It was by no means a bad performance, but the 20-year-old had not wielded a massive influence on the game.
But Crozier emerged from the change-rooms ready to leave his imprint on the contest.
The Victorian was everywhere, gathering 24 disposals in two quarters to amass 34 for the game, including 10 inside 50s and a goal.
Fremantle assistant and senior development coach Simon Lloyd said it was a solid performance from Crozier, particularly against a side that has dominated the WAFL in recent seasons.
“Hayden was going well at half-time, but he was coming in and out of the game,” Lloyd said.
“In the third and fourth quarters he showed a stronger resolve and he definitely upped his work rate.
“He knew the team needed to lift and he showed that in his behaviours.”
The Thunder eventually went down to the powerful Tigers by 17 points, but the efforts of Crozier and fellow Freo Docker Tom Sheridan were heartening.
“Claremont has been the benchmark in the WAFL and Peel is a side that has been improving,” Lloyd said.
“Peel were in the game, and Hayden and Tom showed real resolve and will to try and keep them in the contest.”
Lloyd shared his notes on all Freo players that appeared in the WAFL last weekend.
Midfielders
WAFL Player of the Round: Hayden Crozier (PT) - 34 disposals (22 kicks, 12 handballs), 6 marks, 10 inside 50, 1 goal
Hayden played high forward and had 10 possessions up to half-time. He really got going in the second half where he had 24 possessions. He lifted his involvements and stayed close to the contests and demanded the football. Hayden had 10 inside 50s and showed some strong running patterns.
Tom Sheridan (PT) – 23 disposals (8 kicks, 15 handballs
Tom played on the wing, with some short stints inside the midfield. He had an 11-possession fourth quarter and also five clearances, which were often as third-man up, so he had a real impact on stoppages. Played a disciplined game and looked a different player with a bold approach, particularly in that final quarter when the game was on the line. It was a really positive and mature performance from Tom.
Viv Michie (PT) – 19 disposals (8 kicks, 11 handballs), 10 tackles, 2 goals
Viv’s tackling intensity was really high, and he was highly efficient with his ball use – of his 20 possessions, 16 were effective. He was given the task of shutting down Jake Murphy in the third quarter and we were impressed with his attitude and application to a team task. Overall, Viv had 10 tackles and he continues to build his game.
Haiden Schloithe (SF) – 21 disposals (12 kicks, 9 handballs), 6 marks
Haiden came on as an inside-mid with some time on the wing. He worked really hard around stoppages and centre-square-bounces demonstrating some good work and coverage for his teammates. We were very pleased with his running numbers, where he showed dash from congestion.
Cam Sutcliffe (EF) – 23 disposals (13 kicks, 10 handballs), 6 marks
Cam played predominately wing and went into several centre-square-bounces, where he had an impact. Throughout the game, Cam gave good support around the contest. With Cam’s use of the football he was creative, particularly with his short-range kicks. It was good to see him go to centre-square-bounces, which is something new for Cam, and win a couple of clearances. At one stage in the third quarter he had a running shot on goal from a centre clearance, which hit the post.
WAFL League results
Perth 19.16 (130) def East Perth 11.13 (79)
West Perth 9.16 (70) def by Swan Districts 15.8 (98)
South Fremantle 7.12 (54) def by East Fremantle 12.11 (83)
Peel Thunder 11.12 (78) def by Claremont 14.11 (95)
WAFL Reserves results
South Fremantle 14.8 (92) def East Fremantle 11.9 (75)
