Bailey Banfield hopes his versatility can come to the fore in Saturday night’s clash with Richmond at Optus Stadium, as Freo prepare for a game in the wet without their number one ruckman Sean Darcy.
 
The 190cm forward said Freo may go in with a small forwardline as Luke Jackson moves from his primary forward role into the ruck.
 
With rain forecast on Saturday, Banfield said Fremantle may not bring in another tall to replace Darcy.
 
“I think we’ll be a little bit smaller, so we’ll go back to two talls and I might have to play a bit taller as well,” Banfield said.
 
“We’ve done that, and I’ve done that, over my career. Not much will change.
 
“We’ll make sure we keep a contest, and the weather will probably play a factor in that as well.
 
“If it’s going to be a bit wet and a bit slippery, it’s obviously a bit harder for the key forwards.”
 
“I’m sure we would have loved to have had Seany dishing out the hit-outs in the wet.
 
“He loves wet weather and is always dominant, but in terms of the forward line structure, this is probably the week to go a bit smaller.”

The 25-year-old is having a career-best season, kicking 10 goals and averaging 13 disposals per game.
 
He said having consistency in selection has helped his form after being named as a medical substitute nine times in 2022.
 
“I’ve been happy being a bit flexible playing tall and small, I’ve been able to bring my strengths to the table a bit more I think,” Banfield said.
 
“It helps getting a regular game and being back in, I’ve been able to play eight games in a row now which definitely helps.
 
“I’m building my confidence and hopefully I can keep that going through the back half of the year.”