Pressure the priority: De Boer
Matt de Boer would love more goals, but his tackling and pressure is still first focus
During the pre-season Ross Lyon spoke of his desire for the Dockers score more heavily, something they certainly achieved in their 70-point round one win over Collingwood.
De Boer has been the standard bearer for pressure since Lyon has arrived at Fremantle, leading the club's tackle count in both of the past two seasons.
But the 24-year-old would like to kick more goals as well.
"It's hard to put a number on it but if you can try and hit one a game that'd be ideal and make sure you can contribute that way," de Boer said.
"Making sure defenders have got to worry about you as well. But it's not a primary goal [of mine].
"I'll come back to my effort and I'll come back to my pressure and my tackling, things that I can control and if I can get on the end of it, that's icing on the cake for me."
De Boer has kicked 39 goals in his 101-game career. He managed 10 last year in 25 matches after kicking 15 in 2012.
His role in the side is highly valued within the walls at Fremantle and is rather unique.
"It's tough to articulate it," de Boer said.
"I guess it's just that high pressure role. I'm trying to create turnovers and then play counter-attacking football."
He had a game-high 10 tackles against the Magpies and gathered 21 touches but didn't kick a goal. De Boer believes the next step in his evolution as a player is to provide more in offence than just pressure.
"I think naturally that's the next progression," de Boer said.
"You can't be too defensive minded and you need to have an offensive side to your game. It's definitely something I'm working on with Peter Sumich. Trying to look for those opportunities."