AFL
RND 2 Injury Update: O’Meara, Cox, Riddle

Fremantle Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty has given insight into what the team will look to improve on ahead of the Round 2 meeting with Melbourne on Saturday.

Speaking to Mark Duffield on SEN WA on Wednesday morning, Brierty said the loss to the Cats in Round 1 still showed some key elements of improvement, something the team would look to harness for longer periods in 2026.

“We feel like in the first quarter was the brand of footy that we want to play, and it's about building that consistency over the four quarters,” Brierty said.

"We obviously talk a fair bit about our contest and ‘Team D’ and our ability to get the ball from inside to out was really pleasing, and then that gives us opportunity in our front half.

“If you look at our pressure in our front half, it was at a new level in terms of tackles. And again, our ability to lock it in, repeat entries and even scores from stoppage were some real positives.

Following on from the defeat, Brierty said the team would look to amend some of the Round 1 short comings against a new look Melbourne side in Round 2.

"We do feel like the group's physically in a really good spot… a lot of players have pulled up well this week and recovered well,” Brierty said.

“It's a great opportunity this weekend back at home against Melbourne to turn around a four-quarter performance."

"We are really looking forward to getting back to Optus Stadium in front of the Purple Army on Saturday for Melbourne.

“The players, in particular love when we're running out into the ground, having a packed stadium and the noise, that’s a big part of the build-up to the game."

Fremantle host Melbourne on Saturday 21 March at Optus Stadium, with the match commencing at 4.35pm WST. It will be Fremantle’s first home game of the season.

Fans are reminded that Saturday will be the first time Fremantle supporters will be required to adhere to Optus Stadium’s new SafeTix system to enter the venue.

The clash will be the second of Fremantle’s first three games to be shown on a delayed free-to-air broadcast.