Charlie Curnow booted five goals in a brilliant individual display, but it wasn't enough to stop Fremantle's explosive second-half charge, led by Josh Treacy, in Round 18 of the AFL season on Saturday.

The Sydney forward was the standout player on the ground for three quarters. But the Dockers flipped the script after halftime, kicking nine goals to three to run away with a 14-point victory at Optus Stadium.

What happened in the match?

Curnow was electric early. He kicked three goals in the first half, marking strongly and converting from tight angles. Sydney led by 11 points at the main break, looking in control.

Then Fremantle came out firing. Josh Treacy kicked three of his four goals in the third term alone. The Dockers piled on seven goals to one in that quarter, flipping the game completely.

Sydney tried to steady in the final term. Curnow added two more goals, including a long-range bomb from 50 metres. But Fremantle's midfield dominance and relentless pressure proved too much.

Why it matters for Charlie Curnow

Curnow's five-goal haul was his best return in a month. He's now kicked 38 goals for the season, putting him fifth in the Coleman Medal race. His form is a bright spot in a Sydney side that has lost three of its last four games.

The 27-year-old forward is averaging nearly three goals a game. He's been Sydney's most consistent target up forward, often double-teamed but still finding ways to hit the scoreboard.

But individual numbers don't tell the whole story. Sydney's midfield struggled to get clean supply in the second half, and Curnow was forced up the ground to find the ball. That left the forward line thin.

What comes next for Sydney and Curnow?

Sydney drops to 9-9 with the loss, sitting ninth on the ladder. They're still in the finals hunt but need to win at least three of their last four games to make the eight.

Curnow will be critical to that push. He faces a tough matchup next week against Geelong's key defenders. If Sydney can get him the ball inside 50, he's shown he can beat almost anyone one-on-one.

The Dockers, meanwhile, improve to 11-7 and strengthen their top-four claims. Treacy's breakout game — four goals and 12 marks — was the difference.

For Curnow, it's back to the training track. He's playing some of the best footy of his career. But he'd trade every goal for a win right now.