Fremantle continued a frustrating trend of losing games from short periods of being off their best football in a 29-point loss to Sydney, with Andrew Brayshaw lamenting a disappointing 12 minutes in the opening term where the Swans kicked six consecutive goals.
The vice captain felt Fremantle were able to match last year’s grand finalists for the remainder of the game on Saturday at Optus Stadium, but were unable to get on top as they played catch up from the Swans dominant first quarter.
The ball lived in the Swans’ forward half early, leading the inside 50s 15-4 26 minutes into the opening term.
“It’s a disappointing loss. I thought our intent to win was good and we never gave up but there were just patches of that game where they were able to pile on the goals,” Brayshaw said.
“A period of the first quarter, probably the last 12 minutes in the first quarter springs to mind, where they were able to get it out of the centre and impact the scoreboard.
“Good teams like that, when you give them a look, they’re able to really hurt you going forward and that was the difference in the end.”
Fremantle conceded 59 points from turnover with Brayshaw crediting the Swans for being able to pressure Freo into making mistakes.
“Their pressure was good and we weren’t able to buffer it, lower our eyes and give our forwards a chance,” Brayshaw said.
“I think we had, in the last three quarters, more inside 50s than them, but we weren’t able to score. That’s on the composure of the mids and the backs, giving our forwards a chance.”
Brayshaw credited the likes of Luke Jackson (43 hitouts) and Lachie Schultz (four goals) for their individual efforts.
“Missing Sean (Darcy) really hurts but it gives ‘Dogga’ (Jackson) a chance to play more ruck. He got his hand on it really well and his follow up was awesome,” Brayshaw said.
“We talk about him being a fourth mid, so I’m really proud of his efforts and we’re definitely going to need him for the next couple of weeks.
“Schultz is someone who always brings great pressure and good energy. To see him get on the end of four goals is awesome for him.”
Brayshaw said Fremantle have a tough test next week as they look to repeat last year’s efforts with a win against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
“We were able to go over there and get the four points off them last year. We intend to do the same thing this year,” Brayshaw said.
“It’s going to be a really tough challenge, it’s never easy going to Geelong and playing those guys.
“I’m confident in the boys, another opportunity to get after it and try and play four quarters of footy.”
