Coach Post Match – Todd Curley Round 13

WHAT South Fremantle coach Todd Curley had to say following Sunday's 32-point win over Peel Thunder, what impressed him and an update on the injuries, and looking ahead to taking on West Perth this Saturday at HBF Arena.

QUESTION: Against a team that had been in good form and given you came in without some important players, and lost two during the game, that was a strong and impressive win?
ANSWER: I thought it showed a lot of character. We obviously lost a couple of really good players before the game and then to lose two of your leaders with Ash before quarter-time and then Adam McIntosh straight after half-time. The conditions were challenging as well and we had a few challenges thrown at us by a really good opposition, but they gutsed it out pretty well.

Q: It was especially pleasing coming off the derby loss and I'm sure you challenged the group after that, and they responded in every area and perhaps mostly in the toughness stakes?
A: I think they are becoming a pretty proud group and they were pretty disappointed so we didn’t have to challenge them too much. We rolled into the East Fremantle game and they were up for the challenge, and clearly better than us. We were pretty keen to make sure that we were up for this contest and we were right from the start. We had a bad patch during the second quarter but apart from that we were pretty consistent.

Q: Ashton Hams hurt his calf and looks like Adam McIntosh has broken a bone in his lower leg, do you know much more than that?
A: Ash nicked a calf but we're not sure how bad it is yet. Obviously he couldn’t comeback on so it doesn’t look great. Adam has obviously done some damage to his lower leg and it's a serious one. He is going to miss considerable time for that but hopefully he is OK long-term.

Q: With Blaine Johnson and Haiden Schloithe out as well, that good run of injuries early in the year can quick turnaround?
A: That's probably why it's so important when you have everyone up and going that you do bank the wins because there will be a time you cop some injuries. It just means you have a few more challenges. Other teams go through it and it gives opportunity to others so we'll see what happens.

Q: Brock Higgins might have been up against an inexperienced ruckman, but that doesn’t automatically mean he dominates. But that was pretty much as dominant a performance as you'll see from a ruckman?
A: He was really good. He gave us first use and dominated like we needed him to against the opposition that he had. He was playing against a young kid and he made the most of that. He gave us first use a lot and was really good.

Q: In tough conditions, your three key forwards Ben Saunders, Zac Strom and Mason Shaw did well combining for eight goals but perhaps more impressively was their work rate and defensive pressure?
A: I agree. We said to them after the game that wasn’t a great day for big guys, and we've had four of our last five games in wet conditions, but they hung in and pressured, and got a hand in where they could. They were fantastic and then when they did get their chances they kicked pretty straight, which was good.

Q: Jacob Martinez and Shaun Bewick have had to fight hard for opportunities, and they grabbed them and Brandon Donaldson showed good signs on debut including a late goal?
A: No doubt. Brandon has been really consistent for us this year in the reserves. He is a graduating colt where he was best and fairest last year so it was great to see him get out there. As for Bewy and Jake, we haven’t had many injuries and we've been going OK so they found themselves out of the team. But to their credit, they worked their bums off and when the chance came they were both there ready to go. They were both good as well and I thought Jake Martinez especially in the first quarter was a real catalyst for us getting away.

Q: Tim Kelly worked hard again especially in close and he could grow an extra leg now the rest of the year after getting to play in the state game?
A: I think his consistency has been his biggest level of improvement this year. He is still such a young fella and growing with the game. He is getting better all the time.

Q: Another big game now on Saturday against a West Perth team who has won seven straight?
A: They are all big challenges now. It's another opportunity for us to bank four points. It's a big ground and a good one to play on which suits the way we want to play. They are in good form, though, so it's a good chance for us to test ourselves again.