Fremantle were unable to execute across the board in a 69-point loss to Geelong at Optus Stadium on Thursday, according to forward Sam Switkowski.
Starting the game in seventh on the ladder, it was a chance for Freo to cement their place in the top eight, however they could drop out due to other results as the round progresses.
As well as on the scoreboard, where Freo managed just three goals, Geelong out-classed Freo in every aspect, dominating the disposals 422-299 and inside 50s 59-38.
The most damming stat came in the marks department, with Geelong taking 137 marks to Fremantle’s 65, 16 contested marks to Freo’s nine and 28 marks inside 50 to Freo’s two.
Switkowski said Freo were unable to adapt to what Geelong brought to the contest at a slippery Optus Stadium.
“It was a super disappointing night. Geelong are one of the best in the comp and one of the most mature teams in the comp,” Switkowski said.
“Their contested work was really challenging for us tonight and they just adapted to the conditions a lot better than we did as well, we just let ourselves down with some of the basics and turned the ball over in some really dangerous areas, which hurt us. Obviously, our accuracy didn’t help as well.”
Switkowski said senior coach Justin Longmuir highlighted Freo’s lack of effort in the contest.
“They were lot better and be stronger around the contest,” Switkowski said.
“Every game, the contest is so important, it’s where it starts.
“Then being able to hold a bit of field position, retain the ball in our forward half, we let it out a little too easy tonight. There’s plenty to work on for next week.”
Switkowski said the players were disappointed not to get the win in a game where they honoured fan Milli Lucas with a specially designed jumper for the Starlight Purple Haze Game, presented by South32.
Lucas passed away at the age of 14 earlier in the year after a long battle with cancer and called Optus Stadium on a Freo gameday her ‘happy place’.
“It was amazing to see the fans come out tonight on a Thursday. Obviously it was a really emotional story with Milli, I hope their family can take a lot out of the support and that the Club and the fans have shown towards them,” Switkowski said.
“We’ve got some really good ambassadors doing some great work with a lot of money raised.
“This is where the perspective comes in, it’s more than just footy. I hope the family can take a lot out of this week but unfortunately, we couldn’t get the result for them today.”
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