Fremantle’s league-leading defence had their colours lowered on Sunday against Collingwood, conceding 80 points in difficult scoring conditions at Optus Stadium.

Freo’s backs now rank second behind Narrm (Melbourne) – their opponents next week – conceding three goals more than their 61-point average this season.

Stand in captain Alex Pearce said it came down to Fremantle struggling to adapt to the wet conditions under Collingwood’s forward 50 pressure.

The Pies laid 15 tackles inside 50 and were able to create further opportunities with eight marks inside 50.

“From a defensive point of view, we got beaten, they took a few too many forward 50 marks and were able to score off that,” Pearce told ABC Grandstand.

“We knew coming in that they've got a few dangerous smalls that like to lay tackles. I think all around the ground, their pressure was better than ours.

“When we were on that good stretch, through the early part of the year, it was our pressure that was one of the best parts of our game.

“All around the ground, their pressure was just a level above ours and in those conditions today, that can be quite telling.”

Gallery: Peel v South Fremantle

The key defender said the connection between the backline and midfield was lacking compared to earlier this season.

“We spoke about that after the game (between) a few backs and mids,” Pearce said.

“We played teams earlier on in the year that have those really attacking mids and those forwards who start in stoppages and go forward. We had been able to handle them previously, but I don't think we handled it too well today.

“They were smart with how they flipped with a bit of width, so it was hard to catch them coming through.

“Our backs and mids need to be able to communicate a little bit better. There were multiple times today that we'd win the clearance and then all of a sudden they'd win it back and look forward and have one or two spare.

“We'll definitely look at it, it's on the backs, and the mids a little bit, there needs to be communication and we lacked the connection out there.”

Justin Longmuir post-match Q&A
Young: Intent not enough
Match report: Pies down Freo in the wet