The problem with being the league leading defence in the AFL is that there’s no obvious ‘moment’ to celebrate as a unit, and a pair of Freo defenders have revealed how the backline is working hard to keep the energy high throughout the game.

In the first episode of Old Bull Young Buck for 2022, guests Hayden Young and Heath Chapman spoke about having to watch Fremantle’s forwards celebrate from afar in a team-defining 38-point win against Melbourne at the MCG.

“I enjoyed Rick’s (Michael Frederick) goal, when he sold the candy and took it on,” Young said.

“I think the second half in general was pretty enjoyable to be out there, the forwards were getting pretty dangerous and we were very happy in the backline.”

Mundy asked Chapman how the backline were reacting as Fremantle kicked 13 of the last 14 goals of the clash.

“Me and Luke Ryan are usually too deep to get up forward and celebrate with everyone else,” Chapman said.

“So we like to get around each other and lift the energy from the backline.”

Young added that “there was a lot of carry on from the defenders, which we love to see.”

“Lukey Ryan in particular was giving the double cobras. The big fist bump in the air from Clarky, it was almost a chainsaw. We were up and about.”

Mundy said he was amused to see Ryan almost have to celebrate alone.

“My favourite Lukey, the big double cobra and after that he was looking around for someone to celebrate with and he was the deepest back and he was a bit isolated,” Mundy said.

“He slowly walked over to Brennan Cox and was coming close to the wing. It wasn’t anything too outrageous but it was a really big walking high five with a big follow through and a bit of carry on.”

Young said the backline have their biggest test of the season yet, coming up against Brisbane ,who are leading the league for offence.

Freo’s backs lead the league, conceding just 60.4 points per game, while Brisbane are averaging 107 points per game.

“I think we’ve shown over the course of the year that we’re a strong defensive unit, and likewise Brisbane have shown that they’re a good offensive team,” Young said.

“It’s going to be a good battle of offence against defence I think. I’m looking forward to the challenge, they’re a high scoring team and we pride ourselves on good defence and good contest and I’m looking forward to that.”

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