Forward Bailey Banfield believes a typical strength of Fremantle let them down against Sydney under the lights of Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Fremantle’s team defence has regularly been regarded as one of the best across the competition in season 2022, however, Sydney were able to break through it on their way to a 17-point victory.
The Swans led Freo in marks 138-79, kicks 260-196 and uncontested possessions 237-216, with their kick-mark game ultimately too strong for the home side.
Banfield said defence would be a key focus of this week’s review, as Fremantle look to rectify what went wrong before next Friday’s Marvel Stadium battle with Richmond.
“It was just about defence, we couldn’t get the ball off them, they were just chipping through us which is normally a really strong part of our game,” Banfield said.
“We’ll review that during the week and what we need to improve on there and how we can stop teams from doing that.
“We came in today with a fairly clear plan and we weren’t able to execute it and get the game on our terms.
“Sydney were just too good in the end.”
Arguably in career-best form, Banfield’s two goals against the Swans takes him to 15 for the year so far, a total three times more than his previous highest goal tally in a single season.
The Freo forward also contributed with 14 disposals and five marks and is visibly growing in confidence with each game.
“I feel like I’ve got a lot of confidence now in my forward craft and my ability to hit the scoreboard,” Banfield said.
“I feel like every game that I’ve played a full game I’ve been able to make an impact and get dangerous.
“It’s something I’ve really worked on, my forward craft, and it’s always nice to get a little bit of impact on the scoreboard.”
Banfield also lauded the game of fellow forwards Michael Walters and Michael Frederick after the pair were racially vilified online after Freo’s win over St Kilda last weekend.
“We really rallied as a Club around him and Freddy during the week,” Banfield said.
“The rubbish that some boys cop is just not okay and it’s not good enough by any stretch of the imagination.
“For him (Sonny) especially to go out there and put on a good performance and kick that goal, I’m sure that was special for him.”
