Fremantle won’t go into this Sunday’s clash with Essendon relying on a rare fixturing advantage, according to midfielder Connor Blakely.
Usually one of the most travelled sides in the AFL, Fremantle will play their third straight game at Domain Stadium while coming off an eight-day break.
Conversely, the Bombers will cross the Nullarbor to play their third game in a 13-day period.
After an 18-point win over Collingwood on Anzac Day, Essendon fell to Melbourne by 38-points while playing off a five-day break.
But Blakely expects the Bombers to be on top of their game this Sunday.
“It is nice (to stay in Perth),” Blakely said.
“We’ll play our third game in a row this weekend at Domain, so it definitely helps not travelling.
“That said, I think every club these days has such good recovery and strength and conditioning coaches that take care of it.
“So Essendon will be coming over fully ready to go and looking to bounce back after their game against Melbourne.”
Fremantle are also looking to bounce back after being jumped early by West Coast in last week’s Carlton Draught Derby.
The Eagles piled on seven goals to one in the opening term in Fremantle’s 41-point loss.
Blakely said the quality of Freo’s forward entries was a focus of their review.
“In the first quarter, it came out that we entered our forward 50 the same amount as the Eagles,” Blakely said
“But (West Coast) obviously used the ball a lot better going into their 50 metre.
“What came out of (the review) was our defence was a bit sloppy when they had the ball.
“Then with our ball use, it wasn’t at the level that we’ve had in the past few weeks.
“But the positives that came out of it, after quarter time we responded.
“Especially after half time, we came out and put together a respectable finish - but I think when you start any game like that, it sort of leaves you out of the game.”
