Fremantle played a four-quarter scratch match on Saturday with Purple taking on White in another even contest, with Purple coming from four goals down to win by 13 points.
Read about all the key moments below.
NEW YEAR, SAME MUNDY
After missing a significant chunk of pre-season due to an ankle injury in late December, David Mundy appeared to have not missed a beat as he returned for his first match sim minutes of the summer.
Playing only in the opening half, Mundy was crucial as White started the stronger side, including winning the opening clearance that eventually led to Darcy Tucker’s opening goal.
Travis Colyer, who played forward for Purple, was full of praise for the Freo veteran post-game.
“You would think he’s done the whole pre-season, but that’s just the standard that Dave sets for himself and how hard he works,” Colyer said.
"You almost expect that from him, even when he’s just coming back. Most importantly, it’s good to see him fit and healthy and out there as we’re getting more guys back.”
MIDFIELD BATTLE
The game started with Mundy, Tucker, Mitch Crowden and Sean Darcy for White taking on Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong, Nathan O’Driscoll and Lloyd Meek for Purple in the midfield. Mundy, Tucker and Crowden were all impressive early as White opened up a four-goal lead, however Purple responded with six consecutive goals as their midfield took the ascendancy – exacerbated with Mundy’s absence after half time.
Purple were +13 in the clearances and +7 in the inside 50s for the game, which played a part in the their 13-point win.
Colyer credited the whole team’s connection for the comeback victory.
“We started to take some opportunities and I think the efforts of Nathan O’Driscoll, Andy Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Lloyd Meek inside definitely helped us and got the ball going forward,” Colyer said.
“As forwards, we were able to play to our structure and get on the end of a few. I think our communication meant we were able to execute just a little bit better.”
MIDFIELD OPTIONS
Brayshaw, Serong and Mundy all showed they deserve to be walk-up starts in Fremantle’s midfield but a number of others are pushing their claims. For White, draftee Neil Erasmus quietly worked hard through the entire game and could arguably have been White’s leader for disposals after moving from the wing to the inside as Mundy’s replacement. Crowden was equally impressive for White while O’Driscoll continued to put his hand up for a debut, laying some big tackles and linking up well with Serong and Brayshaw.
Colyer singled out O’Driscoll as a player to keep an eye on as a potential inside or outside midfielder.
“Nathan’s been fantastic, his attitude and willingness to learn and embrace all situations has been brilliant,” Colyer said.
“He’s been through the midfield and on the wing. His intensity with the ball and around the contest is something you can’t question and as he gets more experience and exposure, he’s really going to perform. He’s been exciting to watch.”
DEFENDERS
Key defender Joel Hamling showed he was in contention for a round one return with his strongest showing of the pre-season so far, taking a number of intercept marks for Purple while playing on limited minutes. Lining up for White, Alex Pearce was equally strong, while Griffin Logue stepped up late as Purple’s forward entries increased.
Luke Ryan and Brennan Cox were at their usual best for Purple, while Heath Chapman was arguably the standout, not only defensively but setting up Purple going forward. His highlight came while kicking a goal on the run from 55m after receiving a handball from O’Driscoll, who had just caught Michael Frederick holding the ball.
WINGERS
Matching up on Blake Acres, Connor Blakely had a strong showing and was a key contributor as Purple piled on six goals straight, setting up at least two and kicking one off his own boot. While quieter overall, Liam Henry had moments of brilliance, easily dancing around players and dodging tackles on three occasions while on the wing before advancing the ball.
OTHER GOALKICKERS
Playing limited minutes, Matt Taberner got on the end of a good run of play from Serong and Blakely to goal as he continues to build this pre-season.
Also playing limited minutes, Sam Sturt kicked a goal while generously setting up Michael Frederick for his second.
Joel Western continued to impact the scoreboard this pre-season with two goals, while a his forward 50 pressure helped turn the ball over to set up a goal for Blakely.
TENDAI TURNS BACK THE CLOCK
Assistant coach Tendai Mzungu was involved in one of the plays of the day as Rory Lobb and Colyer linked up to deliver to Mzungu near the goal line. Sprinting back with the flight, Jordan Clark made Mzungu work for the mark, with the former Docker eventually kicking the ball through the sticks while lying on his back.
