Whether in the contest or in front of goal, Fremantle need to stand up when the pressure is on, according to James Aish.
Fremantle had moments of dominance against Port Adelaide but never really threatened the Power in a 46-point loss.
It continues a trend of Fremantle showing they can match it against some of the best sides in the AFL, but only after giving up a sizeable lead early.
In round one against Melbourne, Fremantle conceded the first five goals in a 22-point loss. In round eight against Brisbane, the Lions kicked five of the first seven in a 24-point loss. In round nine against Essendon, the Bombers kicked the first three goals in a seven-point loss.
Aish said Freo needed to be better in the contest when the heat is on, and not just when trying to fight back into games.
Against Port Adelaide, Fremantle had conceded a three-goal lead without hardly touching the footy with Port leading the possession count 31 to three.
“It was really frustrating. Just giving up a 40-point lead in the first quarter and especially the three goals early on,” Aish said.
“We were able to stem the flow in those middle quarters and we had a lot of momentum and we weren’t able to capitalise.
“Overall, it was just frustrating to give up that sort of lead against a really good team.
“We’re trying to put a finger on it. Matching it in a contest against a really good team early is the big thing, whether that’s at stoppages or the aerial contest up forward, especially when there’s the big forwards to compete with.
“It’s frustrating, as clearly we’ve shown we can match them and we do play some really good footy as well. It’s just not allowing that quarter, wherever it is, to cost us the game.”
After Fremantle had another wayward day in front of goals – kicking 9.15 including an 0.7 total at quarter time - Aish said Fremantle were continuing to work on their goalkicking.
He said that the key was finding a way to replicate the pressure of game day in a training environment.
“Clearly we train for it and we’re doing it at every session, but it’s more just doing it under pressure and being able to execute,” Aish said.
“It seems like it’s not just set shots, it’s snaps, it’s on the run in games.
“It’s hard to pinpoint it but all we can do is keep working on it and hopefully, especially early in games, we can kick a few straight to get the momentum going on our side.”
Aish said Fremantle’s next game against the 9-2 Bulldogs at Optus Stadium was a big chance to make a statement, with Fremantle yet to lose a home game in 2021.
“They’re another really good team and they like to play fast footy,” Aish said.
“It’s going to be a really good challenge. (They’re similar to) Essendon and Port as well tonight. I’m sure we’ll be able to take some good learnings and take that to the Dogs next weekend.”
