Luke McPharlin, one of the greatest players to represent this club, reaches a 200-game milestone for the second time in the space of a year. In round 13, 2012, he played his 200th AFL game. On Friday, ‘Woosh’ runs out for his 200th Fremantle game. Coincidentally, both his milestones will have been against Essendon under lights at Patersons Stadium. Let’s hope the result will be different this Friday night after Freo went down to the Bombers last year.
Midfield delight for the fans
There will be some serious talent running around in the midfield on Friday night. Jobe Watson has been at least the equal of any on-baller in the AFL for the past year, while we all know what potential Nat Fyfe has for Freo. Both sides have tremendous depth in the midfield, too. Michael Barlow, David Mundy, Stephen Hill, Danyle Pearce and co v the likes of Brent Stanton, Brendon Goddard, Dyson Heppell and Ben Howlett. Worth the entrance fee alone.
A sell-out? Not yet!
Speaking of entrance fees, tickets are running out fast for this nationally televised Friday night blockbuster featuring two undefeated teams. Fremantle hosted two sell-out games last year: the round 5 Len Hall Game against Carlton and the round 19 Carlton Mid Derby. Click here to secure your ticket to see us face the Bombers on Friday night before this game is also declared sold out.
Ruck Ryder
Jon Griffin will have to find a way to counteract the ruck tactics employed by Patrick Ryder on Friday. The Bomber tall uses his athleticism to jump into his opponent at the centre bounces. He then gives himself a boost and elevates high to win the hitout. He used the tactic with great success against Melbourne’s Mark Jamar last Saturday, although the Demon was guilty of not changing his approach and therefore making it too easy for Ryder to leap all over him. Griffin can’t allow himself to act as a human vault on Friday night.
Starlight Purple Haze Game
Fremantle and the Starlight Children’s Foundation enter the 11th year of this great partnership that culminates every year with the Starlight Purple Haze Game. Club legends Matthew Pavlich, Luke McPharlin and Aaron Sandilands played in the first ever Purple Haze Game in 2003. To date, the club has raised more than $430,000, including a record total of $80,101.60 in 2012. Can we go better in 2013? With your help we can. Click here to find out how you can contribute.
