Midfielder/forward Andy Brayshaw is enjoying increased time in the midfield despite a tough 47-point defeat to the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
The 19-year-old was arguably Freo’s best against the Dogs, with 26 disposals (12 contested), 532 metres gained and three goals to his name.
Brayshaw said he feels at ease playing in the middle of the ground.
“It’s been a really good opportunity (to play midfield),” Brayshaw said.
“I got drafted as a midfielder so it’s good to go in there and feel comfortable.
“I feel like I can get to work, so I enjoy going in there.”
Brayshaw’s game against the Dogs saw him continue to string together some impressive performances and backs up his 20-disposal, eight tackle-game against the Swans last week.
The midfielder said while Freo’s second half was better against the Dogs, the gap was already stretched in the first half.
“It was a really disappointing loss, and I thought in the first half they beat us on the inside and on the spread,” Brayshaw said.
“The second half we improved a fair bit, but the gap was just too big to get back."
Brayshaw said the team didn’t bring the usual pressure and effort around the contest to curb the Bulldogs run-with style.
“We tried to have pressure from in front and make sure we chase from behind,” Brayshaw said.
“Usually if we bring that we can turn it over pretty easily but today I just don’t think we had that.
“We let them go through the corridor a bit too much and that really hurt us.”
Brayshaw said Freo will face a quick turnaround as they prepare for Geelong at Optus Stadium next Saturday.
“We’ve got a 6-day break, so we’ve got to wrap our arms around each other and get to work,” Brayshaw said.
“It’ll be a really tough challenge, but also a really good opportunity in front of a home crowd.
“Hopefully we will win the support back of our fans, we’ll get around each other this week, but we’ve got a lot to review and improve.”
