Fremantle have a number of areas to improve before round one after being exposed by Adelaide in Friday’s match simulation, according to Assistant Coach Jaymie Graham.

Both clubs fielded strong teams for the opening four segments of the clash, with Adelaide prevailing by 11 points.

The Crows stretched the margin to 72 points in segments five to seven as both clubs tested their depth.

Fremantle had raced out of the blocks – a pre-season focus after some slow starts in 2022 – to kick the opening three goals.

But from there Adelaide were the dominant team as they took control in the midfield.

Graham lamented that Adelaide weren’t tested enough by Fremantle’s pressure and expects to see improvement next Thursday in a pre-season clash against Port Adelaide at Fremantle Oval.

“It wasn’t really a high pressure game and that is probably what you are after when you do come up against opposition,” Graham said.

“We didn’t play at our best from that point of view and we will be looking to bring more energy in our defence and put some more pressure on.

“We are not really worried about the result, it is more around our process and the way we want to play.

“We started well and played it in our front half, but it really opened up after that and Adelaide did get on top for the remainder of those second, third and fourth periods.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get the game looking the way we would like. We will look to sharpen up in that area next week against Port.”

Graham said there were some positives to take from the clash, highlighting the efforts of new recruits Luke Jackson and Jaeger O’Meara.

Nat Fyfe – who has been working with Graham closely this summer on his forward craft – showed promise with three goals.

“It was great to get a hitout and get some chemistry with a few players like the two ruckmen working together (Jackson and Sean Darcy),” Graham said.

“We had Jaeger in that midfield mix and Fyfey as a forward.

“It was important that (Fyfe) got some chemistry with our forward line and he showed some really good signs with his leading, marking and his set shot goal-kicking but also the pressure side – he put a couple of tackles on inside 50 which is another part that he is building upon in his game."

Ethan Hughes had his first test on the wing in a sign of a potential role change for 2023.

“We thought Ethan Hughes who went up to the wing showed some really good signs,” Graham said.

“He played wing and back today - but he has worked really hard in that area over pre-season.”

Brennan Cox made his return from injury in a promising sign for Fremantle’s backline.

“He had that little injury and missed a bit of footy,” Graham said.

“He started a bit later in that fourth period and continued on. He got through fine, so it was great to see him back.”

Graham added that there were no injury concerns for forward Jye Amiss, who appeared sore following the clash.

“He will be fine, he got a couple of corks,” Graham said.

Switta: Freo's vulnerabilities exposed
Alex Pearce named as Fremantle's 10th captain
What everyone said at the Season Launch