Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir always knew how good Andrew Brayshaw was, and on Saturday night, the young leader was at his bloodiest best.
Brayshaw racked up 29 disposals, six clearances and a career-high 14 tackles as Fremantle overcame a 13-point deficit at the final change to post a fighting 13-point win over Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.
With just 40 seconds remaining on the clock, Brayshaw sat at the base of a pack and copped a knee to the head from teammate Luke Jackson.
It left Brayshaw with blood streaming from his head, but it didn't stop him from conducting an on-field TV interview after the 12.5 (77) to 9.10 (64) win.
Brayshaw had to continually wipe away the streaming blood while answering questions, with the state of his head showcasing his willingness to put his body on the line when it matters most.
"I think it was bit of a show getting an interview after the game, blood dripping down. He'd be pretty happy with that," Longmuir said with a chuckle.
Brayshaw was restricted to just 24 disposals and four clearances to go with three tackles in Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney a week ago, and Longmuir praised the way his star charge rebounded against Hawthorn.
"He was disappointed with his game last week," Longmuir said.
"I know (midfield coach) Joel Corey asked him for more defensively, and he's a barometer for us when he's bringing his pressure, when he's bringing his trademark efforts to chase down.
"So him leading the way (against Hawthorn), and all our leaders leading the way in an area of focus is really important."
Fremantle ended the match with 103 tackles - their intense pressure proving to be the difference.
The win means eighth-placed Fremantle (11-6) are just percentage adrift of fourth spot, but they will receive an even bigger test of their premiership credentials in next Sunday's clash with Collingwood at the MCG.
"It's the biggest challenge in footy," Longmuir said of taking on the ladder leaders.
"You not only take on Collingwood, who are the best team in the comp, but you go and take on the Magpie Army and the crowd."
Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce, who returned from a hot spot in his shin against Sydney but was unable to back up against Hawthorn, is no guarantee to return against Collingwood.
Longmuir dismissed fears Pearce had suffered another hot spot, with "soreness" the official diagnosis at this stage.
"It just didn't handle the full load of an AFL game last week," Longmuir said.
"Given it was a six-day break, it just hasn't responded off that 13-14km that he ran last week, which is a big spike.
"So we're hoping it settles down quicker."
