Fremantle’s genuine love and care for each other helped them stay galvanised in what was a ‘hostile environment’ throughout their three-point win against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, according to leader Andrew Brayshaw.
The win was arguably one of the biggest in Brayshaw’s 83-games at the Club, solidifying Fremantle’s place in the top four against a fellow finals contender.
It was Brayshaw’s first AFL game in Geelong and the Club’s first since their record 133-point loss to the Cats in 2018. The 22-year-old said the team expected it to be one of their toughest fixtures in 2022.
“Playing Geelong in Geelong is no easy feat. We knew it was probably our toughest opponent that we were coming up against for the year,” Brayshaw told ABC Grandstand.
“It's always a hostile environment. Even when our bus rocked up to the ground yesterday, we had to walk about 800 meters just to get through the gate and there were fans giving it to us on the way in, so it was very hostile.
“But we backed in our system and we were able to get another away win which is super important.”
Brayshaw spoke glowingly of the feeling and culture of the group, saying their 6-1 record reflected how they have bonded in recent seasons.
“We're still a relatively inexperienced group of young guys who are really just enjoying their footy at the moment,” Brayshaw said.
“Being six and one, it's a lot easier to enjoy your footy when you're winning, but we genuinely have a lot of fun out there.
“You can see that when we celebrate little things, from spoils or picking your brother up off the ground, as well as goal celebrations. You can see how much joy everyone has on their face.”
Brayshaw hopes that loves extends to Fremantle’s members and supporters, eyeing the Club’s first Friday night fixture since 2015 against North Melbourne in round eight.
“At the moment, we're just enjoying our footy, trying to make the Fremantle family proud and we encourage fans to come out and watch us because we think we're playing an exciting brand,” Brayshaw said.
“The wins are starting to build up, we don't want to put a ceiling on it. We just want to go as far as we can this year.”
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