Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe has credited Freo’s ability to fight back from a slow start despite suffering a 20-point loss to Collingwood on Sunday at Domain Stadium.
The Magpies took the ascendency early, however Fremantle were able to keep the contest close until late in the final term.
“I think we competed quite well,” Fyfe said.
“It was a game of momentum and we played quite well for large periods
“We stayed right with them until the very end where they cracked it open.”
“I think competitively it’s a tick but structurally we let ourselves down.”
“We showed some real fight on the back of last week’s poor result and we know we’ve got a young side.
"Luke Ryan debuted today and did quite well and held his own, but that fight and staying in the game was quite important.”
Collingwood dominated play early with eight scoring shots to three as they opened a 10-point lead at quarter time.
“The slow start hurt us,” Fyfe said.
“I think we were two goals down after 10 minutes and that really was tough to make back up throughout the game.”
In a blockbuster midfield battle, Collingwood won the clearances 40-37 on the back of dominant performances from Adam Treloar and Steele Sidebottom.
Connor Blakely led Freo’s disposal count with 26, while Fyfe led both sides for contested possessions with 14.
Fyfe gave credit to Magpie ruckman Brodie Grundy, who helped Collingwood lead the hit outs 42-28.
“They’ve got a class midfield,” Fyfe said.
“I thought they probably edged us out and I thought their ruck work was superior around the ground.
“Jon (Griffin) fought quite hard but Grundy’s a quality ruckman.
“But it was a good exposure for the guys like Bradley Hill and Michael Walters going through the midfield and playing on quality opposition.”
Fyfe said it was crucial for Freo to improve their starts as they face a tricky away trip to Brisbane.
“Our first quarters are crucial, we’ll look at getting out of the blocks.
“It’ a six day break and the longest road trip in footy so we’ll have a good week on the track and look to come out firing.”
