Fremantle’s midfield group is intent on responding to a disappointing loss to St Kilda, with Will Brodie conceding that their round one efforts were below expectation.

Ruckman Sean Darcy was dominant in the hitouts, helping Freo win the count 45-19, yet the midfield lost the clearances 37-28.

Freo kicked just seven goals from 65 inside 50s, with the forwards and midfielders sharing responsibility for the disconnect between the two lines.

"We could have been better with our delivery and our stoppage work and contest work," Brodie said. 

"We believe we weren't good enough at the contest and in our clearance and stoppage work. We were a bit on the back foot.

"We'll stick to what we believe and our gameplan and structure. We've been working really hard over the pre-season and really refining a few things.

"We'll back ourselves in to bounce back and bring our best next week."

Brodie also backed former skipper Nat Fyfe to find his groove as a forward after going goalless against the Saints in a crowded tall forward line.

Fremantle’s marking targets all failed to have an impact against a well-drilled St Kilda defence, but Brodie expected the dual Brownlow medallist to respond quickly.  

"Fyfey has had a great pre-season block. He's in good form and we believe he'll bounce back. He's a superstar player as we know, so we back him in completely," he said.

Brodie remains buoyant after signing a three-year contract extension that will tie him to the club until the end of 2026 after reinvigorating his career at Fremantle.

The 24-year-old has quickly become a key member of the engine room since crossing from Gold Coast at the end of 2021, and was due to come out of contract at the end of this season.

Recruited with pick No.9 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, Brodie said he wanted to return the faith Fremantle had put in him and keep improving at his second club.

"I'm pumped to be here for a bit longer and lock in, it's a pretty exciting time to be part of the group," Brodie said.

"I feel like I've been believed in and backed in. I've been given a role that suits my strengths and just continued to get better, working with the young guys here and the midfield unit.

"It's been a really good environment for me and I'm looking forward to what the future holds."

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