Fremantle senior coach Trent Cooper says there’s no talk of revenge heading into a tough road clash against reigning premiers Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.
Fremantle’s Season 6 campaign ended with a heartbreaking 14-point Preliminary Final loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval in April.
“That’s not been mentioned in anyway at all,” Cooper said.
“We’re 17th on the ladder right now and we’re just doing our best to work our way up. Adelaide are a side we have a lot of respect for as a footy team – and as people.
“So the revenge aspect definitely isn’t there. We just want to continue our path of playing better football. It would be great to knock them off though.
“Marinoff, Hatchard and Randall are in outstanding form at the moment.”
One tactic Cooper admits he has used in the build-up is Nikki Gore’s intimate knowledge of her former team after crossing to Fremantle following Adelaide’s Season 6 premiership.
“She was chair of selectors this week in helping us come up with the plan for the Crows obviously knowing them so well,” Cooper said.
Cooper is calling for a four quarter performance after conceding the last four goals to Melbourne in last weekend’s 30-point loss.
“It’s not a fitness issue, it’s probably a bit of concentration,” Cooper said.
“It’s also the concentration against really good sides who don’t drop off and that’s what we’re going to come up against this week. We need to make sure that we start well and then reset every quarter.”
With one win and a draw from six matches, Cooper says the side is focused on improving in every remaining match of the season.
“Just building each week and getting better,” Cooper said.
“Be more proactive and keep pushing forward with brave ball movement.”
Sarah Wielstra, Amy Mulholland and Bianca Webb are all pushing to return for the clash with Dana East already ruled out due to concussion protocols.
