MATURE-AGE recruit Michael Barlow has earned the praise of his Fremantle teammates after Sunday night’s record-breaking debut against Adelaide at Subiaco Oval.

Barlow, who had 33 possessions in the 56-point win, now holds the record for most disposals on debut since Champion Data began recording statistics in 1992. He moved past former Brisbane Lion Bradd Dalziell.   

With scores level at quarter time, Barlow emerged in the second term and drove Fremantle’s game-shaping six-goal run with 13 possessions for the quarter.

Teammate Michael Johnson said time served in the VFL and hard work since arriving at Fremantle had allowed Barlow to force his way off the rookie list and have a major impact in his first AFL game.

“We knew he was a really good player in the VFL, winning the awards over there last year,” Johnson said of Barlow, who won the Fothergill-Round Medal (the VFL’s best young player) and Werribee’s and best-and-fairest award in 2009. 

“We knew that he’d played on bigger players before and he could cope against all the bigger bodies in the AFL.

“He had a fantastic game today and the team’s very happy with how the young guys are going.

“He’s got a long way to go still, being a first year player, [but] hopefully he [can] do good for the club. He’s worked hard.”

After Barlow's high-possession games against Melbourne (29) and North Melbourne (27) in the pre-season, Johnson said the players were prepared for a big output from the midfielder.

He said the players were also pleased with No.4 draft pick Anthony Morabito and elevated rookie Alex Silvagni, who both debuted against the Crows.

“We knew [Barlow] and the other boys that made their debuts today would give it a crack and play consistent footy,” Johnson said.

“It’s good to get the guys out there playing their first game against Adelaide.

“Hopefully they can play plenty of games for Freo this year and in the future.”

Relentless pressure contributed heavily to Fremantle’s runaway win and Johnson said the players’ efforts were proof of a productive summer campaign.

“Playing at home as well in front of our crowd, we needed to come away with a win," he said.

“(But) that game’s over now and tomorrow we’ll go into the club and get our heads around Essendon next week.”