Recruit Nick Lower’s game-winning goal in the final minute resulted in one of the loudest roars ever heard at the stadium.
The last-gasp major ensured the home side ended a six-game losing streak to the Bulldogs, with Freo prevailing 12.13 (85) to 11.12 (78) for its third consecutive victory to move to 4-1 on the season.
The Bulldogs were 20 points behind early in the final quarter but kicked four straight goals to snatch a late lead.
When Kepler Bradley baulked around Dale Morris on the goal-line to kick his fourth goal, Freo was within one point at the 26-minute mark, and scores were level three minutes later after a rushed behind.
A behind from Jayden Pitt followed before Lower sealed the win with just seconds remaining.
Freo’s West Perth pair Bradley and Jay van Berlo emerged as an unlikely double-act, kicking four goals each.
For the Dogs, Matthew Boyd was a clear best-on-ground with an enormous 45 possessions (24 contested) and 12 clearances, while Shaun Higgins had an outstanding final quarter to almost will his side home.
Freo’s best was Luke McPharlin, who kept Bulldogs’ spearhead Barry Hall goalless.
The champion defender dominated the aerial battles with Hall, restricting his opponent to two marks and five disposals, while winning 19 possessions himself.
Fremantle 2.4 6.7 7.9 12.13 (85)
Western Bulldogs 2.3 6.7 7.8 11.12 (78)
GOALS
Fremantle: Bradley 4, van Berlo 4, Mundy 2, McPhee, Lower
Western Bulldogs: Sherman 4, Griffen 2, Grant 2, Gilbee, Hill, Higgins
BEST
Fremantle: Mundy, Bradley, McPharlin, van Berlo, Sandilands, Duffield, Ibbotson
Western Bulldogs: Boyd, Sherman, Higgins, Picken, Griffen, Murphy, Ward
INJURIES
Fremantle: Greg Broughton (back) replaced in selected side by Jesse Crichton
Western Bulldogs: Nil
SUBSTITUTIONS
Fremantle: Jesse Crichton replaced by Jayden Pitt at three quarter-time
Western Bulldogs: Tom Williams (back spasms) replaced by Mitch Wallis at three quarter-time
Reports: Jordan Roughead (WB) for charging Luke McPharlin (Fre) in the third quarter
Umpires: McBurney, Nicholls, Mollison
Official crowd: 37,551 at Patersons Stadium
