Cam McCarthy is happy to put a six-goal performance aside after seeing his team finish strongly in Friday night’s JLT Community Series clash with Carlton at Domain Stadium.
Fremantle hadn’t won a final quarter in the JLT Series until Friday night’s game.
In their win against Collingwood, Fremantle dropped the fourth quarter by 13-points - and also lost the final term against West Coast by two points.
Both games came in scorching weather, with temperatures in the high-30s.
On a cooler Perth evening, McCarthy said he could feel his side lift late in the game, increasing their advantage by eight points over Carlton in the final term.
“I definitely feel like I've progressed (over the JLT Series)," McCarthy said.
“I feel a lot better about running out games.
“We’ve played in some pretty stinky weather in Geraldton, and last week in Mandurah was hot too, so it was a bit of a change to play at twilight.
"It was a lot cooler, and I think everyone ran out the game a lot better.”
Tensions were high from the opening term, with minor scuffles surrounding a 50m penalty that led to Carlton’s Sam Rowe converting and giving Carlton an early two-goal advantage.
McCarthy said a hard fought contest was exactly what Fremantle needed as it prepared to take on Geelong in round one on 26 March at Domain Stadium.
“It was a pretty intense battle,” McCarthy said.
“Even through it was a JLT game it felt like there was a bit more in it. They came to play and they’re going to be a really good outfit this year.
“We were pretty disappointed with our efforts up in Geraldton, so to get two wins heading into round one, we’re really happy, and we look forward to taking on Geelong in a real game.”
From McCarthy’s six goals, his second was the highlight, kicking a checkside snap from a tight angle in the pocket.
“I pulled it out of nowhere, I don’t think I’ll be able to do that again,” McCarthy said.
“To kick a few is a bonus, but as long as I’m playing my role week in week out, that’s all I can do, and if the coaches and the playing group are happy with me, then I’ll be happy with that.”
