Defender Joel Hamling believes Fremantle’s backline benefited from a full team effort in Freo’s nine-point win against Port Adelaide on Sunday at Optus Stadium.
With the intent of stifling the Power’s ball movement forward, Fremantle laid 50 tackles in their attacking half – four more than any other club in round 17.
Fremantle’s win broke a run of consecutive losses by more than 50 points and ended the Power’s five-game winning streak.
“It was a great win and it was good to respond off last week’s efforts,” Hamling said.
“I thought everyone came out and played their role, all 22 of us. Everyone contributed and it was good to get the four points.
“We got back to basics and doing what we do well like at the start of the season when we got wins against some good sides.
“We got back to tackling the ball carrier, pressure behind the ball and pressure in front of it as well.”
These efforts allowed the Power few opportunities to move forward, and when they did, Hamling and his fellow defenders were ready.
“It certainly helped us defenders out, when you send it 30 or 40 times down there, we were able to set up,” Hamling said.
With 12 spoils, Hamling kept opponent Charlie Dixon goalless, with the 200cm and 105kg forward left without a mark inside 50 for the game.
“I really enjoyed playing against Dixon. He’s a really good competitor, he goes at everything and is tough as nails,” Hamling said.
“These bigger players, and guys that are probably a lot heavier than myself, there’s different techniques you use as opposed to the running type players.
“It’s always good to get a gauge on those sort of guys.”
Hamling hopes Fremantle can build on their efforts this Saturday when taking on Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
“We beat Essendon in round two so we’ll look at the tape and really analyse that,” Hamling said.
“I suppose we got back to basics, so we’ll try and continue on from what we did today, get over there and prepare well.
“We have a six-day break so we’ll need to train well, get on the plane and have a crack on Saturday.”
