Luke Ryan struggled for sleep leading into a one-on-one battle with Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron on Saturday at Optus Stadium, and the star Walyalup defender delivered by keeping the Cat goalless in what was a 29-point win against Geelong.
Senior Coach Justin Longmuir said it was backline coach Matthew Boyd’s idea to send the intercepting defender to Cameron, an idea that Ryan wasn’t too excited about.
“I thought Luke Ryan did a great job on Cameron and he went up the ground searching for kicks and we were reasonably happy with that given he is so dangerous inside forward 50,” Longmuir said.
“‘Boydy thought it was a good match up, so I backed him in.
“He watches so much footage of the opposition forwards, more than me, so I back him in and it was the right call.
“Luke did a great job, he reckons he had a sleepless night last night, but he will get a good night sleep tonight.”
Longmuir said Fremantle’s team defence was crucial to limiting the impact of Cameron and Tom Hawkins.
“They are two great players and I think our backs have really benefited from the amount of pressure that is on the ball,” Longmuir said.
“Pressure in the middle of the ground and at clearance was really strong which makes their life a lot easier and we weren’t getting that right, especially in the Brisbane and Western Bulldogs games.
“It’s good that pressure has lifted because it makes their job a lot easier.”
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