They say practice makes perfect, and that was certainly the case throughout the dying moments of Fremantle’s one-point win over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Up by one-point with two minutes remaining on the clock, Fremantle’s playing group went into game-saving mode, a scenario practiced only 24 hours earlier.
Small forward Lachie Schultz said the final nail-biting moments were nerve wracking but something the team were well-equipped to handle.
Schultz hit the scoreboard with three goals of his own, while also applying the pressure in Freo’s forward half, with five tackles and six score involvements for the match.
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“(It was) very intense, a bit nerve wracking,” Schultz said.
“We actually practised that scenario yesterday, so we were in a really good spot coming into the game to go through it and execute it, and it really paid off.
“I just try and play my role and try to put my best foot forward. I know my strengths, and I try to play to my strengths and try and play my role for the team to help us win.”
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The highly contested game saw Fremantle off to a great start, but Adelaide posted an impressive run of goals in the third quarter that set up a tricky second half for Freo.
The poor third term presented itself as a lesson for the team and a focal point for the week ahead.
“It was very intense, there was a lot to take from the game, obviously,” Schultz said.
“We were good for parts of it. It was a really good first half, and we’re very happy that we got away with the four points, but we’ve got a bit of work to do.
“We were getting smashed at the contest, so it was just back to basics.
“Win it at the source, be stronger in the contest and get the ball driving our way.”
Schultz also praised Heath Chapman’s maturity in an impressive individual performance.
“He plays like he’s played 100 games, he’s just so mature and composed when he’s got the ball, he just reads the play so well back there and he’s a real asset to our Club,” Schultz said.
“That’s the best spoil I’ve ever seen in my life I reckon.
“He’s a star - that was match winning and match saving.”
Fremantle make their return to Optus Stadium next Sunday 27 March for their first home game of the season, an occasion that Schultz is excited to share with the WA Purple Army.
“It’s been a while since we’ve got to play in front of our home crowd and to start the year off with a win and go back there now and take it in front of them, I can’t wait,” Schultz said.
