, Purcell, Cranston, Keryk   

INJURIES 
Fremantle: Stephanie Cain (knee) 
Geelong: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Fremantle: Nil
Geelong: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 5509 at Fremantle Oval