A stronger and more consistent performance is required for Fremantle’s next JLT Community Series game against Collingwood this Saturday, according to forward Michael Walters.
Freo’s first JLT Series appearance was tale of two halves, as opponents West Coast jumped out of the blocks to build a 51-point lead in the second quarter, before Fremantle could find any of their own momentum.
It was a much-improved Fremantle that came out in the second half, increasing their intensity with improved ball movement across the ground.
“We were scratchy at the start,” Walters said.
“We needed to assess and figure out what we were doing wrong, and try and work through it.
“It was a scrappy game, but West Coast were the stronger side.”
Walters said senior coach Ross Lyon's half-time address was a catalyst for Fremantle to close the game strongly.
“We went back to our basics, and what we’ve been working on all summer,” Walters said.
“It was about getting our ball movement right.
“We struggled in the first half, and we tried to resurrect ourselves in the second half.
“We thought we’d done that, and there were some good signs, but there was just that consistency that we needed to keep.”
Fremantle have two more JLT Series games to play before round one against Geelong at Domain Stadium on 26 March, starting this Saturday with Collingwood at Rushton Park in Mandurah.
Walters emphasised the importance of a four quarter performance against the Magpies.
“We just need to work on that consistency,” Walters said.
“We’re not going to change too much, we just want to build our brand and keep working on what we’ve been working on all summer, and try and get that right.”
Fremantle v Collingwood AFL & AFLW Double Header
Saturday 4 March - Rushton Park, Mandurah
AFL Women's: 10.35am
AFL Men's: 1.40pm
Tickets through www.ticketmaster.com.au
