Every story is made up of the basic elements, the Who, What, When, Where and Why.
The outcome of a football game is no different, and here are some of the key factors that could dictate how the story unfolds in Fremantle’s clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday.
Who – Freo’s ruck stocks
With injuries to Aaron Sandilands and Jonathon Griffin, and Jack Hannath omitted, Zac Clarke will have the sole ruck duties against Port Adelaide on Saturday.
Port have relied mostly on converted defender Jackson Trengove in the ruck this year, and have seen pinch-hitting efforts by second-year player Dougal Howard.
While Trengove has performed admirably and is averaging more than 14 disposals a game as a ruckman, Port Adelaide currently rank last in the AFL with only 30.7 hit outs per game.
As Freo’s only specialist ruckman on Saturday, Clarke will have a great opportunity to impact the game. So far in 2016, Clarke is averaging nearly 16 hit outs a game in a backup role, his second highest average in his eight years with Freo.
Expect Tanner Smith or Matt Taberner to relieve Clarke in the ruck on occasion and utilise their aerobic capacity to make a contest in an unfamiliar role.
Tommy Sheridan fired up for 50th
What – Forcing pressure
Discounting last year’s round 23 clash, in which Fremantle went into the game with four debutants and 11 players with less than 30 games experience, recent matchups been Freo and Port have been closely contested. Four of the past five games have been within 22 points so recent history suggests there could be another tight one at Domain Stadium.
In a hard-fought contest, continued pressure takes a higher priority, and while Port have been impressive with their tackling (second in AFL with 78.5 per game), they’ve let themselves down with their ball use under duress, as reflected by their 56.1 clangers per game which ranks first in the AFL.
Freo currently rank sixth in the AFL with 72.6 tackles per game and will look to force Port into adverse situations on Saturday.
When – Fourth quarter finish
In what could be a close game on Saturday, it will be crucial for Fremantle not only finish strongly but also prevent Port Adelaide from finishing with a flurry, as they’ve been accustomed to so far in 2016.
Port have been fierce in the final term in the first half of the season, and this is reflected by their fourth quarter scoring.
In total, the Power are +78 in the final quarter, having scored 46.38.(314) while conceding only 34.32.(236). This emphasises Freo’s ability to not only withstand the Port attack but also find avenues to score toward the end of the game
The Freo Transition: Weller, Langdon & Blakely
Where – Defensive 50
Fremantle’s defenders will need to be on their toes against a Port Adelaide team who consistently deliver the ball into the forward line.
This presents an opportunity for Freo’s defensive rebounders as while Port rank third in Inside 50s with 57.1 per game, they don’t often convert these into direct scoring opportunities, ranking 14th in the AFL in marks inside the attacking 50.
Freo’s rangy defenders such as Zac Dawson, Sam Collins and Cam Sutcliffe could play a big role if they’re able to cut off Port’s attacking movements and quickly set up counter-attacks.
The Freo defence will need to play smart. While Port have an imposing key forward in Charlie Dixon, they can’t afford to direct all their attention to the 202cm target, as the Power also possess an array of smaller goal kickers such as Chad Wingard, Jake Neade and Aaron Young, who have kicked 60 goals between them in 2016.
Why – Building momentum
Fremantle have won their past two games by an average of 81-points - albeit against teams (Essendon, Brisbane) with their own struggles - and will look to continue to build momentum against finals contender Port Adelaide.
Freo’s young brigade have come on well in the past month, with two Rising Star nominations, solid performances from Darcy Tucker, Sam Collins and Tanner Smith as well as a five goal haul to key forward Matt Taberner. It will be a good test for them against a Port side with young talent of their own.
Port will look to quell Freo’s momentum put themselves in a good position heading into their bye next week, but a loss to could have serious ramifications for the Power as they could sit two games outside of the top-eight with a tough three game stretch against Richmond, Hawthorn and North Melbourne afterward.
