Not a numbers game
Despite Geelong’s dominance on the scoreboard, Fremantle led in many key indicators, starting with a vintage display from Aaron Sandilands. Freo won the hit outs 63 to 18, the clearances 48 to 34, the disposal count 382 to 262 and the inside 50s 51 to 43. 

Turnover conversions
While Fremantle had the advantage on the stats sheet, one difference in the game came through Geelong’s ability to make Fremantle pay for their errors. From 64 turnovers, Geelong kicked 10.4. (64) to Fremantle’s 4.5. (29) from 59 turnovers.

Ross “kicking himself”
Ross Lyon has backed the playing group, saying the side was “better” than their performance on Sunday. Instead, Lyon admitted he felt there were areas he had missed in preparing Freo for a side that finished second in the 2016 home and away season.
“I’m probably a little disappointed in myself,” Lyon said after the game.
“I could have prepared (the team) for a couple of Geelong mechanisms they do well. They have done them for a long period of time. I sort of take responsibility for that.
“I know, within that performance, I see a fair bit of potential in us and a fair bit of hope. I know we’re better than that. But it’s my job to bring that out in the playing group really quickly, so there will be some simple focuses at the review.”

Griffin’s 50th for Freo
Growing up as a Freo fan, Jon Griffin racked up his 50th game for Fremantle since his arrival at the club from Adelaide - working in tandem with Aaron Sandilands with 15 hit outs as well as notching up 10 disposals and six tackles.

Starlight Purple Haze
Despite the tough loss, the Fremantle playing group took the time to acknowledge the Starlight wish kids for their support during the 15th annual Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly supported by Fremantle Ports.
Aaron Sandilands helped push seven year old Orlena off the field, while Walters carried his six year old nephew Beau off on his shoulders and Tim, 17, came off chatting to his favourite player Bradley Hill.
The club has raised more than $1 million for the charity that supports seriously ill children and their families since 2003. Last year saw Freo fans raise more than $189,904 for Starlight, with another big total coming this year towards this worthy cause.