After a loose first half, Ross Lyon’s men lifted to run out 28-point victors.
Match Report: NAB Challenge v Bulldogs
Walters admitted Freo’s pressure was poor in last week’s 84-point loss to West Coast and had been rusty again in the first two quarters against the Dogs.
“Once the boys started playing our brand of footy in the second half, you know, the hard-at-it football that we played most of last year, the pressure and stuff, we lifted,” he said.
“We became so much cleaner and so much better around the ground, we were hitting targets.”
Walters was among the club’s best on Wednesday, booting four goals. He also had five tackles and 15 possessions.
The silky-skilled forward was pleased with his and the team’s effort.
“The pre-season is coming along really well, I’m finally enjoying running, which is a different story to two years ago,” he said.
“I’m really enjoying it out there and the team is real fit.”
Walters' 2012 return feature
Fremantle rounds out its pre-season campaign with a trial match against the Eagles at Patersons Stadium next Thursday.
Walters said the side would look to build on the progress it had made against the Dogs.
“We’ll focus on playing the same way we played in the second half (against the Dogs),” he said.
“We’ll aim to play our brand of footy, with forwards putting on the pressure, defenders playing their role and the midfielders making the contest and getting first to it at ground level.”
One man who won’t line up in the forward line next week is Scott Gumbleton, who injured his hamstring in the first quarter of Wednesday’s game.
Gumbleton's injury woes continue
Walters said it was disappointing to lose Gumbleton at this stage after the former Essendon player had enjoyed a trouble-free pre-season.
“He has been pretty significant, especially in the forward role, as we need another tall down there to help Matthew Pavlich out so he can come up the ground a bit more,” Walters said.
“It’s a big loss, but we’ve got guys like big Jack Hannath who can also come down there as well.”
