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Midfielder David Mundy said he was pleased to see Fremantle’s younger players take on a more prominent role in the absence of captain Nat Fyfe in Saturday’s RAC Derby at Optus Stadium
Mundy, who was acting captain on the night, said Fremantle were reliant on the likes of Andrew Brayshaw to deliver in the contest.
While the Fremantle leader conceded that the young Braysahw is still raw, he was pleased with the 19-year-old’s ability to impact the contest.
Brayshaw had the third-most disposals for Fremantle on the night, with 22 disposals, 14 contested possessions and four clearances.
It was in support of Mundy, who led the way in a starring performance with 36 disposals, 23 contested possessions and 10 clearances.
“I think since after Nat (Fyfe) came off near the end of last week's game (against St Kilda), we’ve seen the onus really spread across the group a little bit more, including Andy Brayshaw going through there in particular,” Mundy said.
“He’s really stepped up his game. He’s probably not showing so much yet, but I think his effort around the ball in the contest has really taken a step up, which was great.”
Fyfe will need to pass a concussion test before being declared fit to play ahead of another big test against GWS in Canberra in round five.
Mundy said it would be another good challenge for the group.
“We know what kind of team GWS is, they’ve got talent across every line, really high-end talent,” Mundy said.
“It’s going to be a great challenge. We played in Canberra last year, it’s a bit of a tricky ground as well to play at.
“I think it will give us a really good check with how we’re going as a club and as a football team, especially on the back of the travel component.”