AFL
Corbett’s pride in his teammates

Luke Ryan has strongly backed in captain Alex Pearce for his leadership on and off the field following Fremantle’s gutsy seven-point win over Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

With a game-high 15 intercept possessions, Pearce led Freo’s backline as they formed a defensive wall against Geelong’s attack.

The key defender had 18 disposals in total and took eight marks and six rebound 50s.

Ryan said external criticism had been unfairly levelled at Pearce all season and highlighted the important role he played against the Cats.

“He was unbelievable, he has copped it pretty much all year,” Ryan told 6PR.

“Everytime we lose he cops it which I don’t understand, we’re all not playing well so I don’t know why he should cop it.

“He was incredible today. We wanted him to back himself in, read the play and go for the ball and I thought he did that.

“Tom Hawkins went off injured and then he went to Jeremy Cameron and locked him away as well, so it’s a credit to him.”

01:10

'I hope the fans are proud of us' | Alex Pearce

Alex Pearce spoke on ground after our clash against Geelong at GMHBA stadium.

Ryan said the ‘tough’ Pearce had stood tall in the face of adversity this season.

“He is a tough competitor; we love playing with him and we love him as our skipper,” Ryan said.

“We have all been down on form, he is not the only one. He stood up, he never goes into his shell, he always gets around the boys.

“We are a young group, and he is doing an incredible job on and off the field.

“He will be our captain for hopefully a long time, and if he keeps playing like that we will win a lot of games.”

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 01:27

    Alex Pearce | Highlights v Geelong

    Alex Pearce had a cracking game against Geelong at GMHBA stadium.

    AFL
  • 02:17

    All The Goals | Round 20 v Geelong

    See every goal Freo kicked in their thrilling win over the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.

    AFL
  • 00:16

    Team Song: Fremantle

    Watch the Dockers celebrate their round 20 win

    AFL
  • 04:27

    'We were really pleased with our performance today' | Josh Corbett

    We spoke to Josh Corbett after our win to Geelong in round 20.

    AFL
  • 08:21

    Match highlights | Round 20 v Geelong

    Freo take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in round 20

    AFL
  • 01:01

    'We love these kind of days' | Caleb Serong

    Caleb Serong spoke on ground after our clash against Geelong at GMHBA stadium.

    AFL
  • 01:10

    'I hope the fans are proud of us' | Alex Pearce

    Alex Pearce spoke on ground after our clash against Geelong at GMHBA stadium.

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Freddy stuns stadium with wildest of finishes

    Michael Frederick launches a rocket from the pocket and connects in breathtaking fashion

    AFL
  • 08:17

    Justin Longmuir post match | Rd 20 v Geelong

    Watch Fremantle's press conference after round 20's match against Geelong

    AFL
  • 02:48

    Last two mins | Freo's desperation holds off Cats

    The thrilling final moments between Geelong and Fremantle in round 20

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Freo bite back with Corbett beauty

    Josh Corbett flips the script with a quick soccer goal to give Fremantle the lead

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Freo takeover, delivering three quick goals

    Freo are off to a hot start in the second term with majors from Michael Walters, Michael Frederick and Sam Switkowski

    AFL
  • 10:53

    'We need to be better at holding up behind the ball' | Justin Longmuir

    Hear from JL as Freo prepares to take on Geelong at the Cattery

    AFL
  • 03:00

    'A fair bit went wrong.' | Longmuir on 7 News

    Justin Longmuir joined Ryan Daniels on 7 News to discuss expectations, Liam Henry's playing future and criticism of Alex Pearce.

    AFL
  • 01:17

    Perth Radiological Clinic injury update | Round 20

    High-Performance Manager Phil Merriman gives an update heading into Round 20

    AFL
  • 08:38

    'Being able to build back from adversity' | Ethan Hughes

    Hughes looks back on his career ahead of his 100th game this weekend against Geelong

    AFL

Ryan himself was instrumental to Fremantle’s victory, totalling 28 disposals (including 25 kicks), 10 rebound 50s, six marks and 644 metres gained.

Playing primarily on Cameron for the match, Ryan kept the forward to 13 disposals as he returned an inaccurate result of 1.5 for the match.

“I got pretty lucky he (Cameron) kicked a few points, but a few of them were wide so I’ll take the win there,” Ryan said.

“He’s an incredible player, the way they play they get out the back so well. He is a hard man to stop, they all are really.”

Freo shock Cats in thrilling win
A real skipper's game
Embracing the challenge