After being asked to ‘step up’ by Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon at half time, forward Michael Walters delivered by kicking two key third-quarter goals against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Walters had just four disposals up until the main break as Freo went into the rooms six points down against the Crows.
“The first half was a bit disappointing for me personally, but Ross got me in at half time and sort of told me to step up,” Walters said.
Ross Lyon post-match Q & A
“Four touches wasn’t enough up to half time, but it just shows the resilience of the whole group (to come away with the win).
“It just shows the fight from us.”
The match was played in slippery conditions as the rain came down early in the match.
After the slow start, Walters edged Freo back in front with two trademark snaps.
“The hard work from the midfielders got it back down there (into the forward line) and it was just me releasing back in, I knew I had to make a statement,” Walters said.
“I’m fighting for my spot on the bus, everyone is fighting for their spot on the bus as Ross said.
“If you don’t make a statement (you’ll miss out), a lot of boys are stepping up…(Tendai) Mzungu is…and if you don’t fight for that seat, you can get found out pretty quickly.”
Walters finished with three goals for the night, making it seven majors in his past two matches.
Freo's toughest test
“I’m not really worried about goals, I’m playing a different role this year,” he said.
“Me and Ballas (Hayden Ballantyne) only work on our pressure, that’s the thing we really want to work on.
“On the back of pressure the goals will come, but the pressure is more important for us.”
The 11-point victory was Freo’s ninth of the season, equalling the club record for consecutive wins.
“It is a good feeling, but it’s a long season as well,” Walters said.
“The boys just have to continue fighting the fight and train the way we play.
“There’s plenty of room for improvement…we’ll go over it during the week and I’m sure Ross will find something at some stage that we did wrong.”
Freo will aim to make it a 10-0 start to the 2015 season when they host Richmond at Domain Stadium on Friday 5 June.
Bounce down is at 6.10pm.
