“Dockers Dominate: Fremantle Powers Past …”

AFL 2023 Round 15: Fremantle Dominates Essendon; West Coast Suffers Historic Loss

Introduction

In a thrilling round 15 clash in the AFL 2023 season, Fremantle showcased their dominance by defeating Essendon by an impressive margin of 32 points. The Dockers bounced back from their biggest loss of the season, a 70-point defeat against GWS, with a powerful performance against the Bombers. However, the biggest story of the day was the historic loss suffered by West Coast, as the Sydney Swans demolished them by a staggering 171 points. This defeat marked the Eagles’ worst loss in club history and the fourth-largest losing margin in AFL/VFL history.

Fremantle‘s Resilience and Response

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir expressed his satisfaction with the team’s response to the previous week’s crushing defeat. He highlighted the importance of ownership and teamwork in overcoming setbacks, stating, “It’s one thing to get beaten…but I thought from the moment the game finished, everyone took their part in owning that performance. Staff, coaches included.” Longmuir emphasized the team’s focus on valuing the right things, such as contest and pressure, which ultimately led to their victory over Essendon.

The coach acknowledged the youthfulness of the team and stressed the importance of staying on track and maintaining consistency in their performance. He urged his players to remain committed to their values, as even a small deviation can lead to defeat in modern-day footy. Longmuir highlighted the need for continuous improvement and growth in the team’s game.

West Coast’s Historic Loss

On the other hand, West Coast suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Sydney Swans. Coach Brad Scott discussed the reasons behind the loss, acknowledging that their attitude and failure to convert scoring opportunities were contributing factors. Scott noted the significant difference in scoring from stoppages between the two teams, with Fremantle capitalizing on these situations while the Eagles struggled to do so. Despite their midfield changes, including the return of player Darcy, Scott expressed confidence in the personnel but admitted to a lack of connectivity and adjustment to Fremantle‘s possession-based game.

Regarding injured player Draper, Scott indicated that the team would prioritize his recovery and not rush his return. He emphasized the importance of getting Draper back to full fitness and acknowledged the team’s depth in the midfield, making it possible to manage without him for the time being.

Individual Performances

Notable individual performances in the Fremantle vs. Essendon match included Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong’s impressive performance with 32 touches, 10 clearances, 541 meters gained, and one goal. Fellow teammate Liam Henry also stood out with his equal game-high 32 possessions and a goal. Luke Ryan showcased his skills with 31 touches and 18 marks, while Andrew Brayshaw contributed with 29 touches and eight tackles.

For Essendon, Zach Merrett led the way with 29 touches, four tackles, and one goal. Andrew McGrath displayed his skills with 27 touches, eight marks, and 630 meters gained. Nic Martin contributed significantly with 26 touches, nine marks, and one goal, while Jordan Ridley showcased his marking ability with 10 marks.

Conclusion

Round 15 of the AFL 2023 season showcased both impressive performances and historic losses. Fremantle demonstrated resilience and determination with their bounce-back victory against Essendon after suffering a significant defeat the previous week. West Coast, on the other hand, faced a demoralizing loss at the hands of the Sydney Swans, marking it as the club’s worst defeat in history. These results underscore the unpredictable nature of the AFL and the need for teams to remain focused and consistently value the right aspects of the game. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how teams adapt and strive for success.