Harvey keeps the faith
Assistant Coach Mark Harvey believes Fremantle’s best football is just around the corner.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Harvey said the club had been more than competitive in each of its opening six matches, but conceded some areas needed further improvement.
“Looking back on our four losses, half way through the third quarter we’ve been right in the games – and I mean right in the games,” Harvey said.
“Whatever has transpired after that...we’ve fallen away. We’re trying to address that.
“When you have a good season like we did last year, everyone watches you and exposes whatever they think is your strength. I think anyone that finishes in the top four, that happens to them.
“On top of that we’ve got Tarrant and Pavlich back there so (the opposition) are flooding a little bit more than we’re used to and it’s just a matter of overcoming that.
“We’ve found ourself in this situation before and we’ve come out of it. We’re not far away at all.”
After playing in 30 degree heat and returning to Perth late on Sunday night, the senior team was given the day off from training on Monday to recuperate for the week ahead.
With Fremantle now shifting its focus to its round seven clash with Hawthorn at Subiaco Oval on Sunday, Harvey believed the Hawks shaped as a formidable opponent considering their recent form and the returns in front of goal from young forward Lance Franklin.
“The game plan Alastair (Clarkson) has come up with is really starting to grab hold and of course they have got a guy down forward who is finishing it off for them more importantly,” Harvey said.
“He’s looking like a young up and coming superstar forward.
“It’s going to be a great challenge for whoever we decide (to play on Franklin) or whoever wants to put their hand up to play on him.”
Bouncedown on Sunday is 2.40pm (WST). The match will be telecast live on FOX Sports 1, with Channel Seven’s WA coverage commencing at 3pm.