Alex Pearce has compared David Mundy’s third quarter performance in front of goal in Saturday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium to that of his famous goal against Richmond in 2015.
Mundy made his 300th appearance in the Len Hall Anzac Tribute game and helped lift Freo across the line with two crucial goals that wrested the momentum away from the Bulldogs and put Freo in the lead for good.
The midfielder also contributed 28 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven tackles and six clearances as one of Freo’s best on the day.
Mundy’s first goal came on the run just inside the 50 to cut the Bulldogs lead to one point.
He then delivered moments later with a set-shot outside 50 to put Freo up by 12.
Mundy seemed to consider passing before the shot but was persuaded by his teammates and a vocal crowd to back himself in.
“Mundy’s goals were huge and it was never in doubt that second one, I was one of the blokes telling him to go back and kick it,” Pearce said.
“It had a similar feel to that first goal against Richmond late in the game (in 2015 at the MCG). It was huge and you would just back him in as he’s a clutch performer.”
Pearce said it was important for everyone involved to deliver a win in Mundy’s milestone game.
“Being the Len Hall game, it’s always a big week and a big night for the club,” Pearce said.
“And with Dave’s 300th, it was just a huge occasion for us and the supporters and David and his family.
“It was really good that we honoured him with our effort tonight, to get the win and help him celebrate such a big milestone, it was just fantastic.”
Pearce said that Fremantle were careful not to rely on using the emotion of the occasion to get over the line, instead trusting the process that has seen the team sit second on the ladder with a 4-2 record.
“Emotion only gets us so far, it was just about continuing what we’ve been building over the start of the season,” Pearce said.
“We’ve brought some really good effort and have been in every game we’ve played this year.
“It was about continuing that on and really honouring Dave with that effort and having a real crack and I think we did that.”
Following the siren, Pearce and captain Nat Fyfe chaired Mundy off the ground.
He said that Mundy had been a vital influence on his career and it meant a lot to be involved in the moment.
“I carried Lee Spurr off last year so I thought I might be able to get my second scalp on the shoulders, so I got in there quick,” Pearce said.
“It was a special moment to be a part of and I think probably every game I’ve played, it’s been alongside David.
“He’s had a huge influence on my career as a player, as a leader and as a person. It was just a really special night and I’m just so glad we could honour Dave with the effort that we did. It was a great night.”
