Fremantle midfielder Matthew Johnson has said he is always looking to take the game on following his equal career-high performance against Richmond at the MCG in the Club's 54-point win.
Johnson gathered 25 disposals for the day, equalling his career best which was previously set against Richmond in round 13 last year.
“Obviously this year I’ve played a bit more on the wing, but this week Fyfey had a little bit of a rest, so the coaching staff put me inside,” Johnson said.
“I was grateful for the opportunity (to play more inside minutes), and it was good to get a bit of it.”
A goal midway through the third term from the 21-year-old broke a string of three consecutive majors from Richmond as they tried to mount a comeback at the start of the second half.
“The coaching staff drills it into me that it’s one of my strengths (his physicality),” Johnson said.
“Every time I get the chance, I like to tuck it in (the ball), take the game on and hopefully bring my teammates into the game.
“Contest all day, that was a big focus for the mids.
“Everyone in there played their role and a few of the boys hit the scoreboard which was pretty nice.
Fremantle led at every break throughout the game, finishing strongly with a seven goal to two final quarter as the Club came out 54-point winners over the Tigers.
It is the equal-second-biggest win the Club has recorded against Richmond, with the record previously set in round 9, 1996.
Today’s 103 points make it the fourth time this year the Club has scored 90 or more points.
“Every week we are speaking about ways that we can hurt the opposition and convert our chances a bit better,” Johnson said.
“It’s an ongoing process but I think we are on the right track to being a really consistent scoring team.”
Fremantle will return home to Optus Stadium to face the Sydney Swans next Friday in the Club's annual Purple Hands Foundation game.
“I think we are going to shift our focus pretty quick. It’s only a five-day turnaround.” Johnson said.
“We will be back home tonight and I’m looking forward to playing in front of a big Freo crowd on Friday night.
Sydney currently sits atop the AFL ladder, while Fremantle have moved up to sixth following today's win, setting the tone for a huge Friday night blockbuster.
