Fremantle goal sneak Hayden Ballantyne has described fellow forward Chris Mayne as a “maniac” and “tackling machine”.

Mayne was outstanding with 12 tackles in Freo’s 68-point win over Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday drawing praise from teamates.

Chris Mayne's tackle count incredible, says Luke McPharlin

Ballantyne, who is renowned for his own forward pressure, told Channel 9 Perth on Tuesday, that he was more excited by Mayne’s tackles than four goals.

“He was a tackling machine,” he said.

“He was running them down and putting pressure on like a maniac.”

Ballantyne said Mayne, in top form, was crucial for the team’s success.

“He’s definitely an important cog in our team,” he said.

Ballantyne said Essendon would be a tough task on Saturday night.

Match preview: Fremantle v Essendon

“If they can get their running game going they’re always hard to beat,” he said.

“You got to be careful of their dangerous players, like (Jobe) Watson and (Dyson) Heppell.”

Freo play Essendon at Domain Stadium Saturday 9 May. Bounce down is at 6.10pm.