Fremantle has had its best to start to an AFL season in history and a key part of the success is a talented but evenly spread midfield.
Gutsy midfielder Michael Barlow told Fox Footy on Sunday that the team’s strength was in sharing the load, particularly amongst the midfield brigade.
Freo too strong aginst Dees
“A strength of ours over the first five weeks has been our even contribution in the midfield,” he said.
“A couple of us have had off days throughout the first five weeks but the others have stood up.”
The stats also tell the story with six Fremantle midfielders averaging more than 20 disposals per game this season.
Two-time Doig Medallist Nat Fyfe is averaging 31 disposals a game, the fifth highest average in the AFL.
David Mundy averages 27.8, Stephen Hill 24.4, Lachie Neale 24.4, Barlow 23.2 and Danyle Pearce 22.
Goals galore, as midfield makes mark on scoreboard
Barlow said the team’s belief was high, particularly after a dominant second half against Melbourne on Sunday despite being down a bench rotation.
“We’ve set a really good base for ourselves,” he said.
Barlow said it might be a cliché but each week the team has come into the game fresh and focused.
“It’s a week-to-week prospect for us,” he said.
“We’re really focusing on not letting the past results influence us.
“We won’t look too much past Essendon.
“They are going really well…so we’ll be fully armed for them and be ready for their assault to come.”
Fremantle play Essendon at Domain Stadium Saturday 9 May. Bounce down is at 6.10pm.
