Head of development Simon Eastaugh has been impressed with how efficient Fremantle’s backline has been in the 2020 season.
Fremantle have seen their kicking efficiency rise from an AFL-worst of 60.9 per cent in 2019 to 66 per cent, the fourth best in 2020.
From the players who have played five or more games in 2020, the top five are all from the backline, led by Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan.
|
Player |
Games |
Kicking efficiency |
|
B.Cox |
12 |
83.5 |
|
L.Ryan |
16 |
82.9 |
|
N.Wilson |
14 |
80.1 |
|
G.Logue |
5 |
77.3 |
|
E.Hughes |
16 |
73.5 |
|
B.Acres |
6 |
73.3 |
|
B.Bewley |
12 |
73 |
|
J.Hogan |
6 |
70.6 |
|
R.Conca |
13 |
67.4 |
|
A.Cerra |
16 |
67.2 |
Cox initially played as a forward after being drafted in 2016 but has made the full-time switch to the backline in 2020.
Eastaugh said Cox’s kicking was one of his strongest traits.
“Brennan has played footy at both ends of the ground. I think what stands out with Brennan is he doesn’t waste the ball, he went at 100 per cent kicking efficiency (against North Melbourne),” Eastaugh told 6PR.
“His composure with the ball in the D50 really can’t be underestimated.
“Along with the rest of that back group, they’ve really meshed together well, they’re cohesive and support each other in the air and on the ground.
“Taylin Duman doesn’t waste the footy as well. Those players, along with Nathan Wilson and obviously Luke Ryan’s form that he’s been in, the team’s certainly making good strides.”
Eastaugh said fellow backman Ethan Hughes has put together an underrated season.
“Ethan has been one of the biggest improvers in the AFL in terms of his ability to lock down players as well as roll off and intercept,” Eastaugh said.
“His growth as a player has really given us a huge amount of confidence.”
With the backline in form, Eastaugh said the Fremantle selectors had a tough decision on whether to bring Griffin Logue back from a toe injury for the final round against the Western Bulldogs at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns on Sunday.
“Griffin is back training which is great, he’s training exceptionally well,” Eastaugh said.
“We just have to see how this group pulled up from the game against North Melbourne.
“Griffin’s not up here (at the hub in Cairns) to be a tourist, that’s for sure.
“He’s trained exceptionally well and really given himself a chance to be available.”
