WATCHING David Mundy's match-winning goal against Richmond sail through in the last minute was "the greatest feeling”, talented Fremantle forward Tommy Sheridan says.
Just one minute and six seconds earlier, the 21-year-old had missed an opportunity from a slight angle to put the Dockers in front for the first time since the 20-minute mark of the second quarter on Saturday.
Five talking points: Richmond v Fremantle
His kick had gone straight before drifting right to register a behind and leave the Dockers two points behind Richmond.
"Normally I think I'm all right in front of the big sticks but today I failed miserably," Sheridan told AFL.com.au.
Playing just his 30th game, the relieved youngster was being hard on himself.
Sheridan had pushed hard down the open side of the ground to be in a position for experienced skipper Matthew Pavlich to square the ball to him.
That takes courage in itself.
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His coach Ross Lyon said Sheridan's failure to convert was a learning experience.
"Our young player Tommy, who is a long accurate kick … just gets some feedback that when he is under pressure he needs to keep his mind strong," Lyon said.
The youngster performed well, kicking a goal, winning 21 disposals and importantly, using the ball well in a game when the act of kicking to the opposition trended throughout the afternoon.
Sheridan never thought the game was beyond winning, his faith in the Fremantle system strong. But he knew with less than five minutes remaining, the only option was to push go and attack.
"We were down [and] had to attack," Sheridan said.
"[It was a] great kick from Pav off the line. That is the ball movement we want and next time I'll finish it."
That a grin accompanied the positive mindset the words relayed was fortunate for Sheridan. But he knew whom he had to thank for being able to put the experience down as a great learning experience.
"It was a great kick from David," Sheridan said.
Houli's blunder proves costly as Mundy kicks the match winner #AFLTigersFreo http://t.co/guunToqrhg
— AFL (@AFL) July 25, 2015