Freo were smashed in the important contested possession indicator in round 9 against West Coast. On Saturday, the Eagles were monstered 162-123. Leading the way was Nat Fyfe, who after a quiet first term, exploded to gain 22 contested possessions. Matthew Pavlich won 15, while David Mundy had 12.
Foot over hand
Fremantle made every effort to kick instead of handball on Saturday, particularly early in the first half when it had almost four kicks to every handball. It ended the game with 227 kicks and just 102 handballs.
Watch Freo's fast ball movement to kick a goal
Pavlich the greatest Freo Docker
Pavlich's 55 goals for the season now leads the Coleman Medal race, three ahead of Drew Petrie and four ahead of Lance Franklin. He is firming by the week for All Australian selection and will be a raging favourite to take home a seventh Doig Medal. Words do not do the skipper's performance in the Carlton Mid Derby justice, so WATCH THIS.
Game of tag
There's been some common Carlton Mid Derby tagging match-ups in recent matches between Fremantle and West Coast: Ryan Crowley on Matthew Priddis and Scott Selwood on Stephen Hill. On Saturday, however, Crowley was sent to dangerous Eagle Luke Shuey and completely shut him out of the game. Shuey had just 11 disposals and wielded no influence on the game. Selwood went to Nat Fyfe. After a quiet first quarter, Fyfe kept on building to win 28 disposals, 22 of them contested.
Tribunal worries
Freo now waits to see what the outcome will be at the AFL's Match Review Panel following reports against Luke McPharlin (rough conduct) and Matt de Boer (tripping). An incident involving Matthew Pavlich will also be looked at. Freo can ill-afford to lose three members of its leadership group ahead of Saturday's match against second-placed Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
Watch Matt de Boer's incident
More stories:
They are our best on grounds: Ballantyne
Round 23 fixture announced
McPharlin to challenge
Vote for Pavlich Mark of the Year
From the Crows: Tippett test
Five Talking Points from the Carlton Mid Derby
It's about time says Mundy
Team kicked the goals: Pavlich
