Fremantle midfielder Blake Acres will be telling his teammates not to get ahead of themselves, despite the team sitting second on the ladder with a 5-1 record.
Fremantle’s fifth win of the year came on Saturday night against the in-form Carlton, but the former Saint has a good reason to keep himself and his teammates grounded.
In Acres’ final year at St Kilda in 2019, they started the season 4-1 and were second after five rounds before winning only five more games that year to finish 14th.
“I’ve been four and one before in my career at the Saints and we didn’t make finals, I’ll be trying to relay that message to a few of the guys to keep them on task,” Acres said on the Final Siren Podcast with Duck and Oz.
“As a group we know it’s a good win, and we just spoke about the maturity we have about it. We’ll celebrate tonight and enjoy the win, but come Monday we refocus again on Geelong.”
Acres started the pre-season no lock for selection, but has taken the opportunity on the wing with both hands, averaging 21.2 disposals per game.
His 561 metres gained in Saturday’s 35-point win against Carlton was his most in Fremantle colours, but his scintillating snap from the boundary was the real highlight.
Acres said his main focus was to play a team role and was simply benefiting from the hard work of his teammates.
“I feel where my game is now is based on how we’re going as a team to be honest. I play a real outside role, so I really do rely on my teammates a lot with how they use the ball and how we set up,” Acres said.
“My main focus on game day is my team defence. If I get the ball off that, it’s a good thing for me but it all comes off my teammates and what they do.”
Acres feels he has benefitted from the hard work put in during the off-season.
“I had a pretty solid off season. I got to work with a few of the boys like Sean Darcy and a few of the younger guys and really cracked in and knuckled down on what’s good in my game, my running and my size” Acres said.
“I really just focussed on that and bringing that to life every week and making that a real dominant strength of mine.”
Don't underestimate the Purple Army
'It shows our maturity' - Ryan sees Fremantle stepping up
Darcy, Chapman and Young update
Match report: Freo go 5-1
