Fremantle were let down by some simple mistakes in a 28-point loss to North Melbourne, according to midfielder David Mundy.
In what was a closer game than the final margin suggested, Fremantle were left to rue giving away free kicks in some crucial moments as North Melbourne surged home.
Mundy said Fremantle would work on being more composed for next-Sunday’s clash with Collingwood at the MCG.
“There was a little bit of ill-discipline and things like that around the ground, giving away some free kicks off the ball and some 50 metre penalties, which is not ideal,” Mundy said.
“It’s a bit disappointing, when we slipped over the mark a bit and got a bit too aggressive and ill-discliplined. It’s something we’ve spoken about and we’ll look at it during the week.”
Following back-to-back goals to get within a straight kick in the fourth term, Fremantle seemed to have all the momentum.
Sonny at his magnificent best #AFLFreoNorth #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/SVWw4jQ0Wq
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) May 27, 2018
However after Michael Walters’ clever goal to bring Freo within three points, ruckman Aaron Sandilands left the ground due to a head-knock with Sam Durdin.
Hoping the best for Sandi #AFLFreoNorth pic.twitter.com/OSp2l962y1
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) May 27, 2018
From there, North dominated the contests and kicked four unanswered goals to finish the game.
Playing forward for the bulk of the game to provide an aerial target, Mundy said Fremantle was making progress, particularly with their deliveries inside 50.
“North Melbourne are obviously a very good side and I think we just let them up late,” Mundy said.
“On that front it was really disappointing but some of the things we were trying to implement in this game went really well so it’s something to build on I think.
“I thought the forwards worked really well today, especially prior to it getting a bit wet. The forwards’ connection with our midfield and half-backs was a step forward and it’s something that we’re working on really hard.”
Fremantle will regroup prior to heading east to face the Magpies as Freo looks for their first win on the road.
“The Pies are up and about at the moment and going to the MCG is a great challenge,” Mundy said.
“We know if we play our game, even tonight in patches, it really stands up. Again, it will be a challenge on the road but we embrace those challenges.”