Ryan Crowley, who has been Freo's tagger all season, was sent to mind Essendon captain Jobe Watson on Saturday night. But Ross Lyon decided a double tag was required against the Bombers so he gave Tendai Mzungu the job on Brent Stanton. Mzungu was well on top in the first quarter, but the tireless Essendon midfielder worked his way into the game and was a crucial part of his side's success. No doubt Mzungu would have learnt some important lessons in running with the AFL's elite midfielders that will help him when he's tasked with a tagging job again.
Barlow shows promising signs
Michael Barlow was the best midfielder on the ground in the first half on Saturday night. It was probably the closest he's looked to recapturing his incredible form from 2010. While he slowed down in the second half, he showed enough to suggest his very best is just around the corner. The return of Aaron Sandilands, Stephen Hill, Nathan Fyfe, Hayden Ballantyne and Anthony Morabito in the midfield should also help ease the load.
Brought up forward
Ross Lyon sent Greg Broughton into the forward line with positive results on Saturday night. After a slow start, the 25-year-old kicked two goals against the Bombers and presented well. It will be interesting to see if Broughton continues to play there or returns to his accustomed role as a half-back and midfielder.
Late goals
With one minute to go in the third quarter, Fremantle led by three goals after dominating the term. All that hard work came undone in the space of a few seconds after Essendon kicked two goals in the last minute of the quarter to go into the final break within a kick and with all the momentum.
Lower a positive
On his 25th birthday and in his first game of the season, Nick Lower showed his importance in stoppage situations with his 30 possessions, 15 of which were contested. He also laid eight tackles and had five clearances. With a number of key midfielders out, Lower's effort was vital and highlighted Freo's depth.
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