Sam Switkowski was proud to see his teammates once again deliver a four-quarter effort in a three-point loss to Brisbane on Sunday at Optus Stadium, but added that effort alone wasn’t enough to win games.
 
The leader said Fremantle’s execution let them down in crucial moments against the Lions, who are just one percentage point off a top-two spot.
 
Freo won the inside 50s, clearances and contested possessions on the day, but the Lions ability to create more scoring shots from their opportunities was the difference in the end as Switkowski lamented that ‘final kick’ going forward.

“It’s disappointing to lose that one, there were certainly some opportunities we left out there,” Switkowski said.
 
“I’m proud of the boys for fighting it out strongly for four quarters. Largely we were good in the contest and brought the effort and intent we wanted.
 
“The parts of the game where we were really on top, we had a lot of ball coming inside 50 and that last kick we didn’t execute or didn’t hit the shot we would normally hit.
 
“It’s an important part of footy, you have to put scoreboard pressure on and make the opposition pay when you can.
 
“We’re starting to bring some consistency and that comes from intent and effort. We know if that’s there we will compete well and if we don’t execute, we’re still in the game.”

With finals out of reach, Switkowski said it was crucial for Fremantle to make the most of the final three rounds of the season against West Coast, Port Adelaide and Hawthorn.

“We’re taking every game into the rest of the season as super important for us to get better and today was another opportunity, and I think we took some steps forward which was good, but we missed some opportunities,” Switkowski said.

“(The Lions are) fighting for the top two and holding a top four spot. No matter where you are on the ladder, if you can affect other teams plans it’s always a big thing.
 
“It’s going to be a red hot Derby, there’s always a lot to play for. West Coast have been pushing sides more recently so we certainly won’t be taking it easy and we’re expecting their best. We’re excited for that one.”

The Jackson momentum
Freo goes down to Lions in a thriller