Connor Blakely and Ed Langdon have become close friends since their arrival at Fremantle in 2014 and the pair were instrumental as Fremantle defeated St Kilda by 30 points on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.
Blakely racked up a career-high 35 disposals and nine rebound 50s while Langdon delivered his own career highs of 33 touches, nine marks and five tackles.
The speedy Langdon’s efforts meant Freo didn’t feel the absence of two of their best running midfielders in injured brothers Stephen and Bradley Hill.
Blakely praised Langdon, saying the midfielder’s performance only summed up an impressive season so far.
“He’s having a fantastic year,” Blakely said.
“I always thought that Ed was a really good player, he’s a really good runner and had a good pre-season.
“The way he’s bringing his game together is pleasing. He deserves everything he’s getting at the moment.”
Blakely said a focus on improving his own one-on-one battles has helped him win more of the football.
The 22-year-old has excelled following a switch to half-back from the midfield half-way through the 2017 season.
“It’s always nice to get the footy,” Blakely said.
“I’ve been focusing on beating my opponent and becoming a better defensive player and everything will flow on from that.
“If I’m able to do that, I’ll keep (senior coach) Ross Lyon and (assistant coach) Mick Prior happy while I work hard for the boys. That’s all I can do.”
Blakely also paid tribute to versatile defender Ryan Nyhuis, who came in as a late inclusion for Stephen Hill.
The game was Nyhuis fifth at AFL level following his four games as a forward in 2017.
“Ryan was really good,” Blakely said.
“He’s been working really hard at Peel and we knew he would come in and perform that role really well.
“He locked down on his opponents tonight and did a really good job, so he should be proud.
“It was unfortunate Stephen was out but all the backs worked really well. Luke Ryan with his roll-off and Johnno (Michael Johnson) coming back in, it was really pleasing."
