A key contributor to Fremantle’s 48-point loss to Collingwood on Friday night was Freo’s inability to gain control of the stoppages, according to Michael Walters.
 
The Magpies won the clearance count 36 to 30, and while Walters performed admirably with 28 disposals and a goal, he said Freo failed to match it with the Pies’ best when it counted.
 
“It wasn’t what we wanted,” Walters said.
 
“We got smashed in the clearance count and Collingwood came out to play and obviously we didn’t.
 
“We don’t get to play here (MCG) much, and against a quality side like Collingwood, when you come up against (Scott) Pendlebury, (Adam) Treloar if you don’t match it with them they’re going to beat you.”
 
While Walters is still relatively new to the midfield, the electrifying left footer said he wouldn’t use his inexperience in the midfield as an excuse for disappointing performances.

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 “The first couple of weeks (in the position) I was a bit overawed, but once I found that midfield mentality, at the end of the day they’re (opponents) just players,” he said.
 
“They bleed the same as we do but all credit to them, they are established midfielders and we had to take that into account.”
 
A number of Freo’s younger players such as Darcy Tucker, Lachie Weller and Sam Collins despite the result were tireless in their tackling pressure, and Walters said this endeavour was what was required from everyone.
 
“We expect that pressure, that chase, that hunger to win the ball and tackle,” he said.
 
“At the end of the day, if you learn how to tackle the goals will come.
 
“That’s something I’ve learned so far. Your desire and will to apply pressure can be more important than kicking goals.”