Midfielder Danyle Pearce says Fremantle must play consistent football if they’re to defeat reigning premiers Hawthorn on Saturday.
“We have to make sure we do everything right,” Pearce said.
“They’re a team that plays until the last minute, and we have to make sure we match them from start to finish.”
Pearce said that despite a surprising 75-point defeat at the hands of GWS in round six as well as the loss of key players from their premiership winning side, Hawthorn’s triple premiership feat still holds them as the benchmark of the AFL.
“Three premiership cups says you’re going pretty well,” he said.
“They’re the benchmark of the AFL and have been for a very long time.
“They have 17 other teams chasing them and we’re no different.”
Hawks ready for Tassie challenge
Hawthorn’s ability to play hard, contested football has allowed them to remain a highly competitive side for many years, according to Pearce, who said Freo aim to match the Hawks intensity as well as their own expectations in Saturday’s clash at Aurora Stadium.
“Everyone has to do something different, no one has beat them,” he said.
“Yes they’ve lost some games, but when it matters, they stand up and play strong contested footy and that’s what we expect of ourselves and we have to make sure we deliver on that.”
