Fremantle forward Hayden Ballantyne impressed with four goals in Freo’s 83-point win against the Lions on Saturday but said it was Freo’s young players who stepped up when it counted most.
 
“What was most pleasing from tonight was the performance of the younger guys,” Ballantyne said.
 
“Connor Blakely, Lachie Weller, big Matthew Taberner took some really big marks as well.

Match report: Youngsters fire

“They’ve all played under 50 games and it’s really good to see those guys come out and compete because they’re the ones who are really going to lift us up for the future.”
 
Freo’s young halfbacks and midfielders such as Darcy Tucker, Tommy Sheridan and Hayden Crozier also played well against the Lions, and Ballantyne said their performances made his life as a forward considerably easier.
 
“The midfielders really got to work after that first eight minutes where we were a bit average and we started to put the score on the board,” he said.
 
“When we as forwards compete and the ball is coming in like it was, it makes it a lost easier for us.”
 
Constantly shadowed by reliable Brisbane defender Daniel Merrett, third-gamer Tanner Smith didn’t find the ball too easily against the Lions, but Ballantyne was impressed with his attack on the ball.

Talking points from Lions win

The key forward finished with 11 disposals and his first career goal, but Ballantyne said stats weren’t the defining factor of Smith’s game on Saturday.
 
“He wouldn’t have got a lot of the footy but he competed hard all game,” he said.
 
“He brought the ball to ground and let the little guys do their job which is to crumb, chase and tackle.
 
“He gave himself the best chance to stay and play consistent footy if he continues to compete like he did tonight.”