A lack of efficiency going inside 50 highlighted a disappointing night for Fremantle, losing by 64 points to Brisbane at Optus Stadium, despite winning the inside 50 count.
Forward Travis Colyer may have taken his opportunities kicking three of Freo’s eight goals, but overall, he said the connection heading into the forward line was one factor that let Freo down in the clash.
A lack of pressure, with Brisbane dominating the tackle count 71 to 35, highlighted the difference in the ease of ball movement for both teams.
“Not being able to execute what we wanted going into the game was frustrating,” Colyer said.
“They’re a really good side. They brought the pressure and were able to win the ball and get it going forward for them.
“It’s one thing getting the ball inside 50, the next thing is where. I think we were too shallow, reaching the 30 to 50 metre mark and they were able to rebound and take it down the other end.
“When we did get it in longer, they were getting roll around from their wings to help them out.”
Colyer praised 20-year-old Caleb Serong for stepping up with Andrew Brayshaw being tagged in the midfield and captain Nat Fyfe on the sidelines.
Serong had 30 disposals and his five tackles made him the only Fremantle player inside the top 10 for the stat on the day.
“With Andy Bradshaw getting tagged today, Caleb took the next step,” Colyer said.
“His work around the contest was brilliant. He’s someone who not only does the defensive work well, he’s really using his legs and hands to access and get the ball going forward for us.
“We expect all players, especially our inside mids, to be getting those tackles. It’s one thing to tackle, the other thing is to be able to hold it in and win the ball back and that’s what Caleb does.”
Fremantle dropped from eighth at the start of the round to 12th on the back of the heavy loss, and need a win in next weekend’s RAC Derby to keep the season alive.
With so much on the line, Colyer said the clash would be Freo’s most important of the year so far.
“Regardless of it being West Coast, it’s a super important game,” Colyer said.
“It’s a massive game and there’s no shying away from that and we won’t be during the week.
“It’s having a crack and putting it all out there…it will define the season.”
