Fremantle Dockers star Andrew Brayshaw’s bloodied jumper showed why his teammates love him

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has described inspirational midfielder Andrew Brayshaw as the barometer for his team after he finished Saturday’s win over Hawthorn with a blood stained uniform and a career-high 14 tackles.

Brayshaw’s toughness stood out as the Dockers fought back from 13 points down at three quarter time to win 12.5 (77) to 9.10 (64). The Fremantle vice-captain has built a reputation for winning the ball and being prepared to put his body on the line. Longmuir said the way he responded to the previous week’s loss to Sydney was crucial for the team, and joked he would have loved finishing the game with a cut head.

“Getting an interview after the game with blood dripping down - he’d be pretty happy with that,” Longmuir said.

“He was disappointed with his game last week. I know Joel Corey asked him for more defensively and he’s a barometer for us when he’s bringing his pressure and when he’s bringing his trademark efforts to chase down. he’s s barometer for us. So him leading the way and all of our leaders leading the way in an area of focus is really important.”

Fremantle’s leaders stood up in the absence of injured captain Alex Pearce. The key defender pulled up sore from his first game back from a leg injury but Longmuir remained hopeful he would be available to face Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.

Caleb Serong was also influential with 29 disposals and nine clearances after being tagged out of the game against Sydney.

And small forward Sam Switkowski returned from injury and had a massive impact with a career-high three goals, along with eight score involvements.

A member of Fremantle’s leadership group, Longmuir said Switkowski’s importance to the team could never be understated because he makes the players around him better.

“He brings so much to our forward line in terms of leadership,” Longmuir said.

“He’s probably one of our unheralded leadership members. He slides under the radar a little bit. I love his leadership. The way he leads those around him - we look more organised, especially our small forwards because of him being there.

“Some of his defensive acts would probably not show up on TV. People watching the game probably don’t notice. But they’re massive. He never gives up. His footy awareness and footy smarts in contests an situations is second to none. It was good to see him get some reward on the scoreboard.”