It was a slightly different role on Friday night for Lee Spurr, the defender acting as Fremantle captain in the absence of David Mundy.

“It was a difference experience,” Spur admitted.

“You start to think a bit outside of yourself and about what you’re going to say.

“But I really enjoyed the opportunity to skipper with Mundy out and get the win.”

The Freo side led by Spurr cruised to a 60 point win over Richmond at Rushton Park, but the acting skipper said getting the win wasn’t the only goal heading into the game. 

“We came in with some strong things we wanted to get out of the game,” Spurr said. 

“We moved around really well, spread the field and used the ball well. 

“That has been the work we’ve put in that people haven’t seen behind closed doors over the pre-season.”

Darcy Tucker's first game for Freo

Another goal for Freo this pre-season had been finding opportunities for young players step up, which Spurr said he saw from first gamers Darcy Tucker and Sam Collins.

“Darcy can really run and was really strong on the wing, and Sam’s a big bodied recruit who competed really hard,” he said. 

“All we ask is that you give effort and play your role and they both did that. 

“We’re really pleased with how they played.” 

And while Matthew Pavlich finished with 18 touches and four goals in the win, Spurr said the club champion’s performance didn’t surprise him at all. 

“The way he’s playing he can go for another 10 years, and hopefully he does,” he laughed.