While Andrew Brayshaw is unlikely to earn top votes as Fremantle were dominated to the tune of a 46-point loss against Melbourne on Friday, the 22-year-old showed once again why he is one of the Brownlow Medal favourites with his efforts against Melbourne’s star-stuffed midfield.
Brayshaw and Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver are among those vying for the award, and Brayshaw had the best of the pairing with 30 disposals 10 marks and eight tackles.
Two of those tackles were impressive run-down efforts that won a holding the ball free kick to stop a Melbourne surge forward in its tracks.
He now has 122 tackles for the season as he closes in on Fremantle’s home and away season record of 134 set by Matt de Boer in 2013.
Fellow midfielder Caleb Serong said Brayshaw was leading through action – highlighting the run down tackle on Alex Neal-Bullen as he was about to have a shot on goal in the final term.
“It’s inspiring. With five minutes to go, the game’s done, for Andy to put in an effort like that shows the character and player that he is,” Serong said.
“He’s a great leader, a great player and person around the club. He epitomises what our trademark is and he was awesome tonight.
“That (his pressure) is what he brings every week, that’s his bread and butter. That’s what he does at training, he doesn’t just turn it on on game day.
“He works on it and it’s pretty impressive to see at times, that burst and being able to chase guys down, he’s been doing it for years now which has been great.”
Serong also had praise for veteran David Mundy who led all players with 35 disposals alongside Will Brodie.
“He probably hasn’t been dominating like he was last year but he’s been playing his role every week for us and we love what he brings,” Serong said.
“For him tonight to turn it on and get plenty of the ball…he’s just such a wise head around the stoppage, around the ground and to have him out there, he’s so composed with the footy. He played a great game tonight.”
While Freo won a lot of key stats in the midfield including the hitouts and centre clearances, Melbourne had control all over the ground by winning the contested ball by 26 and the inside 50s by 20.
“I feel like we competed really well but the organisation around stoppage at times could have been better,” Serong said.
“That comes with getting to the stoppage early and that kind of stuff. They’re a very experienced midfield, they’ve played together for a while. We’re still learning and growing, I felt like we competed really well but they got some really good looks.”
Freo's pact
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Justin Longmuir post match Q&A
