Fremantle’s had their best performance in recent memory as they piled on 18 goals in a 69-point win against Hawthorn on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.
Bailey Banfield said a selfless approach helped Freo kick their highest score in more than 1500 days, with 117 point their best effort since a round one victory against North Melbourne in 2019.
Banfield was one of five multiple goalkickers, kicking two goals alongside Luke Jackson and Andrew Brayshaw, which Jye Amiss and Michael Frederick kicked three each.
Amiss could have easily had four goals, but he selflessly gave one away to an open Frederick in the goal square – and Banfield said this moment highlighted how Fremantle’s forwards want to operate.
The 19-year-old finished the game with two goal assists and seven score involvements.
“We shared it around today which was awesome,” Banfield said.
“Jye gave it to Freddy in the goalsquare, that’s what we’re about, it’s not about kicking a massive bag, we share it around and that’s when we look our most dangerous.”
Frederick had 14 disposals and five marks and was one of Fremantle’s most impactful players as he showed no signs of being held back in his return from injury.
“Freddy is a freak runner, I don’t think he’s ever underdone,” Banfield said.
“He was able to get out the back and really use his strengths, his pace and a bit of aerial ability as well today which is always good to see.”
Banfield was impactful early, kicking two of Fremantle’s opening six goals to go with his 14 disposals and two contested marks.
“It was good to kick a couple goals and get back on the scoreboard,” Banfield said.
“My real focus was composure with the ball through the week and I thought I was able to execute on that which is always nice when you train something and it comes to fruition on game day. I’m looking to keep building on that.”
A Starlight ambassador, Banfield said it meant a lot to have the generous support of the Purple Army, who pledged almost $8,000 per goal as part of the Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by South32.
More than $150,000 was raised through fan pledges and more than $300,000 in total to help Starlight support seriously ill children and their families.
“It was awesome. We knew that every goal counted for the fan pledges,” Banfield said.
“After each goal they’d put up the total on the scoreboard and (the donations) were around $5,700 a goal and it kept going higher as the game went on.
“To get more than $150,000 from just fan pledges is absolutely awesome. That’s the fans, our Freo family getting behind the cause as they do every year.”
