Without captain Nat Fyfe and leaders Michael Walters and Alex Pearce, Fremantle ran out against Richmond at Optus Stadium on Sunday with their youngest team since round 19, 2018.
With an average age of 23.8, Freo took on the much more experienced back-to-back reigning premiers and won in a four-point thriller on Sunday at Optus Stadium.
As well as having an average age that was 2.6 years younger that Richmond, The Tigers’ experience was almost double Freo’s with 114 games to 66.5.
And without their superstar captain in the midfield, Andrew Brayshaw stepped up with 39 disposals, 12 tackles and eight clearances.
Only Lachie Neale has had more touches in a game as a 21-year-old or younger for Freo, with Brayshaw going past the likes of Paul Hasleby’s 37 and Caleb Serong and Nat Fyfe’s 35.
Speaking to Club legend Matthew Pavlich on Fox Footy post game, Brayshaw said it was a defining win for this emerging group.
“I was cramping towards the end. Everyone dug in and I’m just so proud of the boys,” Brayshaw said of his performance.
“The win gives us great confidence, we had a few superstars out, that gave opportunity for the young guys to stand up which they did tonight.
“We copped a bit of stick in the media (mid-week) but we came out today and played our brand of footy. I’m really proud of the boys.”
Pavlich especially praised the efforts of Hayden Young (23 disposals) who had his best performance after making his return from injury, but Brayshaw said the win was on the whole team.
“Everyone had a few critical contests where they stood up,” Brayshaw said.
“Liam Henry was outstanding. Hayden Young was huge but everyone played their role today.
“No-one really went away from it. It was just 22 role players and it got the job done.”
Brayshaw said it was extra special to win wearing Fremantle’s retro ‘green anchor’ guernsey.
“We love it and Dave (Mundy) looks unreal in it,” Brayshaw said.
“We’re just proud of the jumper, proud of the club and to get a win at home is huge.”
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