He’s beaten a rough conduct charge at the WAFL Tribunal and he’s fought through three anterior cruciate ligament injuries. It seems nothing can hold Anthony Morabito back. He is a steam train hurtling towards an emotional AFL return, and it could very well be this week.
Sandi's 200th
A giant milestone for a titan of the game. Aaron Sandilands has been in great touch this season and chalks up his 200th against the Eagles. He's been doubted many times over his career; from the early days when he looked a little bit like a newborn giraffe on the footy field, to recent seasons when his body has let him down, many have been quick to write 'Spider' off. In between, he established himself as one of the most dominant ruckman to ever play the game, winning three All Australian selections and a club best and fairest. We salute you Aaron.
200 in the blink of an eye
The Derby specialist
Michael Barlow has played six games against the West Coast Eagles. He has won the Ross Glendinning Medal for best afield three times. It’s fair to say he would be a welcomed inclusion to the team this week.
HBF Injury Update
Another massive Derby
It's now known as the Carlton Draught Derby, and the enormity of the fixture remains unchanged. Given both sides are 3-3 and coming off disappointing defeats, the 39th installment promises to be an absolute cracker. The winner gets back on track, but the loser will fall further off the top four pace. Every club knows the importance of finishing higher than fifth - only Adelaide in 1998 has won a Grand Final from outside the top four under the AFL’s top eight finals system.
Match Preview
Pav approaches another mark
The brilliant Freo skipper is just three appearances away from his 300th Freo game, but he might reach another milestone before that. Pavlich needs just three goals to chalk up his 600th career major.
Other possible changes
Hayden Ballantyne should return from suspension, giving Freo's forward line some extra tenacity and class this week. Other's throwing their name in the hat are Morabito, who continues to grow with every touch in the WAFL, and Jonathon Griffin, who's now played three games for Peel. Kepler Bradley also returned on the weekend but may need some more WAFL runs before being considered for selection. Garrick Ibbotson is another who will come under very strong consideration, while Alex Silvagni has done everything asked of him at the Thunder.
Training Report
