Fremantle forwards under fire as teammates feud over ball movement

Fremantle’s lacklustre ball movement has been under fire all year, and now their own players are at each other’s throats on the field.

Michael Walters of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the round five AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and Gold Coast Suns at Norwood Oval, on April 14, 2023, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Fremantle’s forward line woes have come under fire again, this time from inside the camp.

Late in the second quarter of the club’s Gather Round clash against Gold Coast, with the club languishing behind an inexperienced Suns outfit, Fox Footy’s Dermott Brereton pointed out some verbal clashes between teammates.

“There’s some big arguments between (defender) Brennan Cox and the forward line, he’s screaming at them down there,” said Brereton.

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“He’s giving it to (forward Michael) Walters, Walters is calling to the bench, there’s mass confusion between how Cox wants the forward line to play and hold the ball in, and how it’s coming down into his area.”

With the Dockers coming into the fixture at 1-3 against four sides that didn’t play finals last year, questions have been asked all season about their forward ball movement.

Gerard Whateley labelled them the biggest flop in the competition, criticising coach Justin Longmuir for not having solutions.

“I think if we are assessing the biggest flop through the first four weeks, it feels to me like it’s Freo,” Whateley said on AFL 360.

Jye Amiss stood tall late against the Gold Coast. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images

“A team that won a final, went to a semi, their natural curve has them on the up.

“They haven’t fired a shot.

“It was interesting to hear Justin Longmuir during our coverage at half time (of Fremantle’s Round 4 fixture against Adelaide) and he didn’t really have any answers.

“They clearly weren’t playing the way he wanted to.

“It begs the question while you’re watching it unfold, how are they supposed to be playing?
“Because they don’t look anywhere near it.”

Fremantle rank fourth in the competition for inside 50s per game, but it’s a deeper look at their scoring statistics that paints a more sordid picture.

The Dockers are 14th in goals per game, 15th in shots on goal, 15th in goals per inside 50, last in shots and last in scoring shots per inside 50, suggesting a serious issue with the ball use once the ball gets up the pointy end of the ground.

The Dockers did manage to drag themselves back into contention with a strong third quarter against the Suns, only trailing by a kick at three-quarter-time, with the Suns leading 11.11 (77) to 11.5 (71).

Jack Lukosius had free roam through the first half to the tune of 14 disposals leading to 11 score involvements.

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Young gun Jack Lukosius led the way for the Suns, opening his account with a monster 60m set shot from inside the centre square to mark the first top-level goal scored on the historic Norwood Oval.

Fox Footy’s David King described Lukosius’ performance at half time as “unbelievable”.

“He’s had 14 disposals, 11 of those became scores,” King said.

“He’s working harder than his individual matchup, he’s had 9 inside 50s and scored four times himself.

“He’s causing all sorts of problems (for Fremantle).”

Fremantle would find their spark late in the game, kicking seven of the last nine goals to win 15.10 (100) to 13.12 (90).

Norwood became the 47th venue to host an AFL/VFL game on Friday afternoon, with its unique dimensions and picturesque setting a novelty for footy fans who have travelled from all over the country to witness a fully-sold out Gather Round.

Originally published as Fremantle forwards under fire as teammates feud over ball movement