Senior coach Lauren Arnell says Fremantle’s relentless pressure proved the difference in the side’s 22-point loss to Fremantle in Round 1.
Speaking to the media post-game, Arnell credited Fremantle for their high-pressure performance, conceding that the team struggled to respond in key moments.
The Power will travel to Melbourne to take on North Melbourne in Round 2 on Sunday, 24 August at 1:05pm ACST.
Arnell on the side’s 22-point loss to Fremantle
“The margin blew out in the last couple of minutes; it didn’t feel like a 22-point loss. It’s a credit to Fremantle – they were absolutely the best team. I thought we had an opportunity to win, probably with six or seven minutes to go, and we didn’t take that opportunity. It was really well done by Fremantle.”
Arnell on what the team will review ahead of Round 2
“The numbers tell us that Fremantle’s pressure was enormous. The pressure factor rating reflected that they were at 2.8, and North Melbourne were the best in the competition last year at 2.4 on average. So, 2.8 in that last quarter was good (from Fremantle). We were a bit fumbly under that pressure, and their work rate to transition the football was significantly better than ours for a big chunk of the game, and that hurt us.”
Arnell on the ruck battle between Matilda Scholz and Mim Strom
“I thought Matilda did really well. I think the evolution of Matilda as a 19-year-old ruck against an All-Australian young ruck in Mim Strom was a really good battle. I was pleased with how Matilda showed up for the whole game – she’s shown some real growth, and she’s put in a lot of hard work over the off-season and pre-season period.”
Arnell on the return of Indy Tahau
“It’s good to have Indy back, and I think she will be better to have had the run under her belt as well. She had some good moments; we’re really happy to have Indy back.”
Arnell on Justine Mules-Robinson’s performance
“Juzzy (Justine Mules-Robinson) was fantastic again today, and she’s a very consistent performer. She certainly stepped up in a couple of big moments for us and kept us in the game. I thought her pressure as a forward was excellent, and she took her opportunities, which was really pleasing. She had a solid impact as on-field captain last year when Janelle went down with her ACL, and she has just continued to grow from there.”
Arnell on Amelie Borg’s injury
“Amelie Borg injured her ankle early in that first quarter. We will scan it and get some more information during the week.”
