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Fremantle midfielder Dana Hooker believes their home ground advantage will play a big role in this weekend’s do-or-die clash against North Melbourne at Fremantle Oval.
Freo will be fighting for their spot in the finals this weekend when they take on North for the final round of the regular season.
Fremantle haven’t lost a home game so far this season, and Dana Hooker said their confidence at home combined with the support from fans will make them a tough team to beat this Saturday.
“We need one more win to make the finals and the pressure is on but we’re really excited for this weekend against North, they’re in some great form and they’re a really great side this year (and) hopefully we can give ourselves an opportunity to get in the finals,” Hooker said.
“(There’s) excitement to get out there in front of our home crowd and we really hope to bring a big crowd this weekend, it’ll be a great atmosphere and it’s really difficult for travelling teams to come play us at Fremantle Oval… we like that.”
The star-midfielder credits the team’s ability to come together under new staff and a simplified game plan to their success this year.
“We’ve had a bit of a change in personnel over the last few seasons, not only with the players but the staff around us, obviously headed up with Trent Cooper our new coach… they’ve all brought some fresh ideas and a fresh approach to how we go about our business here,” Hooker said.
“We’ve got a slightly different game plan this year compared to previous seasons, it’s a little bit more simplified (and) that’s definitely contributed to where we are but I think more than anything we’re just gelling really well as a unit we’re working together and it’s showing on the scoreboard.”
After missing out on finals for the last two seasons, Hooker said Freo is now in their best form ever.
“It’s taken us three seasons to get to this form and to where we are now and I’m really appreciative of that journey we’ve been on to get here … it’s been really great growth this year for us,” Hooker said.