Fremantle’s defensive trio of Lee Spurr, Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson all took 11 marks in a dominant display against Melbourne on Sunday.
 
With Garrick Ibbotson spending time forward, Freo’s back six has plenty of intercept marking options.
 
The defenders are also winning plenty of ball.
 
Spurr (18), McPharlin (21) and Johnson (17) all got their hands on the ball against Melbourne.
 
Spurr said the back six was beginning to take shape heading into the final round of the season.
 
“Michael Johnson’s back, Zac (Dawson) is back, Luke McPharlin is back…it’s been a real strength (defence) of ours,” he said.
 
“It’s good to get some game time and play together.”
 
Spurr intercepted many of Melbourne’s forward thrusts but said it was thanks to a vocal defence that he had faith to attack the ball.
 
“We have a lot of players who can play that role, Garrick (Ibbotson) has played that role, Michael Johnson is renowned for it,” he said.
 
“The support form the team mates, who call each other in really plays a big part in it.”