Fremantle star Andrew Brayshaw delivered a powerful response to his defensive shortcomings, as noted by midfield coach Joel Corey last week, during Saturday night's hard-fought victory over Hawthorn.
The Dockers lowered their colours last week against Sydney, which put an end to their six-game winning streak, and their spot in the finals in jeopardy.
Brayshaw, whose trademark in his defensive efforts, recorded only three tackles in the loss to last year's grand finalists, was put on notice by the former Geelong champion.
The 25-year-old led the charge with a career-high 14 tackles, which contributed to a 2025 league high of 103.
The Dockers vice-captain also gathered 29 touches, six clearances, and a goal assist to complete the fourth-quarter comeback.
"He was disappointed with his game last week. I know [midfield coach] 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," Coach Justin Longmuir said of Brayshaw.
"Him leading the way, and all our leaders leading the way, is an area of focus is really important.
"I think it was bit of a show getting an interview after the game with blood dripping down. He'd be pretty happy with that."
Following the stoic victory after four unanswered goals in the final term, Brayshaw copped an errant knee to the head from teammate Luke Jackson late in the contest.
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With blood streaming down his face, and doctors assisting him from the ground, the courageous midfielder signalled towards the fans in celebration.
Following Saturday night's win, the Dockers jumped back into the top eight, and are a game clear of the Western Bulldogs in ninth.
But Longmuir realised the club could not get complacent in the run home, especially given the "biggest challenge in footy" is yet to come.
"Every game from here to the end of the season is going to mean a lot, but we've just got to make sure that we prepare really well, but also don't get too tense under that pressure," he said.
"[The players] have got a lot of confidence that if we can execute the way we play, we can beat anyone.
"It (Collingwood) is the biggest challenge in footy. You go not only to take on Collingwood, who are the best team in the comp, but you go and take on the Magpie Army. It's a great challenge for us."
