Channel 7 expert Kane Cornes has lavished praise on Hayden Young and Shai Bolton, saying the evolution of Fremantle’s midfield mix was crucial for their premiership ambitions.

The dynamic pair were both at their brilliant best as the Dockers overcame an injury-depleted Western Bulldogs by 12 points at Marvel Stadium on Friday night to notch their seventh consecutive victory.

Young slotted three goals — including a brilliant late checkside from deep in the forward pocket — from his 20 disposals, while Bolton continued a fine campaign by gathering 30 touches of his own.

Cornes said the efforts of the duo had separated the game in their side’s favour.

“For so long, it’s been (Andrew) Brayshaw and (Caleb) Serong’s midfield. It’s not anymore. This is Hayden Young’s midfield and it’s Shai Bolton’s midfield,” Cornes said.

“I know Bolton is more centre-forward, but he had nine clearances, he had 16 score involvements, and for me, if we’re doing it like American sports, he would be my MVP.

“Hayden Young — can he be their Isaac Heeney, can he be the centre-bounce forward player? What a combination it’ll be.

“Hopefully, Young stays sound. He’s central to their premiership hopes.”

Cornes said the balance between the X-factor of Young and Bolton and the defensive intent of Serong and Brayshaw was proving to be a potent combination.

“When you chuck in Murphy Reid, who’s now getting 20 (disposals) every week, score involvements are through the roof, he’s been a revelation for them up the ground, as has Bolton,” he said.

“It’s hard to see a weakness in the whole of the Fremantle side right now . . . they’ve been the in-form team for the longest period this season with Sydney.”

Cornes was also full of praise for Justin Longmuir after the Dockers coach delivered a stern word to his side as they headed into quarter-time behind by 26 points, calling the move “good coaching”.

“Fremantle, I reckon, just jumped on a plane and thought ‘this one’s going to be reasonably easy’,” he said.

“He was having none of it. We don’t often see this from Justin Longmuir, he’s pretty calm and composed.

“I think it’s measured, I think it’s pointed — straight to the point, no mucking around, no assistant coaches involved.

“It can’t be every week, but that had the desired effect.”