Andrew Brayshaw expects Fremantle to atone for last year’s embarrassing first-up defeat in Geelong with a far more competitive showing to kick off their fresh bid for a maiden AFL premiership.
Widely tipped to be among the flag contenders in 2026, the Dockers open the season for a second straight year against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.
Andrew Brayshaw expects his side to atone for last year’s embarrassing first-up defeat in Geelong.Credit: Getty Images
It brings back nightmarish memories from 12 months ago, when Justin Longmuir’s men were thrashed by 78 points despite Murphy Reid’s stunning four-goal debut.
But Brayshaw noted the Dockers have won on two of their past three trips to the Kardinia Park venue over the past four seasons.
“I know we lost quite poorly there last year, but we do think we play there well,” Brayshaw said ahead of Saturday’s test.
“It does change the way you play a little bit. Skinnier boundaries makes you have to guard the corridor a lot more, it feels like.
“So there’s little nuances in that, but we’re expecting to go out there and try to put on a really good performance.
“The two games prior to last year’s game we’ve gone over there and put up really good efforts.
“We’re expecting Geelong’s best this weekend and we’re expecting to bring our best and really give it to them.”
