COACH Paul Roos says he was rapt with his side’s first half against Fremantle, which helped set up a 32-point win at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.
Roos said a nine-goal to three first half proved the catalyst in his side’s first win over Freo and in the Northern Territory since 2011.
“It was a pretty good first quarter. The first half we felt was really, really good,” he said post-match.
“Then, conditions changed a fair bit, as we expected. It was pretty wet and slippery, but our first half, we were really, really happy with.
“To hang on and have some shots in the last quarter and win convincingly against [a team] we rate highly [was pleasing]. We’ve struggled to beat [Fremantle] for the last seven times – so it’s good to have a win up here and a win against Freo.
“Overall, it was pleasing and we were coming off a six-day break and we haven’t been able to do that this well this year. There was a lot more to like than dislike about the game.”
Roos said he was happy with his side’s ball use in the first half.
“In the first quarter, particularly, we had some really good scoring opportunities from moving the ball around,” he said.
“That was certainly one of the pleasing things – winning tackling and contested ball against a pretty physical team. It’s good because it’s been something we’ve been working on.
“We’re still a young team, so to win the tackles and contested possessions were important.”
Meanwhile, Roos said defender Oscar McDonald (ankle) could be sidelined for next Sunday’s clash against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
“He rolled his ankle and you’re always mindful when they go off and can’t come back on,” he said.
“He was on crutches after the game, but I don’t think it was super serious, but it might be a week or two – I’m not 100 per cent certain.
“Bernie [Vince] got a whack in the shin, so hopefully he’s OK for next week and Oscar’s on crutches and limping around.”