Addressing a poor document initially of matches is excessive on Fremantle’s to-do record as they proceed to attempt to stay as much as lofty pre-season expectations.
The Dockers have scraped collectively two wins of their opening 5 video games, not helped by an 0-5 document in first quarters that has put them repeatedly on the again foot.
Coach Justin Longmuir acknowledged the gradual begins are an issue that must be addressed, with the Dockers additionally having been smashed within the first quarter of each the finals they performed final season.
In September, they noticed subsequent Friday evening’s opponent – the Western Bulldogs – a 41-point lead earlier than coming again to win an elimination closing that had many believing the Dockers might push even additional into the post-season in 2023.
“We need to fix slow starts, so we’ve tried to trigger (that) internally for a while now,” Longmuir stated.
“(But) we were eight or 10 points up with three minutes to go in the first quarter (against Gold Coast last weekend), so we actually started pretty well.
“The final in all probability three weeks the scoreboard hasn’t mirrored it, so we simply want to stay to the method.
“We have a lot of fight in the group and we’ve got a lot of belief we can come from anywhere and make a game of it.”
The Dockers might additionally do with a elevate from star man Andrew Brayshaw, who’s taking a while to search out his ft in 2023 after a breakout season through which he ran fourth within the Brownlow Medal depend.
He managed simply 18 touches in final weekend’s 10-point win over Gold Coast, though Longmuir stated he was one other participant struggling to succeed in the heights many predicted for 2023.
“It’s been the expectation, we’ve probably felt it a little bit as a team,” he stated.
“Individuals have got their own expectations, not only externally but expectations they put on themselves.
“Most footballers are there as a result of they’re excessive achievers and so they wish to be their greatest each week. When you do not stay as much as that it may be a little bit of a burden.
“I’ve seen a really positive, connected version of Andy … we’re starting to see some of his better form.”
Longmuir stated final week’s sub Will Brodie was in consideration to affix the beginning facet towards the Bulldogs, though he wouldn’t affirm the ball-winner would substitute Sam Switkowski, who will miss out with a calf damage.
The coach added he may look to younger ruck Luke Jackson to assist fellow large Sean Darcy battle the Bulldogs’ Tim English.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
