It was a difficult night for Fremantle, handed an 89-point loss to Port Adelaide on Sunday at Adelaide Oval.
Here are the talking points from the game:
Costly errors and a slow start
Port Adelaide opened up a six-goal advantage at Adelaide Oval before Freo mustered a response with two straight goals of their own. Four of Port Adelaide’s opening five goals came from turnovers inside Fremantle’s defensive fifty. By the time the final siren had sounded, Fremantle had conceded 93 points from turning over the ball - and scored just 28 from their own interceptions.
Engine room a strength
Fremantle had no issues with winning their own football. Led by a 34-disposal effort from Lachie Neale and 30 possessions from fellow inside mid Nat Fyfe, Freo won the clearance count 39–36.
Scoring a must
For the second straight week, Fremantle ended the week with the lowest score from the round. Fremantle had eight individual goal kickers – including Shane Kersten’s first for Freo – but none went on to kick multiple goals.
A forecast of change
With a number of players showing strong form in the WAFL for Peel, senior coach Ross Lyon highlighted that changes to the starting 22 are likely.
“Harley Balic has put three weeks together so we will look at him,” Lyon said.
“Tommy Sheridan could have probably been in easily on his form and he was first emergency.
“But we have stuck with the group, we showed faith. We didn't get delivered on and now we need to act.”
Six days until Bulldogs
A six-day break until Saturday’s clash with the reigning premiers at Domain Stadium could almost be a blessing disguise according to midfielder Bradley Hill. Hill, who picked up 31-disposals against the Power, said that the side is hungry to get back out on the field and make amends for a sluggish performance.
“I think it’s good we have a six-day break,” Hill said.
“We can move on and get ready for the Bulldogs which is obviously going to be a big game for us.
"We need to play better than we did tonight, but we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
