Sam Switkowski knows Fremantle still need to reach ‘another level’ as the season progresses, despite gaining momentum from three early season wins.
Fremantle come out of round four with a 3-1 record, after taking down GWS by 34-points on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.
The small forward finished the game with one goal, 12 disposals, eight tackles and 258 metres gained, and praised the energy shown by his younger teammates throughout the match.
“We’ve got some super young guys in the team who bring a lot of energy, especially off the half back line,” Switkowski said.
“They were fantastic again tonight, they played their role and really got our ball movement going from the defensive half which was awesome.”
Switkowski acknowledged the high pressure game brought by GWS, but said it was great to see Freo rise to their challenge.
“They are a really quality side and a really good contested side. I think we beat them comfortably in the contested ball tonight, which was really pleasing,” Switkowski said.
“I think we play them again later in the year, so it was good to get one on them tonight especially in front of our home fans after a bad loss against St. Kilda a couple weeks ago so, hopefully, this gets us rolling.
“It’s a little bit of momentum, I think we still have another level to go to especially if we want to compete against the best teams in the comp, but a win’s a win and it’s a good start to the season.
“We have a big game against Essendon next week so, hopefully, we can take this momentum into that game.”
Switkowski commented on the impressive performances of young defenders Heath Chapman and Hayden Young who both played a crucial role in creating Freo's drive into attack.
“They were fantastic again tonight," Switkowski said.
“They played their role and really got our ball movement going from the defensive half which was awesome.”
The 25-year-old enjoyed seeing his fellow forwards storm home with six goals in the final quarter of the 20th anniversary Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by South32, which drove up the fan pledge tally after each Fremantle goal.
By the final siren of the match, a massive total of $448,699 had been raised so far for the Starlight Foundation.
“It was a big night tonight with the Starlight game which is massive for the Club, and it was great to get a win,” Switkowski said.
“We came home strong in the last quarter which was really pleasing.
“I saw on the big screen the total going up throughout the game as the goals were put through, so it was great to see.
“It’s a really important cause and our ambassadors are fantastic showing their support, so it was great to raise a bit of money tonight.”
