After a 55-point defeat to the West Coast Eagles in Geraldton in Fremantle’s JLT Community Series opener, Hayden Ballantyne says Freo will look to improve their intensity and use of the football in preparation for round one.
In hot conditions at Wonthella Oval, the Eagles racked up an extra 200 possessions, with 414 touches to Freo’s 214.
Freo were on the back foot from the opening bounce, with West Coast kicking the opening three goals while leading the disposal count 25 to one.
It was a much stronger and cohesive Fremantle that came out after the half-time break, but Ballantyne knew those opening moments were decisive.
“There was a lot to learn from the game,” Ballantyne said.
“We need to clean up our ball movement. Bring it in and move the ball around to make the opposition defend a bit more, rather than playing straight line footy.”
“The effort just wasn’t our best on the day.”
When given the opportunity, Ballantyne took his chances - kicking two goals to be one of Freo’s two multiple goal-kickers alongside Bradley Hill.
It was Hill’s first game in Fremantle colours alongside fellow new signings Cam McCarthy, Joel Hamling and Shane Kersten – while new draftee Sean Darcy showed promising signs after coming on in the fourth quarter.
“There were some patches where we played really well, moved the ball well and scored goals quite easily,” Ballantyne said.
“A couple of guys played their first game for us. Bradley played really well and kicked a couple of goals and ran really well.
“Once we get a few games in we’ll get a bit of chemistry going with those boys, and get them working really well for us. That will definitely help.
“And (Sean) Darcy had a great mark in that last quarter which is quite pleasing.
“He’s a big unit and I’ll get around him a bit as he’ll be able to help me out as I run past – I’m sure he’ll put on a couple of blocks on for me as he’s a big boy.”
“It was our first hitout and we’ll improve. We’ll get a bit more fitness in the legs and be ready for Collingwood in Mandurah next week.”
