Michael Barlow was a standout performer in Fremantle’s 17-point win against Port Adelaide on Saturday, but the midfielder said it was Freo’s mentality that set the tone for the day.
 
Barlow said that despite coming off back-to-back wins heading into the game, senior coach Ross Lyon’s message remained the same.
 
“Ross’ message is always pretty simple and we stripped it right back to being fierce and trying to compete,” Barlow said.
 
“We felt we did that for the majority of the game. It’s never perfect but it’s probably the most complete four-quarter performance we’ve had for the year.”
 
As Freo secured their third win in a row with the win against Port, Barlow said it was a nice reward for effort for both players and the Purple Army.
 
“I think they’ll (Port Adelaide) play finals and be really competitive toward the end of the year so (to win) was pleasing and not only for the group but for the fans who have really stuck with us.”
 
As many football pundits expected, Barlow had Port’s Robbie Gray in his sights at the start of the game with a hard-tag on the All Australian midfielder.

Barlow praises “future of the club”
 
The Freo midfielder continued his good form as a run-with player, keeping Gray to just 18 touches while gathering 43 disposals and two goals of his own.
 
Barlow said while he’d sought advice from teammates and friends on his new role, he’d also found added benefits in his new life as a tagger.
 
“I make it my priority to restrict the player I’ve been sent to, and I have a lot of help from my teammates,” he said.
 
“Over the past few weeks we’ve been a lot more fluent with our ball movement so that helps on the offensive side of the ball, and being around the ball a bit more feels a lot more natural (for me).”
 
Ross Lyon expressed his pleasure with Barlow’s performance after the game, and said the midfielder’s new role continues to pay dividends for both he and the Freo team.
 
“(His performance was) Very good, wasn’t it?,” Lyon said.
 
“He was assigned (to Robbie) Gray, and ‘Mick’ has been working hard defensively. There are some tactical challenges to keep that in place. But it invigorated the team.
 
“It was pleasing for Michael, significant in the outcome (of the game), and he showed he’s got some really good footy in him.”