Fremantle forward Josh Treacy says the errors in the Club’s disappointing loss to the Lions in Round 23 are an ‘easy fix’ as the team prepares for its clash with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.
Speaking at his Tuesday morning media conference, Treacy explained that elements of the loss to the Lions were bemusing in hindsight, noting how the team strayed from some of the core values that have served them well throughout the season, winning 11 of their last 13 matches.
“We just went away from the things we value and what we play for,” Treacy said.
“It clearly left us vulnerable in a few situations, and Brisbane took their opportunities when they had them.
“Just things like team defence - allowing a team to have the uncontested marks that they did and really pick us apart.
“And then, bringing your mates into the game in the forward 50, capitalising on opportunities, and really doing it as a collective 23 rather than relying on a few individuals.
“We usually deal with things like that really well, but unfortunately, Friday night we didn’t.
“There's such an easy fix to get back to what we value and what's going to help us win next week.”
The Western Bulldogs average 108.9 points per game across the season, making them the highest-scoring team offensively from the first 23 rounds. However, Fremantle has been strong defensively, conceding an average of just 77.63 points per game.
In the Club’s 15 wins this season, that number drops even further to 71.8.
When the two sides met in Round 4 earlier this year, Fremantle prevailed by 16 points at Optus Stadium.
Despite conceding 19 more inside 50s to the Bulldogs on the day, Fremantle restricted the visitors to a goal conversion rate of just 19% per entry, while converting 34% of their own entries into goals.
Caleb Serong was outstanding in that contest, finishing with 38 disposals, 24 contested possessions, nine score involvements, and 15 clearances.
“We're not prepared to be done next week, that's for sure,” Treacy reassured.
