Here are some of the key points and stats from Freo’s historic win against Essendon on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.

Loud and proud
The 49,021 fans made a significant impact from the opening bounce of Freo’s 16-point win. The roar following Matt Taberner’s goal after 20 seconds was immense and the fans didn’t let up for the next three hours.
“It’s like having a 19th man. There was a massive help from the crowd,” said debutant Adam Cerra post-game.

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Full team effort
Saturday night’s game was one of the best examples of what Freo’s youthful list can provide in the coming years. The 24-year-old Matt Taberner was outstanding up front with four goals, Freo’s midfield was at its usual best and the backline, featuring a number of young and new faces, looked as impenetrable as it ever has. 

Freo’s super six
Led by the experienced Michael Johnson, Fremantle’s back six featured three new additions from the past two years in Nathan Wilson, Joel Hamling and Luke Ryan, as well as 22-year-olds Connor Blakely and Alex Pearce.
Collectively, it was an outstanding performance against a Bombers forwardline that included All Australians Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker.
Pearce kept Daniher goalless - the Bomber’s first goalless game in 40 appearances - Ryan (12), Blakely (12) and Wilson (11) combined for 35 marks. Hamling (92.3), Blakely (86.7) and Pearce (84.6) led Freo for disposal efficiency and Blakely’s 30 disposals led the side, while continuing to shine in his new role at half-back.


After almost two years out with a broken leg, Alex Pearce has been flying as a part of Freo's defence

Forward entries improve
A lot can change in a week of football and this was especially so with Freo’s delivery inside 50. Lyon highlighted the need for an improved connection between the midfield and forwards after Freo had just three marks inside 50 from 49 entries against Port Adelaide in round one.
Against Essendon, this number improved to 12 marks from 56 entries, with debutant Adam Cerra one of the main beneficiaries, kicking 2.1 from his three marks inside 50.

Rookie’s role
Of the four first-year players on Saturday night, senior coach Ross Lyon put the most responsibility on rookie draftee Bailey Banfield. The 20-year-old was tasked to run with midfielder Zach Merrett, keeping the Bomber to 21 disposals at 52.4 per cent efficiency.
Perhaps the most important of Banfield’s 14 disposals was his first, winning the opening centre clearance that led to Taberner’s goal.


Bailey Banfield in action at Optus Stadium

End to end
Fremantle delivered a number of great end-to-end plays with two of note in the second quarter.
In the opening minute, Wilson delivered a 55m dart to Bradley Hill. The ball was spoiled and kept rolling past the centre circle where Michael Walters caused a turnover with a tackle. Walters immediately sprinted inside 50 to provide a target as Nat Fyfe gathered to hit him on the chest.
Ten minutes later, Freo’s youth combined for a Hayden Ballantyne goal. It started with Luke Ryan running back with the flight for an intercept mark. His rebound 50 hit Crowden, who found Brayshaw on the wing. Brayshaw delivered to the 50m arc where McCarthy tapped down to Cerra. Cerra handed to Ed Langdon, who centred and hit Ballantyne 25m from goal.