Fremantle would have a short memory if they go in feeling comfortable against Melbourne in Saturday's clash at the MCG, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
With the suspended Jordan Lewis and Jesse Hogan already on the sidelines, an injury to ruckman Max Gawn has further hampered the Demons’ line-up.
Lyon said pre-game chatter around Melbourne’s selection woes had a similar echo to that about Fremantle prior to last week’s upset win over the Western Bulldogs.
“It was a good time to face the Fremantle Dockers last week, too,” Lyon said.
“That’s the theory of it, I’ve been around clubs a long time – the practicality is you’ve got to go out there and get it done.
“(Melbourne’s) a fierce AFL team, and from their end their preparation will be that ‘some are saying we can’t get it done without him, him and him’.
“If anything, it will galvanise the side and keep them focused on the job at hand.
“So I don’t subscribe to that way of thinking.”
Without Max Gawn, Melbourne go into the game without their number one ruck option - but Lyon said that any advantage Aaron Sandilands had would be wasted if Fremantle aren’t up to the task at ground level.
“We won’t be underestimating who Melbourne throw at (Sandilands),” Lyon said.
“I want Aaron to be at his competitive best, and we know if that occurs he’s going to get his hand to the ball and give us opportunities,
“But quite often ruckmen can win the taps and you still get beaten at ground level, so it’s not a fait accompli.”
Lyon also stressed the importance of Fremantle backing up last week’s efforts.
“As pleasing as last week was, we also understand that past results don’t count for anything,” Lyon said.
“So when they bounce the ball we’re all going to have to earn it again and tackle fiercely.
“So it’s yet to be decided who wins that battle, but I’ve got full faith in my players and they’ve got a crystal clear understanding of what they need to do to deliver.”
