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Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy challenges Dockers to rediscover connectivity after Collingwood loss

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
Sean Darcy and Bailey Banfield walk off after Fremantle’s loss to Collingwood.
Camera IconSean Darcy and Bailey Banfield walk off after Fremantle’s loss to Collingwood. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy has challenged his side to rediscover the connectivity which was why they were touted as premiership contenders a fortnight ago.

The Dockers have lost consecutive games and are on the verge of dropping out of the top four, a precarious position to be in as they prepare to take on reigning premiers Melbourne, who are on a 17-game winning streak.

Darcy said the whole group had to take responsibility for their 12.8 (80) to 6.8 (44) loss to Collingwood at Optus Stadium.

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“I think we’re just a bit disconnected as a group. Us as mids have to reference a little bit better, forwards have got to bring it to ground and make a contest and the backs have got to defend,” Darcy said.

“It’s the whole group at the moment, which is the frustrating bit because I thought we were really connected for the start of the year and the last two weeks we’ve really struggled in that part.

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“We need to get back on the horse, get back on the training track, we need to be better with our basics, be better with fundamentals around the contest, fundamentals in pressured method and just be better in general. It’s on the whole group.”

Darcy conceded the Dockers overused the ball in the wet conditions, which invited Collingwood’s pressure and affected their efficiency going forward.

“The wet’s a bit different to what we’re used to but that’s no excuse, we need to be better. We need to play the game how it is,” Darcy said.

“Sometimes we’re a bit too cute with the ball, sometimes we’re not cute enough.

Sean Darcy battles Mason Cox in the ruck.
Camera IconSean Darcy battles Mason Cox in the ruck. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos

“It’s frustrating because the last two games have been wet, but we haven’t been playing the way we want to play either. That’s on us and we need to be better.”

Darcy has six days to prepare for his biggest challenge, a showdown with Melbourne skipper Max Gawn, who is the best ruckman in the competition.

“Recovery is crucial in the next 48 hours and then I’ll sit down with Aaron Sandilands my coach and make a game plan for it,” he said.

“He (Gawn) is a hell of a player, he’s in some really good form, so I’ve got to be at my best.

“I thought the start of my year was pretty poor. Especially last week I was disappointed with my performance, so I needed to perform today.”

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