Ruckman Sean Darcy said Fremantle’s growing maturity was what helped them get over the top of a fast-finishing Collingwood outfit at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. 

Tied with Collingwood halfway through the final quarter, Fremantle emerged as the victor by 12 points. 

“It shows how much we have grown in the last couple of years,” Darcy told Fox Footy.

“Two years ago, we would’ve let that game slip whereas these days we know our system works.

“We know that if we continue playing, that it will eventually turn.”

The return of Collingwood ruck Brodie Grundy from injury set up a must-watch contest in the middle against the emerging Freo ruckman.

Grundy’s numbers came out on top over Darcy with 22 disposals, 27 hit outs and two goals to Darcy’s 18 disposals and 19 hit outs.

However, Darcy was influential around the contest, leading all-comers with a game-high nine clearances as opposed to two from Grundy.

Darcy said he relished the opportunity to play against one of the best in the competition.

“They are the better ones that you want to play against and see where you are at, especially against him,” Darcy said.

“He showed me how to work around the ground today, he was unbelievable.

“He got forward and kicked a couple of goals which I was fuming about, but we’ll go again next time.”

Senior coach Justin Longmuir said he enjoyed watching the Darcy/Grundy contest play out throughout the match.

“I thought it was a real arm wrestle. I thought Brodie had some moments, especially when he drifted forward,” Longmuir said.

“I thought Sean’s centre bounce work was really strong and I thought Sean was one of the players that really stood up for us at the end.

“He took some really strong contested marks and won some really important centre clearances in the last quarter.

"He’s just evolving as a player, and I thought he took another step forward against one of the best rucks in the comp.”

The round 15 clash also marked Darcy’s first match since extending his time at Fremantle by a further two seasons after putting pen to paper on a new contract earlier in the week.

“I was really happy the (Club) came to me in the bye week and I was really keen to extend,” Darcy said.

“It’s great to be at the footy club and I’m pumped to be here.”