A week off at the business end of the year has come at an ideal time for Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich.
It is not just a converted place in a Preliminary Final Fremantle booked with its Qualifying final win over Sydney on Saturday but a priceless week off from bruising finals football.
Pavlich had ice on the achilles on his left leg after the nine-point victory.
The 334-game veteran missed the round 21 clash with North Melbourne due to soreness in the tendon, something he has managed throughout his career.
“It’s hard to tell exactly how it is, it’ll be how it pulls up over the next couple of days,” Pavlich said.
The six-time All Australian said the week-off, while Fremantle waited to find out who it would meet on Friday 25 September at Domain Stadium, would help many players freshen up.
Come that Friday night, Pavlich will have played just once in the past three weeks, after he was rested for Freo’s round 23 clash with Port Adelaide.
“It’s good to have the week off, particularly after playing nearly every game this year,” Pavlich said.
“As always, week off, freshen up and train on to get ready for the prelim here.”
An extra week off may help defender Luke McPharlin recover from a calf injury that had him withdrawn from Saturday’s win.
History suggests that win should earn Fremantle a place in the Grand Final.
The premiers in the past nine seasons have won in the first week of the finals.
“History and the stats show, if you’re able to win the Qualifying Final it helps in two weeks time,” Pavlich said.
“It helps get what we all really desire and want.
“There are no guarantees in this game but it certainly bodes well.”
