Supporting key back Joel Hamling is crucial for a strong Fremantle defence, according to defender Garrick Ibbotson.

Freo’s backmen face another stern test in the Bombers’ Joe Daniher on Sunday at Domain Stadium - a week after the Eagles’ Josh Kennedy kicked six goals against Fremantle in the Carlton Draught Derby.

While Kennedy kicked truly, with his six majors coming from eight scoring shots, Daniher managed just one goal from seven scoring shots against Melbourne. 

Ibbotson stressed that Fremantle would not be relying on inaccuracy to keep the Bombers quiet.

“I don’t think we can take Essendon lightly at all, they’ve got some fantastic players and Joe Daniher’s in great form,” Ibbotson said.

“I think (goalkicking is) something he’ll work through. He had seven shots on the weekend and it’s a bit of an anomaly for him to have 1.6. 

“Whether it’s a routine for him or just a once off, I’m not too sure. But I’m sure he’ll be fine.” 

The 200cm Daniher took 13 marks against the Dees, including four marks inside 50.

According to Ibbotson, Fremantle will continue to focus on building their team defence to help combat a strong marking forward such as Daniher.

“Last week, (Joel Hamling) was isolated a little bit playing on Josh (Kennedy) who’s a fantastic player,” Ibbotson said.

“We obviously could have helped (Joel) a bit more where we could. We looked at the vision during the week on how we can do that.

“It’s a focus for us. We don’t want isolation and one-on-ones in our defensive 50 and we’ll try and do that better where we can.”

Given the right support, Ibbotson said that the 194cm Hamling boasts the ability and physical attributes to manage a player such as Daniher.

“It’s difficult. Joel’s a reasonably tall guy and he’s got quite good reach, but Joe Daniher’s almost a ruckman himself,” Ibbotson said.

“It creates different challenges, but like I said before we need to help him where we can, and try and stay away from having one-on-ones in the defensive 50 as much as possible.” 

Another focus for Fremantle has been on their ball movement from the backline, and Ibbottson credited the likes of Lachie Weller and Michael Johnson for providing Freo that run.

Weller leads Fremantle for metres gained in 2017, while Johnson advanced the ball 573.3 metres against the Eagles with a kicking efficiency of 86.7 per cent.

“I think we’re moving the ball out of our defensive 50 a bit quicker,” Ibbotson said.

“Lachie Weller’s been a big contributor with that and Michael Johnson’s been in good form too.

“I think we’re making some good steps forward but we’re not 100 per cent perfect as yet. 

“I think we’re definitely improving.”