Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw and Joel Hamling earned plenty of praise for their efforts in a one-point victory against Sydney at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.

Acting captain David Mundy felt Brayshaw delivered his best performance for Fremantle, while Brayshaw was effusive in his praise for Hamling.

With Nat Fyfe out with an elbow infection, Brayshaw was given the opportunity to step up and rotate more through Fremantle’s midfield.

The 19-year-old had 20 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five marks, eight tackles and five inside 50s on the night.

“(Brayshaw) got a bit more of a run through (the midfield) today and I thought he really brought a great energy and intensity at the footy and at the opposition,” Mundy said.

“I felt like it was his best game in purple, so hopefully, he can build on that and improve.”

Brayshaw had similar praise for Hamling, who was crucial in defence.

One of the league’s leaders for spoils, Hamling’s five spoils against Sydney were well below his average of 8.4 – primarily because he was able to get both hands on the footy with four contested marks from his seven in total.

“Every time a one-on-one goes down to Joel, you know he’s either going to halve it or win it,” Brayshaw said.

“He’s had a stellar year and ever since (fellow leadership group member) Alex Pearce has gone down, he’s really taken that leadership role in the back six.

“He’s one of our best players and one of the best leaders and he stood up today.”