The Lions led by 11 points early in Sunday's final quarter, before the Dockers launched a frenetic fightback.

A Walters goal with six minutes remaining closed the margin to two points, and scores were level when Nat Fyfe's long-range shot drifted in for a behind with two minutes to go.

The Lions had repelled wave after wave of Fremantle attacks until then.

But they were unable to survive the final launch - when Walters marked the ball 40m out with 25 seconds remaining.

The siren sounded as Walters started his run-up, and Fremantle players celebrated wildly when the 49m set shot slammed into the goalpost halfway up, giving the Dockers the 10.13 (73) to 10.12 (72) win.

The result lifts Fremantle (5-5) into eighth spot, while Brisbane (6-4) slip to sixth.

Walters said the win meant a lot to him, especially considering it came during the Sir Doug Nicholls round.

"I'm a proud Indigenous boy from Midland," Walters told Fox Sports after the match.

"I just want to be a role model, no matter what. I'm out here to perform but, at the end of the day, I want everyone to follow my lead. Footy is a good vehicle."

Star Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale copped his fair share of boos and niggle on the way to 26 disposals and eight clearances.

Neale was a fan favourite during his time at the Dockers, but he was enemy No.1 when he returned to his former stomping ground.

His good friend - Fremantle skipper Fyfe - also dished out a bit of friendly niggle on Neale when he had the chance.

Fyfe also outmarked Neale to kick an important goal in the third quarter.

Walters finished with two goals from 25 disposals in a star display.

But the run provided by teammate Brad Hill (31 disposals) proved just as important.

Lions goalsneak Charlie Cameron booted three goals - all in the opening term - while Hugh McCluggage tallied 26 disposals and a goal.

Harris Andrews was Brisbane's best, with the defender snaring 10 marks - including four contested.

Brisbane were left to rue some missed shots on goal early in the final quarter when they could have put the game to bed.

Lions coach Chris Fagan said his side's inability to wrest back control in the final 10 minutes was costly.

And as for Walters' winning point?

"I was hoping he would kick it out on the full so I could at least have a draw," Fagan said with a chuckle.

"But I thought he's a pretty good shot at goal, so he's probably going to get something. But you always hold out a little bit of hope."

Australian Associated Press