Fremantle’s match committee will have some tough decisions to make this week. Utility Tendai Mzungu and emerging forward Matt Taberner starred for Peel Thunder last weekend and are putting their hands up for selection against Geelong. With Freo winning its round 1 clash against Port Adelaide by seven points, who comes out? Or does senior coach Ross Lyon stick with the winning line-up?
Geelong star Steve Johnson has been Freo’s antagonist for many seasons now and is free to play after being cleared of rough conduct against Hawthorn’s Sam Mitchell. With Ryan Crowley unavailable for the tagging role, Clancee Pearce could be earmarked for the tough assignment.
Healthy rivalry
Freo has the edge in the last five encounters against Geelong, leading three wins to two. Since 2011, Fremantle has won four of its seven clashes against Geelong and four of the past six games have been decided by a margin less than three goals. The last time at Simonds Stadium saw David Mundy take a set shot after the siren to try and win the game for Freo, but his effort drifted just wide.
Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon has a few aces up his sleeve in season 2015. Lyon believes his side’s flexilibility can be a key weapon against opposition sides. Against Port Adelaide in the deciding fourth quarter, the likes of stars David Mundy, Stephen Hill and Matthew Pavlich were thrown into different positions in an effort to gain an advantage. Geelong may also be forced to mix its big men around this weekend with ruckman Dawson Simpson needing a fitness test.
Freo’s strength and conditioning staff implemented a pre-season with significant cent increase in running for 2015. That move already paid dividends last week with Freo being able to run out the AFL’s number one fourth-quarter team from last season, well known for their ability to finish off games. Freo will again need to bring that same effort and intensity if it is to match one of the greatest teams of the modern era, Geelong.
Geelong dropped a bombshell on Thursday afternoon, ruling midfielder, Steve Motlop out of Sunday’s game. Motlop was suspended for ‘off-field issues’ after not meeting the standards expected by the club.
Fremantle takes on Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Sunday 12 April.
Bounce down is 1.10pm local time.
