Fremantle’s costly turnovers and poor ball-use are to blame for its 11-point loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, says Michael Johnson.

Full match report

Johnson was among Fremantle’s best ball-user on ground and proved influential, particularly in the first quarter, with his silky ball use and run from the back 50.
 
However, Fremantle turned the ball over with errant handballs and poor decision making on several occasions in the final term.
 
Johnson said the ball use into the forward line was not up to scratch.
 
“After quarter-time we struggled to score,” he said.
 
“We didn’t have a lot of composure with the ball going inside-50 and did not find the targets.
 
“We kicked it straight to their plus one."
 
North Melbourne booted five goals to two in the final term to over-run Fremantle.

Talking points from Roos loss
 
“It’s tough to swallow after leading most of the game,” Johnson said,
 
On a positive note, Johnson said his body showed no signs of a hamstring injury that had him ruled out for 10 weeks earlier in the season and he was regaining his touch.
 
“I think I gave good run from defence,” he said.
 
“There are a few things I still need to work on but we’re going in the right direction.”