Caleb Serong feels Fremantle gifted the Western Bulldogs their 29-point victory after Freo faltered late in a high stakes clash that could have finals ramifications.
Freo kicked the opening two goals of the final term to take a two-point lead before the Bulldogs kicked seven of the last nine goals to cruise home.
The Bulldogs pounced on any Fremantle error to kick 11 of their 16 goals from turnover.
“The first and last quarters we let ourselves down in quite a few areas. That started in the contest,” Serong said.
“The second and third quarters we really got on top, but we weren’t able to capitalise and execute in our forward half, especially kicking to our forwards.
“We knew their pressure (would be) really hot, they’re the number one pressure team in the comp and they would create some turnovers as well.
“We didn’t execute forward of the footy, so it felt like our mistakes hurt us a fair bit.
“While we got some good looks going the other way, we don’t want to concede that many points from turnover.”
Senior Coach Justin Longmuir said post-game Fremantle weren’t tough enough in the contest and Serong agreed.
“It was a bit of a capitulation to be honest,” Serong said.
“It started around the footy, they had some pretty clean centre bounce wins in about a five minute patch.
“When it’s coming out as clean as that it’s pretty tough for the backs, so we didn’t help them out.
“(The backline) will have some areas they’ll work on from that last quarter but we didn’t help them out from the midfield.”
Serong was the standout on the ground with 38 disposals, five more than any other player.
He also led all players with 18 contested possessions and 10 clearances.
The 22-year-old said Fremantle need to improve as they look ahead to next Sunday’s clash with Carlton at Optus Stadium.
“We have to deliver for four quarters, play a consistent game and that starts in the contest and team defence for us,” Serong said.
“We’ll go to work on that this week and hopefully play four quarters of good footy next week.”
‘Capitulation’: Serong laments late errors
Caleb Serong feels Fremantle gifted the Western Bulldogs their 29-point victory
