Fremantle have lost their first game of the year, going down to Carlton by 10 points at Adelaide Oval for the Gather Round clash on Saturday afternoon.
In an intense battle right until the final siren, both teams fought for momentum as the margin exceeded no more than nine points at any of the main breaks.
Club vice-captain Andrew Brayshaw said despite the loss the team put together their best four quarters of football for the year.
“It was tight all day and a really strong arm wrestle,” Brayshaw said post-match.
“It was probably the most consistent we’ve played for the year.
“I thought we had four quarters of contest-driven footy and really solid team defence.
Fremantle won the clearance count 44 - 27 and restricted Carlton to just 73 points, more than 20 points under their average for the season with Brayshaw highlighting the midfield battle as a key area to the game.
“I thought the midfield was really strong, very physical and plenty of looks with first possession,” Brayshaw said.
“We knew that they have a few big bodies in the midfield, (Hayden) Youngy did a really good job on Cripps and sort of led the way in that sense.
“We were all really physical and aggressive.
“If we continue to pressure throughout games like that, we will give ourselves lots of chances.
“It was a really tough job for the backs at times, but they really stood up."
Throughout a game of consistent momentum shifts, Brayshaw credited the experienced head of 167 – gamer James Aish as a standout in decisive moments in his new role in the backline this season.
“He (James Aish) is one of the most composed players in the team,” Brayshaw said.
“Every time he gets the ball he makes really smart decisions and leads back there as well."
Aish gathered 27 disposals, seven marks and 497 metres gained for the afternoon, with the veteran not going under 21 disposals for his first four games of the year.
Fremantle will stay in Adelaide for the week as the Club prepares for their Saturday night game against Port at Adelaide Oval in round five.
