Ballantyne was instrumental in the 30-point win, particularly in the first half when he kicked four goals to keep Freo within striking distance of the Saints.
Pavlich said a big haul was always around the corner for a player whose ‘one-percenter’ efforts were second-to-none.
“It was really pleasing that he got on the end of it,” the skipper said.
“Hayden’s been working really hard defensively for us – he tackles and he chases – but he hasn’t necessarily got on the end of it or kicked a bag this year.
“It was really good to see that on Sunday.”
Ballantyne said it was nice to capitalise on the midfield’s hard work, but he also credited the forward line presence of his captain, who played his first game since round 3.
“‘Pav’s’ great,” he said.
“He sets up our structure well and he’s always crunching packs, which gives us little fellas something to crumb off.”
Ballantyne said Freo’s attention now turned towards West Coast in next Sunday’s Carlton Mid Derby.
“We can’t wait, we’ll give it a red-hot crack,” he said.
