The Fremantle playing group didn’t hold back against each other when split into Purple and Grey teams in Saturday’s Intraclub, with Michael Frederick saying there is an aim to be more physical as a team in 2023.
An already intense post-Christmas block ramped up further with the first of two full length practice games before taking on Adelaide in a fortnight’s time.
Playing as a forward on the Grey side, Frederick could tell the Purple backline had an order from coach Matthew Boyd to start the game fiercely.
Jaymie Graham oversaw the Grey team opposed to Boyd, while Senior Coach Justin Longmuir patrolled the sidelines observing for both teams.
The intensity was highlighted by a number of crunching run-down tackles, including from Luke Jackson, Jordan Clark, Sam Sturt, Josh Treacy and Michael Walters.
“Both coaches, and as a squad, we have a mentality of starting fast and physical,” Frederick said.
“Boydy’s always got the backs trying to get some body on early, be intimidating and bring a presence to both sides of the game in attack and defence.
“It was nice and physical… the Greys got it done in the end but it was pretty even among the group.”
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Caleb Serong and Jaeger O’Meara won the bulk of the footy for the Grey team but Frederick was most impressed with what he saw from 19-year-old Matthew Johnson.
“I reckon Matt Johnson in the middle stood out to me,” Frederick said.
“He’s been having a good building block in this pre-season since we came back post-Christmas and he’s getting it done inside.
“Luke Jackson in the ruck as well, Fyfe up forward, I could name several. There was a good even spread of performances today for the Greys.”
Frederick and Sturt were the multiple goalkickers for Grey while Jye Amiss also kicked a pair for Purple.
“We had most of our forwards out there on both sides today,” Frederick said.
“Hopefully everyone stays fit between now and round one, that will be a good thing as the coaches want those options. The pressure is on for the forwards and as a squad really.
“I just wanted to play a team role…it’s always a good feeling to come off the track as a decent individual performer. I’m happy.”
Gallery: Intraclub 11 February
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