Michael Walters has breathed life again into Fremantle’s stuttering season.
His match-high 4 objectives helped the Dockers overcome a four-goal half-time deficit and declare a significant 10-point win over Gold Coast tonight at Adelaide’s Norwood Oval.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was happy with the second-half fightback.
Longmuir hoped the win, which places the Dockers’ file at 2-3, may ignite a season resurgence.
Longmuir stated ruckman Sean Darcy helped the midfield group get on high after he dominated tiring second-gamer Ned Moyle on the stoppages with 48 hit-outs and 9 clearances.
Caleb Serong starred with a game-high 37 possessions, with Andrew Brayshaw and substitute Will Brodie having an enormous say within the engine-room after half-time to assist flip round a 23-point deficit on the break.
“I was disappointed with our first half and the way we defended, we just couldn’t defend the turnover between the arcs,” Longmuir stated.
“At half-time we spoke about taking a few risks and trying to use the open side a bit more, I thought that got our energy going and I thought got on top in the ruck against a young fella in his second game coming off a six-day break.
“Sean really got on top there and that allowed our mids to get really proactive and I thought our mids got to work and gave us a bit of field position and the game started flowing.”
Longmuir felt the forward-line, which has been copping heavy criticism, appeared lots higher within the second half apart from Michael Walters who impressed throughout the 4 quarters.
“Our forward-line looked a lot more functional, they started winning contests. Sonny (Walters) was probably dangerous all night but I think the other forwards got involved and started looking dangerous,” Longmuir stated.
“When we got a bit of a sniff, we got a heap of energy and it felt like it was just weight of numbers were starting to shift in our favour.
“I was really proud of the boys because 23 points down away from home and copping what we’ve been copping, it could’ve easily gone the other way.”
The win could have come at a price with vital small ahead Sam Switkowski happening with a lower-leg damage within the second time period.
“We’ll have to have a look, it’s a lower-leg injury so we’ll get it scanned and see how we go,” Longmuir stated.
“He just felt like he couldn’t go so we’ll cross our fingers and hope it’s not too bad.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
