Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir loved tough approach of his team and Andy Brayshaw against Gold Coast

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Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir loved tough approach of his team and Andy Brayshaw against Gold Coast

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has declared acting captain Andrew Brayshaw’s courage to put his head over the ball and get crunched when the game was on the line summed up the tough attitude of his team during their thrilling 11-point win over Gold Coast.

The Dockers extended their winning run to three games and ensured they would go to their bye with a 7-5 record after winning 11.9 (75) to 9.10 (64) in driving rain at People First Stadium.

The game was up for grabs when Brayshaw attacked a key ground ball on the wing with less than 90 seconds remaining and his team leading by just five points.

He got collected high by a rampaging Daniel Rioli, won the free kick and Jye Amiss kicked the sealing goal moments later after a brilliant tackle by Shai Bolton.

Longmuir said the effort summed up what the Dockers stood for.

“That’s Andy. He’s totally committed to the team cause,” he said.

“It doesn’t surprise me that he had that sort of intent and commitment in that moment. He does it week in and week out. The pleasing thing over the last four weeks is our leaders are really leading by example. That was another example of that.

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“From half way through the third to the end of the game, we were tough. There were some huge moments that players put their head in a hole. Andy was one. Forwards were out numbered at times.

“It was highlighted by the last goal we kicked. We don’t want to kick the ball there. It slewed off the side of Jacko’s foot, it went to the open side but no-one complained, they just got on with it.

“Bolt’s effort to get over and dispossess and pressure, then for Jye to get over and support and finish was typical of the intent we showed all day.”

Camera IconShai Bolton celebrates. Credit: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Brayshaw was superb all day with 30 disposals, five clearances and one goal while leading the team in Alex Pearce’s absence. He said it had been obvious that winning that ball could be the difference between victory and defeat.

“I knew it was really close and I had to put my body behind the ball,” he told The Sunday Times.

“I got cleaned up in the process but I heard the whistle, knew it was a free kick and thought ‘bloody oath!” It was a solid hit but I’m feeling good.”

Fremantle now have a week off before playing three consecutive games in Perth which could set them up for a charge to the finals.

The Dockers’ win was filled with hope for after the bye. Veteran Nat Fyfe had an influence playing as the sub while Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson combined strongly in the ruck.

Jackson played as a midfielder when Darcy was the ruckman instead of moving to the forward line and had 27 disposals.

“He embraces what the team needs. He’s a team player.,” Longmuir said.

“He likes being around the ball. He gave us something on the ball. He’s a unique match-up. He’s hard to shift off the ball and he gives us a different look in there with his size and ability to hunt the ball and hunt the man.

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“There’s times when we need Luke in other areas because Sean, at his best, is one of the best rucks in the comp. We think he can give us a contest ahead of the ball.

“Today, given their size in the midfield, we thought when he’s not in the ruck he could spend more time around the footy and, with his pressure and hunt, get the game going our way.”

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