Saturday’s clash with the GWS Giants at Spotless Stadium will provide an insight into how much of Fremantle’s forward line could shape up next year, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.

Freo are playing the Giants away from Domain Stadium for the first time in their history and will be without key forward Matthew Pavlich, who is resting ahead of his 353rd and final AFL appearance next week.

Pavlich has missed a number of travelling fixtures this year, most recently against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium in round 18 – a match in which tall forward Matthew Taberner was the major focal point up front.

Taberner was omitted from the senior side a fortnight ago in favour of Michael Apeness, but Lyon touted the 23-year-old would return to the fray this week.

“He’s more than likely to come in – we haven’t got too many more in the cupboard,”
Lyon said.

“Taberner, Apeness and Yarran are going to be critical to us going forward.

“It’s a throw to the future, as it stands at this point.

“Hopefully (a few forwards) come through drafting in the next few years.”

Taberner's reliable kick

The inexperienced trio have tallied just 53 games between them, of which Taberner has played 44.

In three matches this season, Apeness has shown a penchant for contested marking while Yarran’s pace and clean hands have already featured in his four AFL appearances.

Taberner has shown glimpses of his ability to dominate inside 50 – most notably during his five-goal haul against the Brisbane Lions in round 12 – but, like Apeness and Yarran, fades in and out of the contest.

However, Lyon noted dedication to training as a key component of sustaining improvement.

“You are what you are Monday to Friday,” Lyon said.

“The kids come in thinking you just rip it apart game day, but the pros learn it’s about what you do, Monday to Friday.

“(Taberner, Apeness and Yarran) are really good trainers and because of that, they’re improving slowly but surely.”

Lyon also praised the form of Michael Walters and the work ethic of Hayden Ballantyne, who he expected to make an impact, come Saturday.