Defender Laura Pugh acknowledged that Fremantle’s ‘winning attitude’ left a disappointing feeling within the group following Saturday’s drawn result against Carlton at Fremantle Oval.
The Indigenous Round clash resulted in an intense finish in front of the home Purple Army, with Fremantle registering their first two points of the season following the tie.
It was also Carlton’s second draw in as many weeks, after tying with expansion side Port Adelaide last weekend.
Pugh was a pillar in defence, tallying 16 disposals, five tackles and three inside 50s and was responsible for much of Freo’s rebound out of their defensive half.
The intercept defender said that Freo will take confidence out of the clear progression week-on-week so far in Season 7.
“It’s pretty upsetting, and we were hoping we could get the four points today,” Pugh said.
“I think what we have showed with our growth in the past two weeks is that we are ready to keep building and keep going from here.
“We have that winning attitude and to draw brings a really funny feeling, but we are looking to build into our next game.”
Pugh was joined by Janelle Cuthbertson and Emma O’Driscoll in aiding Freo’s drive out of defence.
The 28-year-old said the defensive group was lifted with the return of Cuthbertson, with her aerial presence and leadership missed over the past two weeks.
“She brings so much confidence to our group and I think her aerial contest is something we really aspire to,” Pugh said.
“She is just elite and is a great leader and brings plenty of composure around the ball.”
“Hopefully, my rebounds in basketball are transferring too!
“I just want to be able to help the mids and the forwards with that attack and that’s something as a backline that we want to achieve.
“We aim to defend first, but then provide that run off and help them.”
Fremantle will now embark on a five-day break before a return to Optus Stadium this Thursday for an RAC Derby clash with West Coast.
The start time for the match has been brought forward to 1.10pm WST in a move to make it easier for families to attend the game on the Thursday public holiday.
“We’ll be absolutely fired up on Thursday, hopefully, we can get a good crowd down and all the girls will be ready to charge,” Pugh said.
