The intensity went to a new level on Saturday in a thrilling practice match encounter between Fremantle and Collingwood at Victor George Kailis Oval in Cockburn.

Fremantle ran out one-point winners in a highly contested clash between the two sides, with the midday heat proving a significant challenge for all players.

Mikayla Hyde, who was one of Freo’s best afield, laid a number of important tackles and was clean with ball in hand to help drive Freo into attack.

She said the group was aware of Collingwood’s ball-wining ability heading into the fixture and that the practice match would be used as a learning for when the two sides meet again in round two of the season proper.

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Leading by 17 at the final break, Fremantle fought off a spirited final-term comeback from the Magpies that saw the visitors kick three majors in the last quarter.

“We were definitely expecting it, we know Collingwood are a finals team and we knew they would come with hunger and burn,” Hyde said.

“We spoke about the fact that we went a little bit off task at the end - more than we would’ve hoped and liked – and didn’t quite put together the four quarters.

“We held them off and I’m really proud of the group for that.

“They have got a lot of hard ball-winners and there was a lot to learn about how they attack the footy.

“We have got them again in round two so we can take that performance and learn from it.”

Hyde highlighted the individual efforts of ruck Mim Strom and midfielder/forward Gabby O’Sullivan for their tireless efforts and work rate around the ground.

O’Sullivan split her time between half-forward and the middle, while Strom was as good aerially as she was at ground level.

Collingwood ruck Sabrina Frederick’s move forward in the second half allowed Strom to regain control in the middle and hit to the advantage of her midfielders.

“We’re so lucky to have someone like Mim Strom and she dominated around the ground as a tall,” Hyde said.

“Gabby has got speed to burn, she loves to win the footy and run hard and she showed that today.

“We know if we just put the footy into Gabby’s hands then she becomes really dangerous for us.”

Fremantle’s first season under Senior Coach Lisa Webb looks set to be typified by fast movement and a clear emphasis on players executing their role.

A dominant third quarter by Freo saw the home side kick two goals while they kept the Pies goalless in a term that helped shape the victory.

“It’s super clear and everyone is on the same page,” Hyde said.

“We talk about roles and having expectations for what we need to do, it’s not about who gets the most touches - it’s all about your role.

“We showed that in the third quarter where we had great control and got on top of Collingwood.

“I think the more consistently we can do that the more damaging we will be throughout the year.”

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