After three straight losses to their cross-town rivals, Ross Lyon has called for Fremantle to draw a line in the sand in Saturday night’s Carlton Draught Derby at Domain Stadium.
Both sides come into the game with a 3-2 record with Fremantle are on a run of three straight wins after defeating North Melbourne on Saturday while the Eagles fell to Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.
Lyon said that he’ll be approaching the clash like any other game, but stressed the importance taking back the upper hand in a rivalry that has seen both sides enjoy long winning streaks.
“How far do you want to go back, we’ve won the previous six and lost the last three,” Lyon said.
“I think maybe it’s time to be fierce and stand up.”
Lyon said the coaching staff will be preparing Freo's younger players for a hard fought clash, with several that have never played a derby in line for selection.
“The mental side of the game is really important, and you can mentally rehearse multiple times without having to do it physically,” Lyon said.
“We always talk to our players about the mental side of the game, but from our point of view we understand it’s labelled a derby and it’s home-town rivalry.
“But as professional coaches and teams, it is another game.
“There’s not too many variables that change.
“I don’t know if there’s an extra burst in the first five minutes, potentially there is, maybe there is in the grand final those sort of games, but until you’re experienced it’s hard to prepare for.
“But if you know what’s coming you can try and prepare mentally and not be derailed. At the end of the day they’ve got to get it done.”
