Fremantle will spend the summer looking to find a solution to their inconsistent 2021 season, according to defender Hayden Young.
Freo’s erratic year was no more evident in their run home, with inspiring wins against Richmond and West Coast separated by heavy losses to Sydney, Brisbane and St Kilda.
Speaking following Fremantle’s 58-point loss to the Saints on Sunday at Blundstone Arena, Young said all players would need to reflect on what caused the drop in performance.
“We had a lot on the line today, there was an opportunity to possibly play finals and it was disappointing for the group. I think we’re all hurting after it,” Young said.
“It was pretty disappointing, especially after last week’s (RAC Derby win). We just feel like we’re really inconsistent week to week and it’s something that we’ll review and work on next year.
“We’re disappointed with today’s performance, particularly after last week, where I thought we played our brand of footy. We just went away from that today.”
On a day where Fremantle’s pressure was lacking, Young bucked the trend for Freo with eight tackles to lead all players on the field.
He also had 17 disposals, five marks and five rebound 50s in a tough day for Freo’s backs as St Kilda piled on the pressure with their quick ball movement.
For the 20-year-old, it was just important to bank another AFL game - playing his fifth straight after an injury-interrupted start to his career.
“I’m really happy to be playing footy,” Young said.
“It’s obviously been disappointing with the amount of injuries I’ve had in the past two years. Every game is a win and I’m just looking forward to having a rest now and really getting stuck into pre-season and hopefully playing a lot of footy next year.
“It was a tough day. Their ball movement was pretty dangerous and they got a lot of good looks. We (the backline) were under the pump.
“I think we all stood up when we had to and we all had good individual moments.”
Young paid tribute to Fremantle veteran David Mundy, who played a club-record 354th AFL game, passing fellow Club legend Matthew Pavlich.
“Dave is super inspiring. It’s pretty crazy to think that it’s his 354th game and he’s playing the best footy he ever has,” Young said.
“I’m really excited for next year, hopefully he keeps going and keeps playing great footy. He really drives me along and creates a great standard for all the young players.”
Young also praised Fremantle’s members and supporters for their continued support in a season where they had 10 wins, 12 losses and finished 11th on the ladder.
“The last two years have obviously been really challenging for the fans and for us,” Young said.
“They’ve been massive all through the year and hopefully next year we can have crowds every week and play some good footy in front of them.
“I think this year we’ve shown that we’re capable. I think that’s one thing they can be excited about. We’ve definitely got it in us, we just need to be more consistent and I think we’ve got a great group of young players coming through, led really well by some senior players.
“I think next year is going to be really exciting.”
Freo falter in finals push
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