Michael Frederick said Fremantle’s forwards had a clear focus on how to stop Essendon on Saturday night at Optus Stadium, leading to a 32-point win against the sixth-placed team on the ladder.
 
Essendon are currently the AFL’s best transition team, kicking 48 goals from rebound 50s this season – 17 more than any other AFL team.
 
Michael Frederick, who kicked two goals, said the forwards played an important role in Freo’s team defence, working to slow Essendon down on the counter attack.
 
“They're the number one team from rebound 50 to inside 50 transition,” Frederick told the Final Siren podcast with Duck and Oz.
 
“So we had a focus as forwards to get up and out so we can force them to slow their ball movement and force them long down the line.
 
“I think we did that pretty well all night.”

The game was Frederick’s 50th in the AFL as the no.61 pick in the 2019 draft reflected on his AFL journey to date.
 
“A little goal of mine, once I started getting into the team was to reach 50 games and just play week to week consistently,” Frederick said.
 
“I’ve ticked that so far. I’m grateful for the opportunity that Freo gave me.
 
“I don't think (50 games) is too big of a deal but I’m pretty happy.”

Frederick said he feels he’s grown significantly as a player in his four seasons to date.
 
“It’s mostly having consistency with routine,” Frederick said.
 
“When you come in the door, when you get drafted, you don't know what you don't know, as they say.

“I've been picking up on little things, picking the brains of the older boys and finding out what works for you week to week.
 
“That's been a gradual build and I think I've maybe slipped away from that a little bit this year, in some parts but from last year to now, in a way, I’ve been consistent with all that stuff.”

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