Fremantle and Geelong are both coming off NAB Challenge victories, albeit in different fashion. Freo won a tightly contested affair against Adelaide by two points while Geelong comfortably accounted for Essendon by 87 points.
The game at Domain Stadium on Saturday will be the first meeting between the two teams since Freo’s triumphant visit to Geelong in round two last year.
Recent form
Fremantle 1.9.6.69 def Adelaide 0.8.19.67
Freo overcame an inaccurate Adelaide side in a scrappy, hard fought win in Mt Barker. Nat Fyfe took advantage of his increased game time with a best on ground performance, while Tommy Sheridan was a constant presence across halfback, gathering 28 disposals on the day.
Geelong 0.17.9.111 def Essendon 0.3.6.24
Geelong proved too much for Essendon last week, getting on top of the youthful Bombers early and making the result beyond any doubt by halftime. The Cats kicked the first 10 goals of the game and were spurred on by a strong performance from Patrick Dangerfield, who led the team in both disposals (24) and tackles (7).
Freo keys to the game
Stopping an efficient Vardy
It was case of quality, not quantity for Nathan Vardy against Essendon as the towering forward kicked four goals from just six disposals.
The plethora of tall talent possessed by the Cats can result in size mismatches, which Vardy took full advantage of last week.
Third man up
The athleticism and aerobic capacity of Geelong utilities Mark Blicavs and Rhys Stanley make for a challenging matchup in third man up scenarios. Limiting their influence as the extra ‘flyer’ as well as midfield accountability around stoppages will be crucial.
“Tabs” turns it on
Freo forward Matt Taberner impressed against Adelaide, marking strongly on the lead and kicking two goals but two errant set shots limited his scoreboard impact. The Freo big man possesses excellent hands and a raking left foot kick that can be damaging when he kicks truly.
Fyfe/Danger II?
Last year’s epic midfield encounter between Fyfe and Dangerfield resulted in 78 disposals and 23 clearances between the two, and left footy fans clamouring for more. The matchup between the two could well determine first use from the midfield and go a long way to securing the result.
In the mix
Hayden Ballantyne
After injuring his hamstring in Freo’s first NAB Challenge game, Ballantyne rehabbed strongly and returned to training at full capacity and is in line for selection against Geelong.
Harley Bennell
Bennell could see his first action for Freo this Saturday after a calf injury interrupted his pre-season. He’s been training with the main group for more than two weeks now and has looked strong on the track.
Alex Pearce
The key defender was having a solid pre-season until a groin injury saw him spend time in rehab. His range and athleticism would be a welcome addition against a tall Geelong forward line.
Darcy Tucker
After missing the Adelaide game with knee soreness, Tucker has been training with the main group and could see an opportunity to follow up his impressive game against Richmond.
David Mundy
The skipper hasn’t played yet in the NAB Challenge due to groin soreness, but has trained strongly over the past two weeks.
