Fremantle defender Lee Spurr said the Western Bulldogs’ intensity early on in the game set the tone in Freo’s 65-point loss on Sunday. 

The Bulldogs won the contested possession count 157 to 113 and their attack on the ball to start the game proved difficult to overcome, Spurr said.

“Their intensity and pressure around the ball was really high,” he said.

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“They scored heavily and it took us a while to stem the flow.

“In the second half we got a bit back on even terms but our ball use let us down.”

The Bulldogs kicked seven goals and held Fremantle goalless in the first quarter, in a lead that proved to be insurmountable as Freo made a series of surges but never threatened to take the lead.

Traditionally, Freo have been fast starters under Ross Lyon but Spurr said the first quarter lapse would be worth reviewing as a team.

“It was really the first quarter intensity we need to revisit because historically, first quarters have been good for us,” he said.

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“We know we can do it, we just need to bring it to life. 

A member of Freo’s leadership group, Spurr said that it would be up to the team’s leaders to take charge with the review process. 

“The leaders need to drive and stand up,” he said.

“We’ll address it head on, review and take ownership for where we made our mistakes.”