Fremantle can only benefit from what was a tough contest in Sunday’s 13-point AAMI Community Series win against West Coast on Sunday, according to leader Andrew Brayshaw.
The result at Optus Stadium was a lot closer than their 97-point win against West Coast a week prior, with Brayshaw crediting the Eagles for rebounding strongly.
Speaking post-game on ABC Grandstand, Brayshaw said Fremantle were made to work hard to move the ball.
“We were challenged in the contest, they moved the ball a lot better and they really made us have to go for our kicks and their pressure was really strong. We were still happy with the way we finished it off but it was a much bigger challenge this week,” Brayshaw told ABC Grandstand.
“We still tried to build the ball and tried to work the short 45 (degree kicks) but they defended it well.
“The few times the switch was on and they went a bit skinny, we were able to shift it through our half backs and then break it to the open side to our wingers and we got a few looks from that.
“We’re still really trying to lower our eyes but credit to West Coast, they defended well.”
While West Coast’s Tim Kelly was the best on ground by leading all players with 32 disposals, 16 contested possessions and 576 metres gained, Brayshaw was Freo’s strongest contributor in the midfield with 30 disposals, nine score involvements and a goal.
Despite it being a pre-season game, Brayshaw got a taste of the attention he might receive in his fifth AFL season after copping a solid hit from Alex Witherden. Commentators said the bump could catch the attention of the AFL’s Match Review Officer but Brayshaw felt it was within the rules.
“It was a fair hit and it actually sparked me into gear. It was probably something I needed,” Brayshaw said.
In his post-match media conference, Senior Coach Justin Longmuir wouldn’t confirm if new recruits Jordan Clark and Will Brodie would play in round one despite the pair being among Fremantle’s top five ball winners.
Clark had 24 disposals and six marks at half back while Brodie had 23 disposals, eight tackles and four clearances.
Brayshaw said the pair had done everything right since arriving at Fremantle.
“They’ve bought right in from day one, they’ve been doing extras, getting around the culture of the Club, getting around the boys as much as they can and really immerse themselves in every aspect,” Brayshaw said.
“They’ve made lots of mates and have really earnt a lot of trust over this pre-season and it’s starting to show. They’ve seamlessly rolled into the side and have been great additions to the team.”
Second-year defender Heath Chapman earned plenty of praise in the post-game analysis and Brayshaw agreed, saying the no.14 pick was a natural at the top level.
The 20-year-old had 23 disposals and eight marks, both above his career-highs in AFL games of 18 disposals and seven marks.
“He’s a super composed guy. It looks like he has a lot of time and space when he’s got the ball and he showed it a few times today, just brushing off tackles and lasering a few kicks,” Brayshaw said.
“He’s working really well with blokes like Hayden Young, Jordan Clark on the half back line and he just adds that touch of class which is awesome.”
Fremantle now have a fortnight to prepare for round one against Adelaide on 20 March at Adelaide Oval in a game Brayshaw hopes will set Fremantle up for a finals berth.
“Since I’ve been here we haven’t played finals and it’s something everyone wants,” Brayshaw said.
“We’re sick of getting through the year and not being able to play in September. Those are our goals, we want to be competitive, we want to be winning games and we want to be there at the end of the year.
“The whole group from the players to the staff, everyone who’s involved with Freo wants to see us just as much as the fans do, playing finals.”
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