Pav’s form

After a match-winning six-goal performance in round 11 against Richmond at the MCG, Freo’s captain returned to the hallowed turf and continued where he left off. This time, his five goals weren’t enough to get the side over the line, but nonetheless, it was a mighty effort. Pavlich’s third goal of the afternoon, and 515th of his career, entered the history books, as it made him pass Peter Sumich’s record for most goals kicked by a player at a WA-based AFL club.

Watch ‘Pav’s’ 5 goals on You Tube

Never give in

At the quarter-time break, after a poor first term by his team, coach Ross Lyon told Fox Footy he felt Freo were not as far out of the game as the scoreboard suggested. He said it was ball-use that was the difference, not effort. Lyon was right. Freo kept at its task and eventually began to wear down its opponent. A 40-point margin was reduced to just 17, before the Magpies settled for a 29-point win.

Ballantyne leads by example

If one play could frame what Hayden Ballantyne is all about, it’s the chase-down tackle on Collingwood’s Harry O’Brien to win a holding-the-ball free kick in the third term. That display of tenacity and desperation resulted in a Matthew Pavlich goal, as opposed to a dangerous Magpie foray into attack. Anyone questioning the little man’s place in the club’s leadership group should watch this play.

Watch ‘Ballaz’ chase down Harry O’Brien on You Tube

Magpie Midfield runs riot

If Freo is to win games against the AFL’s best sides, it will have to do better at curbing the influence of the opposition’s star midfielders. Collingwood’s on-ball division, led by the brilliant Dane Swan, was the difference on Saturday. The 2011 Brownlow Medallist had 43 possessions and two goals. He was ably assisted by Dayne Beams (32 touches), Sharrod Wellingham (29), Dale Thomas (26) and Steele Sidebottom (26). Minus Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair also took up the slack with 32 disposals.

Next time

What Fremantle can take away from this performance is the knowledge that the Magpies are not invincible. If Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, Stephen Hill and Anthony Morabito can be successfully re-introduced into the side, Fremantle will add the size, speed and skill to complement the strength and desperation it displayed against the 2010 premiers on Saturday.