Featuring in finals footy is the endgame for Fremantle this season according to Andrew Brayshaw, coming off the back of a season defining win against reigning premiers Melbourne on Saturday night.
Brayshaw, who debuted in 2018, is yet to play a finals match in his AFL career, but the 22-year-old believes that 2022 is the year Freo can match it with the best.
Brayshaw spoke to ABC Grandstand following Fremantle's 38-point win over the previously undefeated Demons, admitting that losses to Collingwood and Gold Coast had motivated the group to be better.
“I’m just stoked, we had two really tough losses and we've been really slammed in the media,” Brayshaw told ABC Grandstand.
“So to come up against a side that's gone undefeated for the first 10 rounds and to be down at halftime, I think it's a real testament to the boys and I’m very happy.
“We just got back to role and basics, really honing in on what we do throughout the week to get ourselves prepared for gameday.
“Blokes were getting back to extras and watching more vision, not getting ahead of ourselves and just trying to play our role.
“I think today, it was probably the best we've played as a team in terms of 22 role players.”
Fremantle had a stellar run of form after a shock loss at home to St Kilda in Round 2, winning six games in a row, including a 78-point thrashing of North Melbourne.
Recent losses to Gold Coast and Collingwood have taken the shine off that early season form though, but Brayshaw believes that Fremantle's performance against Melbourne proves that the club is capable of beating anyone.
“Since I've been at the Club, we've never played finals,” Brayshaw said.
“At the moment, my goal and internally is for us is to be playing post-season.
“Wherever we finish on the ladder, that doesn't matter as long as we can just get there and then go from there.
“We think our best footy, the footy we played in that second half, is good enough to compete with anyone so if we can keep that up, I don't think there should be a ceiling (on us).”
Fremantle haven't featured in finals action since 2015, when Ross Lyon was still at the helm.