Matthew Pavlich said that given the circumstances, he’s been pleased with the output from Fremantle’s forward line.

While Freo’s ball use has limited chances of quality and consistent delivery into the forward line, Pavlich said the unit had made a reasonable return when given the opportunity. 

“We haven’t been too bad, in terms of how many shots we’re having at goal,” Pavlich said.

“By virtue of how many inside 50’s, our (scoring) percentages are going reasonably well. 

“It’s been okay, but there are other aspects that are higher priorities.” 

Players must take responsibility

Chris Mayne has been uncharacteristically wayward with his kicking in the first three games of 2016, but Pavlich expects the powerful mid-sized forward to return to his best.

Pavlich said all forwards go through periods of form slumps, but that Mayne’s abilities shouldn’t be forgotten.

“As a forward, you do go through peaks, troughs and a variety of form in front of goal,” he said.

“Chris has had some fantastic goal kicking, and we’re all pretty quick to forget that.”

Training report: Wednesday 13 April

The six-time Doig Medallist said he had the utmost confidence in Mayne to return to his goal kicking best, noting his work ethic and the support of his teammates as important factors. 

“He’s not having the best time of it right now, but he’s working incredibly hard to improve,” he said. 

“That’s both on the track and also away from the track with mental imagery, visualisation and preparation.

“We’ll back him in to improve.”