Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow has been in good form in recent weeks in his newly found run-with and Freo’s clash with Collingwood on Friday night could present another tough challenge. 

Barlow played his junior football for Shepparton United while Magpie midfielder Steele Sidebottom played less than 10km away for Congupna.

Sidebottom has averaged more than 26 disposals and nearly a goal a game so far in 2016, and Barlow said he’s looking forward to potentially reuniting with his fellow country boy.

“I know Steele Sidebottom very well, I grew up with him in country Victoria,” Barlow said.

Friday night foe similar to Freo

Barlow said Sidebottom would pose be a challenge if he was given the task to quell his influence, but he said he’d look for whatever he could to make the task easier. 

“I know all his strengths, and I’m still trying to find some weaknesses,” he laughed.

While Barlow was looking forward to the prospect of lining up against Sidebottom, Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon said his opponent for Friday night’s clash wasn’t set in stone just yet. 

“They (Collingwood) have some really good players,” Lyon said.

“We all admire how (Pendlebury) plays and he’s a great captain, (and) a great player. (Adam) Treloar has been really offensive for them and Sidebottom has been fantastic as well. 

“They’re the obvious ones and they have a few more around the edges.”

No "perfect science" for Barlow revival

The midfielder’s influence may not be restricted to just a run-with role given his offensive production over the three weeks.

Barlow has averaged more than 30 disposals and a goal per game since Fremantle’s round 11 clash with Essendon, and Lyon said Freo may take advantage of his current form against Collingwood.

“We haven’t tagged the whole (season), so we might just take (the game) on,” he said.

“He’s in pretty good offensive form. When he’s up and going he doesn’t really need to be having a narrow focus.”