AFL
LAIDLEY: How Freo’s pressure baked Pies
A week is a long time in football.
Last week in this column we discussed Fremantle’s ball movement modes and on Friday night it was clinically put to the test by a well-planned Collingwood. Of course, the weather was very difficult at stages, helping the Magpies’ defensive mechanisms.
Firstly, what stood out for me, was that the Dockers’ back seven were outstanding, particularly in the first quarter when the pressure was on. It continued all game as they defended 61 inside-50s for Collingwood and kept them to a score of just 39.
Fremantle only kicked seven goals themselves, the first two coming from taking the ball the length of the ground, changing angles and good use of forward handball, with Sam Switkowski and Shai Bolton executing the shots on goal.
Three goals in quick succession in the third quarter put the Dockers in front with different scoring modes: a turnover free kick goal, a centre ball-up goal, and a forward-half turnover goal.