While Fremantle’s start to the year was challenging in part due to injuries to key players, Freo have seen improvement thanks to their often-championed “next man up philosophy”, according to leadership group member Lee Spurr. 

Spurr said the team had rallied around the challenge and players have stepped up in the absence of key contributors. 

“It’s been challenging but it’s been an opportunity to grow and improve,” Spurr said.

“We’ve seen guys like Sam Collins, Hayden Crozier, and Zac Dawson has also been really solid down there (in defence).

“The opportunity to grow has been great for some of the younger players and we look forward to seeing where they can go in the back half of the year." 

Wait paying off for mature-age Collins

Crozier has been a welcome addition to the Freo backline and has utilised his kicking skills to great effect since making the move mid-way through the season.

Spurr said the move down back has been beneficial for Crozier, who has been able to consistently use his natural foot skills coming out of defence. 

“He’s a really talented player and has that natural flair (about him),” he said.

“You want him to play his game and be really confident within the team guidelines and we can see that happening.”

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Crozier’s presence and a growing familiarity with the game plan implemented in the pre-season have seen Freo use the ball well over the past month, and Spurr said the improvement should be seen as a credit to the team’s resolve. 

“We’re not turning it over as much, which is really good,” he said. 

“It’s a combination of the hard work we’ve put in over the summer, sticking to the game plan and the group really sticking together and being resolute. 

“It’s been a real strength over the first half of the year (especially) when the results haven’t been going our way.”