Fremantle leader Alex Pearce was delighted with the performance of his fellow defenders in Freo’s hard-fought 19-point win against the Western Bulldogs in Saturday’s Len Hall Anzac Tribute Game at Optus Stadium. 

Every single one of Freo’s backs contributed on the night and Pearce highlighted the efforts of key defender Joel Hamling as well as emerging defenders Ethan Hughes and Ryan Nyhuis.

“I thought Joel played a great game today. He was out on his feet by the end of the game and he just kept going, he had a few great spoils,” Pearce said.

Hughes has played every game so far in 2019 after playing just five in a tough 2018 campaign.

Pearce said he felt Hughes delivered one of his best performances to date with 17 disposals, six marks and nine intercepts. 

He had particular praise for a hard contested ball win against Jack Macrae in the second term.

“I thought Ethan Hughes probably played his best game for the club,” Pearce said.

“He was huge in that first half and took a few really good marks.

“That one-on-one contest in the middle of the ground and that ground ball that he picked up, it was just a huge moment that really lifted the players.

“He’s playing some really good footy and it’s really great to see.”

Nyhuis played his first game of 2019 and impressed with 19 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six marks, three rebound 50s and led Freo with 10 intercepts.

“For Ryan Nyhuis to come in for the first game of the year for him, he just does what he does,” Pearce said.

“He’s a really good team player, really hard to play against and he was sensational.”