If Ross Lyon decides to replace McPharlin with a key defender, the choice comes down to Alex Silvagni or Antoni Grover. Both have recent September experience, having played in Freo’s two finals in 2010. The pair played against each other in the WAFL last weekend, in which Silvagni’s Claremont won by 101 points over Grover’s Subiaco. Silvagni had 22 disposals and eights marks, while Grover collected 25 touches and eight marks.
Round 1 win over Geelong
Freo got off to a flying start by defeating the reigning premiers in the first game of the season at Patersons Stadium. Nat Fyfe was brilliant in the midfield, but much of the attention was focussed on Freo’s, and in particular, Hayden Ballantyne’s ability to get under the skin of the Cats. The Freo goal-sneak and Geelong full-back Matthew Scarlett were both left with suspensions.
Last Time We Met - Round 1, 2012, Patersons Stadium - Freo wins a thriller
Form in Victoria
Freo will be buoyed by having won four from five in Melbourne this season. That included the club’s first victory in a while at the MCG, where Saturday’s game will be played. The Cats are 2-2 at the ‘G’ in 2012, but both wins have been over premiership favourites Hawthorn.
Who does Crowley tag?
Crowley played on Paul Chapman in round 1, but the classy Cat has not been spending much time in the midfield lately. Joel Selwood is an obvious option, but the Cats have a wide array of midfield talent who are all very dangerous if not given the proper attention.
Johnson’s one-match ban
The man who has probably been Geelong’s best midfielder over the past two months has been Steve Johnson. The mercurial Johnson can win a match off his own boot. But the AFL’s Match Review Panel has just handed him a one-match ban. He risks two-matches if he challenges the ruling and loses. Big decision coming up for the Cats.
