It was like chalk and cheese when comparing Fremantle’s performances over the past fortnight.
But to Lachie Neale, Fremantle’s 16-point win over the Bulldogs could be easily explained.
Fremantle were yet to hold a lead in the 2017 season, but on Saturday night at Domain Stadium, Freo piled on 26-points before the Bulldogs could hit the scoreboard.
“I think it was all about our fast start,” Neale said.
“In the first quarter we brought some really strong tackle pressure and I thought our attack on the ball and the opposition was really strong.
“That’s something that we’ve lacked over the first couple of weeks, so it gave us a chance in that first quarter. That really got us into the game.”
But like a true champion side, the Bulldogs fought back and built an imposing 14-point lead at three quarter time.
“At three quarter time we just spoke about getting back to that tackle pressure and getting numbers around the footy,” Neale said.
“In the second and third quarters we found that they flicked the ball around too easily, and they were able to get us on the outside.
“We just had to go back to getting numbers around the contest and that tackle pressure again.”
Neale also credited Michael Walters' ability to turn the game on its head.
Walters had just six disposals at three quarter time, but kicked three of Fremantle’s final five goals to pull the side back from the brink.
“We always know what we’re going to get from Sonny,” Neale said.
“And even if it hasn’t been his day, he’ll keep fighting on.
“He’s a leader now and in the leadership group, and his last quarter was crucial.”
Neale also paid tribute to Fremantle’s younger players, including the two debutants in Griffin Logue and Harley Balic.
“They’ve been good, we had to make some changes as our last couple weeks we haven’t been good enough,” Neale said.
“I thought the guys came in with some real vibrancy and had a crack and that’s all we can ask for.”
