Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Alex Pearce has conceded his side’s performance in their shock qualifying loss to Hawthorn was “really disappointing”, but the Fremantle captain is confident they can bounce back quickly.
Hosting the game on the back of their second minor premiership in club history, the Dockers hardly fired a shot throughout their 32-point loss to the fourth-placed Hawks.
Being held to only one goal in the first half and having their three in the third term immediately answered by the Hawks before a turgid final term meant the Dockers surrendered their double chance in a 10.12 (72) to 5.10 (40) defeat.
Speaking on Channel Seven immediately after the game, Pearce was philosophical on his side’s showing.
“The way we played today wasn’t a reflection of us at our best throughout the season,” Pearce said.
“Credit to Hawthorn, who came out, brought great pressure, great intensity around the ball, played a really great game.
“For us, I think there’s a few areas we got wrong. Our game, when we’re at our best, comes from being really strong with the ball in hand, then we pressure, use our numbers. We just looked a little bit rushed today, kicked a little bit straight.
“It’s tough to know in this moment, but we’ll review it and make the improvements.
“I’ve got full confidence we can get back to our best footy, because we’ve been playing it all year.”
When asked how his side would go about ensuring they did not catastrophise the result, Pearce replied: “That’s my job”.
“It’s our leaders’ job, coaches, to make sure we’ve got a sense of calm and we’re in control,” he said.
“We’re still in control of our own destiny.
“It’s a really exciting position to be in, to know we can win to go through to a (preliminary) final.”
The Dockers will take on the winner of tomorrow’s elimination final between Geelong and Carlton in a semifinal at Optus Stadium they must win to keep their season alive.
