Player Column – Josh Pullman Round 11

THAT WA Day Foundation Derby on the weekend was one of the best games I have been a part of in my career.

Despite it only being my second year at South Fremantle, you quickly accumulate and share the meaning the rivalry has to players, coaches, support staff and fans, and then during the media build-up you certainly understand how much it means and that it is a special occasion to be part of.

The far-reaching interest in a game like the Fremantle Derby takes you by surprise too – I’ve had friends and family contacting me from Melbourne and Queensland before and after the day with their support.

During the game itself, your focus is simply on doing everything you can to help your team win. But in hindsight, the tangible energy and conviction amongst the players on both teams, and the emotion and reactions from the crowd, lifts the game to finals-like intensity. It’s what history feels like.

The competition knows that East Fremantle structure up well, spread from contests quickly and know how to play their home ground to their advantage. We knew we needed to work hard, communicate well and be super-responsive to the state of play to go with them.

Although it probably added to the spectacle, it didn’t help that we started slowly and had to play catch-up twice throughout the day. The on-field leadership shown by all of our players at various times was great to be part of.

We’re back on the home deck against Perth this week, and have a number of important areas of our game to work on.

Although Perth aren’t enjoying too many wins this year they have some handy players and have been super competitive on a number of occasions, pushing several games right to the buzzer.

Our strength and conditioning and rehab teams will be working hard alongside the players to ensure everyone is up and firing after a five-day break.

Both grades are looking to back up this week – the best thing you can do after a win, is win again.