Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir believes Richmond’s experience came to the fore during Saturday night’s loss at Optus Stadium and his team’s inability to stick to the game plan and handle the wet conditions cost them victory.
The Dockers lost 12.13 (85) to 10.10 (70) after trailing by six goals during the third quarter. Rain bucketed down during the second quarter and the Tigers used the slippering conditions to play their chaotic style of game.
Longmuir said the three-time premiers showed their experience.
“We didn’t execute well enough in the conditions. I think experience comes into that.” he said.
“They had 15 100 gamers to three. We haven’t been confronted with all of those experiences as much as Richmond have. They handled the ball a lot better and played with a bit more momentum.
“I thought we jumped into the game reasonably well and had field position early. We didn’t make the most of our opportunities. Then I thought we didn’t execute the plan. It’s as simple as that.
“We didn’t play as smart as we’ve been playing. We didn’t work off each other. We allowed them goal side from stoppage at most contests which was one of the most important thing we wanted to deny from them.”
Shai Bolton, Tim Taranto and Dustin Martin were influential all night for Richmond as they won interstate for the second week in a row. Richmond beat Greater Western Sydney in New South Wales last week.
The Dockers have an injury concern with James Aish in doubt for next week’s game against the Giants following a collision with Rhyan Mansell in the final quarter.
Aish didn’t come back on and was still completing concussion protocols when Longmuir conducted his press conference.
Tigers coach Andrew McQualter said the club would wait to see what the Match Review Officer decides before looking to deeply into the incident.
“We appreciate Aish didn’t come back on. It’s always a challenge in those scenarios but we’ll let the people who look after that do that and see what happens from there,” he said.
Longmuir said he was proud of how hard the Dockers fought to get back into the contest and give themselves a chance of victory. He said Michael Walters would be available to play a full game next week after he came on as the sub and had an instant impact.
Walters kicked two goals as one of the players to spark Fremantle.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
