Fremantle’s backline were especially thankful for the defensive efforts of Liam Henry as the 21-year-old had a breakout performance against Essendon.
Henry bettered his career-best disposal count by 11, racking up 32 disposals as Freo ran out 32-point winners at Optus Stadium.
While Henry’s had a significant offensive output, defenders Luke Ryan and Brennan Cox were both thankful for the winger's support of the backline.
“We kept saying thanks (to Henry) all night,” Ryan said on 3AW.
“He helped us work back and have an extra number. That was his best game and if he can keep doing that, he's going to be an elite player for us for a very long time.”
“He was really noticeable tonight. He really gets back and supports us as defenders. He works really hard to help create an out number and get used,” Cox told 6PR.
“With the ball, he takes a game on and creates a lot of energy when we're going forward.
“Tonight, he was really good and I thought his contest was super.”
Fremantle leader Jaeger O’Meara expects Henry to build on his performance as his confidence grows.
“I've been hoping that he'd have a game like that because I think he just needed a little bit of confidence,” O’Meara told Triple M.
“I was sitting on the bench early in the in the last quarter and I reckon he had eight or nine touches within five minutes.
“It's great for his confidence. He's been working really hard on the track and it's no surprise that he's come out and played that way.
“Hopefully that will propel his career forward from here.”
Henry finds freedom on wing
Jackson loves his role
Justin Longmuir post-match Q&A
