The Western Bulldogs said thanks to a favourite son and farewelled a much-loved father with a 31-point AFL win over Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

On a day of high emotion for the club, the Dogs celebrated star forward Brad Johnson breaking their games record with a stop-start 17.9 (111) to 11.14 (80) victory.

But there was an underlying sadness for defender Lindsay Gilbee, whose father Lawrie died on Friday night following his recent battle with illness.

Gilbee played despite his personal tragedy - a selfless gesture that won just as much respect from his teammates and club as Johnson's remarkable milestone of reaching 342 games.

"We've got the high of Brad's situation and low of Lindsay's situation," coach Rodney Eade said.

"His (Gilbee's) emotions have been fluctuating wildly over the last couple of weeks, but he called me last night and told me the news, and said he wanted to play.

"Full credit to him. It showed a lot of courage, but the support network through the club was very strong for Lindsay.

"It was his father's wish that he did play."

Gilbee's teammates rallied around him at the final siren before players from both teams formed a guard of honour for Johnson, who eclipsed the retired Chris Grant's club record.

While Johnson didn't kick a goal and had his colours lowered by Dockers defender Chris Tarrant, five goals from Jason Akermanis ensured the victory.

The Bulldogs looked set to cruise home with an emphatic first half display, taking their lead out to 45 points at one stage.

Akermanis was in particularly irresistible form, booting goals reminiscent of his feats in Brisbane's run of three premierships from 2001.

But the Dockers, led by the brilliant Matthew Pavlich and young defender Greg Broughton, threatened to make things interesting with three successive third quarter goals to close to within 26 points.

Fittingly Akermanis curtailed the Dockers' momentum with a timely fifth goal late in the term to give his side a 31-point three-quarter-time lead.

Then goals to Callan Ward, Daniel Cross and youngster Brennan Stack's fourth by midway through the final quarter sealed the win to give Johnson reason to celebrate his milestone.

Pavlich booted two goals and collected 30 touches in midfield, while Broughton continued an excellent debut season with 33 possessions and 11 marks - the pair easily Fremantle's best.

The Bulldogs remain in the top four with a 12-6 win-loss record, while Fremantle remain in wooden spoon contention at 4-14.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey paid tribute to Johnson, saying his durability in reaching the mid-300 games mark was something that would become much rarer in coming AFL seasons.

"He's been an outstanding role model for the game, so durable, and to do that for that period of time, we're going to see that less and less," Harvey said.

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