Adam Cerra may have felt ‘lucky’ that his spectacular check-side goal went through during a crucial time in Fremantle’s 14-point win against Melbourne, but there’s plenty of reasons behind why the 20-year-old had the confidence to pull the trigger.
On a night where Freo’s younger brigade shone, highlighted by Cerra’s 30 disposals, the 56-gamer's goal was a sign of the faith Fremantle’s coaches and leaders are putting into their developing core.
Cerra said he wouldn’t have taken the kick if it wasn’t for the encouragement of leader David Mundy, who fed Cerra the ball, and assistant coach Josh Carr.
“The moment went pretty quick, I was still pretty shook when it went through so I didn’t have much of a celebration,” Cerra said.
“Josh Carr, our midfield coach, has given us the confidence to have cracks when we think we can get it in.
“I think I just heard Dave scream ‘goal’ as soon as he gave me the ball but I was pretty lucky it went through.”
These directions stem down from senior coach Justin Longmuir, who spoke about his desire to see the team play on instinct.
“What we want to do is be a bit braver with our ball movement. It’s something, to be honest, we’ve tried to instil in our players all year, is to play to their strengths, take the game on when the opportunity is there,” Longmuir said.
“I thought our players were brave and executed their skill and set up a lot of plays for us offensively.”
Cerra’s 30 disposals equalled a career best despite it coming from the shorter games in 2020.
He said it was a result of having more responsibility.
“My game is continuing to develop every week and I got plenty more opportunity in the last couple weeks in the side,” Cerra said.
“I’m just keen to take those opportunities and grab them with both hands and play my best footy.”
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