An in-form Alex Pearce feels almost disappointed he won’t be able to line up against one of the game’s best forwards when Fremantle takes on Sydney at the SCG.
Pearce, who has been a revelation coming back from nearly two years out of the game due to complications with a broken leg, could be the only Freo Docker that will be sad not to see Lance Franklin running out this Saturday night.
The Swans superstar is still battling a bruised heel, robbing Pearce of the chance to challenge himself against the game's No.1 forward.
"From the team perspective it's great news we don’t have to worry about him, but from a bit of a selfish point-of-view I would love to play on Buddy," Pearce said.
The SCG clash will be intriguing, given the Swans have lost three of their four home games this season and Fremantle are winless from three interstate trips.
Freo has an average losing margin of 53 points on the road, albeit against strong sides in Port Adelaide, GWS and Richmond.
"It's something we've spoken about and it's something we're not happy with," Pearce said.
"It's not an easy fix and we are committed to playing some good footy interstate.
"We've played some tough teams interstate so far, but we know our goal of being a great AFL team means we have to win on the road and we have to get it done.
"We're really committed to going over and making Sydney a business trip."
At 4-4, Fremantle are still in the finals hunt and Pearce has no plans to take a rest, declaring his twice-broken leg a "non-issue" due to careful management.
Meanwhile, Freo is hopeful prime movers Stephen Hill (quad) and Nathan Wilson (back) plus gun forward Michael Walters (knee) will be available for the Swans trip.
Pearce, who grew up playing football as a five-year-old in Tasmania, was speaking at a NAB AFL Auskick promotion at Optus Stadium announcing that WA youngsters who sign up before Sunday 27 May will receive two free tickets to selected matches at the venue this season.
