Suns run rampant
Freo were unable to account for the running capabilities of Gold Coast, and the wide expanses of Domain Stadium suited the Suns playing style perfectly. Freo took only four running bounces compared to the Suns 24 in the loss. Adam Saad led the way for the Suns with eight bounces while Gary Ablett had six. Freo’s leading runner on the day was Michael Walters with three bounces.
Gold Coast forward versatility
Tom Lynch was a constant presence in the forward line for the Gold Coast, and while he dictated plenty of attention his way, it was the Suns' smaller forwards who benefitted most. Jack Martin, Callum Ah Chee, and Brandon Matera combined for eight goals, despite neither being taller than 186cm.
Inside 50 comfort
Due to their forward versatility, the Suns managed to find space inside their forward line, taking 14 marks inside 50 compared to Freo’s seven. Both Tom Lynch and Jack Martin had four marks inside the forward 50, while for Freo only Michael Walters had more than three.
Lyon post match: Rd 2 v Suns
Disposal Efficiency
While Freo had more of the ball, winning the possession count 334 to 327, the Suns used the ball to a higher standard in terms of efficiency. Only three Fremantle players had disposal efficiency higher than 80 per cent (C.Pearce, Langdon, Ballantyne) while the Suns had 11. Only Tom Nicholls of the Suns had a disposal efficiency lower than 60 per cent, while Freo had eight players below that mark.
Freo forward line taking shape
On a positive note, Fremantle’s forward line started to take shape against the Suns with nine goals between familiar names Pavlich, Ballantyne and Walters while Nat Fyfe also displayed his goal-kicking prowess with three goals.
