Emma O’Driscoll proud of Fremantle Dockers’ ‘grit’ in stirring late comeback win over Melbourne
What are the ingredients that make up a thrilling come-from-behind victory?
There’s hard-running, calm finishing, and unwavering belief that the game’s not over – even after conceding five of the game’s first six goals, as Fremantle did against Melbourne on Saturday.
But the most important element for the Dockers, according to defender Emma O’Driscoll, can be summed up in one word: Grit.
The toughness and determination from Freo’s players in front of a delighted home crowd was plain for all to see, and it set the scene for Aisling McCarthy to execute her holding-the-ball tackle and goal after the siren to secure a famous victory.
“Our mids and forwards – their pressure was unreal in there,” O’Driscoll said.
“We were able to lock it in and create stoppage where it was needed.
“It comes down to grit. That fourth quarter was grit.
“We know we can do it now, so I can’t wait to keep producing that.”
Camera IconEmma O’Driscoll takes down Melbourne’s Eliza McNamara. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos
O’Driscoll described the result as “one of the best wins” of her career, which will hit a special milestone with her 50th appearance next week.
The Dockers will need to tap into even more grit as they approach a testing stretch in their schedule, with a run of three games in just 10 days beginning with a road clash against an impressive St Kilda outfit.
While McCarthy rightly stole the headlines out of the six-point win over the Demons, O’Driscoll reserved praise for workhorse Gabby O’Sullivan, who booted a game-high three goals to go with nine tackles.
“Isn’t she electric out there?” O’Driscoll said.
“The thing I love about Gabs the most is that she’s so versatile. She gets thrown back, mid, forward and she doesn’t complain – she just gets the job done.
“She epitomises ‘role’. We value her so much.”
Fremantle remain in Melbourne after Friday’s clash with the Saints to back up for a GMHBA Stadium date with Geelong the following Tuesday, before returning to WA to host Hawthorn five days later.
The challenging run is likely to come with star forward Aine Tighe restricted to the sidelines after she copped an early knee injury in Saturday’s win.
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