With a plan that focuses on quick and daring game play, forward Michael Frederick hopes Fremantle make Marvel Stadium a home away from home in 2022.
Fremantle ended a 12-year winless run against Essendon at the Docklands ground on Sunday with a resounding 48-point victory in their first of five games there this season.
Freo next play at Marvel Stadium in round 15 against Carlton, the first of four consecutive away games at the venue facing St Kilda in round 17, Richmond in round 19 and the Western Bulldogs in round 21.
Frederick feels the indoor venue lends itself to the fast and free flowing football that Fremantle have exhibited in their four wins so far this season.
“We trust in our shape, changing the angles and using the open side quick off of turnover. We knew if we set up really well then we’d get plenty of opportunities going the other way,” Frederick said.
“We defend really well here, we spoke about that before the game and how we defend the ground.
“It suits us playing here so I’m looking forward to the next game we have here.”
Become a Freo member and be there for Saturday night's Len Hall Tribute Game
After losing all but one third term in 2022 going into the game, Frederick credited ruckman Sean Darcy for Freo’s dominance after the half time break with a six goal to none quarter.
Darcy had seven disposals, four contested possessions and four clearances in the quarter, allowing the likes of Andrew Brayshaw (11 disposals) and Nathan O’Driscoll (10 disposals) to get to work through the term.
“It was our contest in the middle, Sean got on top and I think that’s what drove us in our shape and getting others involved,” Frederick said.
“We were getting it in the forward line really quickly and it got us shots on goal and kept the ball in our forward half.”
While Fremantle sit second on the ladder with four wins from five games, Frederick said the playing group would not get too ahead of themselves and be quick to turn their focus to Carlton.
The Len Hall Tribute Game will be a blockbuster Saturday night game in what will be Adam Cerra’s return to Optus Stadium to face his former team.
“We can’t get too complacent after a few nice wins in a row,” Frederick said.
“Carlton have been going well, it’s going to be a massive game, it’s ANZAC weekend so a lot of the boys will be looking forward to it.
“The fans have been getting around us, even at away games, it’s unreal, we can’t wait to get back home and play in front of them again next week.”
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