The Fremantle Dockers are embracing the underdog tag ahead of Sunday’s round six clash with last year’s Grand Finalist Melbourne at Fremantle Oval.
Fremantle are coming off a breakthrough first win of the AFLW season in the RAC Derby and Senior Coach Trent Cooper believes his side is ready for the challenge.
“It hasn’t really changed the way we prepare for this game, but it probably gives the group the confidence we are on the right path,” said Cooper.
“Straight away we come up against a really good side like Melbourne - who I think have the best list in the competition - so it’s a really good test.”
Cooper says it will take a team approach in defence to curb the Demons dangerous forward line and there will be no surprise if Janelle Cuthbertson gets the job of trying to stop six-time All Australian Tayla Harris.
25-year-old Harris has kicked nine goals in five games against Fremantle.
“Janelle will be the obvious match-up and it’ll be worth the price of admission alone to watch those two go at it,” said Cooper.
“It’s a really big challenge for Janelle, so we have to cut the supply to her (Harris) and make sure the ball is coming in a little bit dirty so Janelle can do her thing.”
Melbourne head to Perth in fourth spot on the ladder with four wins from five matches.
After a slow start to Season 7, Fremantle sit 15th with one win and a draw.
“It’s fair enough we are underdogs with what we’ve produced so far this season,” said Cooper.
“We’re not in denial – particularly our first two games were well below par - so it isn’t a surprise we’re big outsiders.”
“But we are on a path to improvement. We want to prove to ourselves and our supporters that where we’re at, we can challenge a side like Melbourne
The match could also pit Fremantle players against former teammate Sabreena Duffy for the first time since the forward joined the Demons this season.
