Classy forward Hayden Ballantyne says Freo is performing at its best when the game is up for grabs.

Freo dominated the first three quarters against Essendon at Domain Stadium on Saturday night, leading by 54 points at three-quarter time, before Essendon kicked four last quarter goals to reduce the margin to 28 points.

Ballantyne impressed with two goals and a number of strong tackles.

He said when the game was there to be won, Fremantle were clinical.

“In the first three quarters our pressure was elite,” he said.

“When the game was up for grabs we really got to work and put our work boots on and got the score on the board.”

Tough times in the AFL

Ballantyne has played two games since he returned from a two-match suspension and is finding form and fitness.

“I’m finding some fitness now,” he said.

“Last week, I was blowing up every time I was running for the ball.

“This week I felt a bit better and hopefully next week too.”