New recruit Brandon Matera expects a fierce response after Port Adelaide defeated Fremantle 16.14 (110) to 9.6 (60) at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Fremantle lost the tackle count 63-44 and Matera said much of Freo’s troubles came from the Power having it too easy when in possession.
Freo started positively with the 10 of the first 14 inside 50s but only had three behinds to show for it on the scoreboard.
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Port quickly found their groove and took a 21-point lead into the main break before building on their lead with a six-goal third term.
“It was pretty tough, we were with them going into half time,” Matera said.
“The first quarter was really good but they just opened us up a little bit in the second half.
“They chipped the ball around and we didn’t take their game away from them.
“We let them do that, so next week I reckon we’ll be up in their face and taking it back.”
The former Gold Coast Sun proved to be a handy pickup for Fremantle, collecting 19 disposals, taking seven marks, laying three tackles and kicking a goal in his first Freo appearance.
“I was playing forward, just emptying out (to the backine) like we have to and releasing forward,” Matera said.
“I worked into it probably a bit more in the second half but it was a tough one and a tough second half but overall, not too bad.”
The South Fremantle product says that a return home to a new stadium will help provide the boost the players need to lift their intensity.
Freo are set to play the club’s first AFL game at Optus Stadium against Essendon next Saturday night.
“It’s pretty big for football,” Matera said.
“With all the fans we’ll get out there, it will definitely help us.
“You notice the difference in Adelaide, with how loud their crowd was, so going into a new stadium will be awesome and the boys are really pumped and looking forward to making it home.”
