Both Fremantle and Adelaide are coming off impressive wins in their first NAB Challenge games, with Freo beating Richmond by 60 points while Adelaide comfortably cruised to a 100 point win over West Coast.
It's the first meeting between the teams since last years round nine classic, and will take place at Sounness Park in Mt Barker on Sunday.
Recent form
Fremantle 0.14.6.90 def Richmond 0.4.6.30
Freo put forward a strong showing in their first NAB Challenge game, with both experienced players and new faces displaying their capabilities. Lachie Neale led all players with 29 disposals while Nat Fyfe had 18 disposals despite only entering the game in the second half.
Darcy Tucker showed a lot in his first game at the club, and Matthew Pavlich kicked four goals in the win.
Adelaide 2.20.10.148 def West Coast 0.7.6.48
A more experienced Crows outfit comfortably beat the Eagles, with star forward Eddie Betts being the main attraction. Betts kicked six goals, including one super goal in the win whilst also being involved in multiple score involvements due to his swift handball skills.
Tom Lynch and Taylor Walker were handfuls up forward, and combined for 14 marks and five goals.
Freo keys to the game
Stopping Lynch and Jenkins
Without Taylor Walker and Eddie Betts in the Adelaide side, Tom Lynch and Josh Jenkins become the two most likely goal scorers against Freo. Lynch could see time up the ground and will need constant coverage while Jenkins has a monstrous frame and could be destined for Alex Silvagni or Sam Collins.
Defensive Footwork
Freo will look for continued attacking presence from the halfbacks, who impressed in their first game under defence coach Brent Guerra. Tommy Sheridan, Garrick Ibbotson, Stephen Hill and Cameron Sutcliffe all had more than 19 disposals, with each player kicking more than handballing.
Fyfe’s game time
Ross Lyon said post-game after last Friday’s match that he expects Nat Fyfe to have more game time in the Freo’s second NAB Challenge game. Freo fans would hope so, given Fyfe’s 18 disposal impact in only one half of football.
In the mix
Ed Langdon
After a strong pre-season, the second year player looked like playing in the first NAB Challenge game but fell ill and was sidelined for the match.
He has since returned to full training since and could see time against the Crows in Mt Barker.
Hayden Crozier
Didn’t play in Freo’s first pre-season game against Richmond but could see game time as a high-pressure forward given Hayden Ballantyne’s injury enforced absence.
Chris Mayne
Didn't play last week due to a collision in training. He has been training very well and would provide another avenue to goal as well as his ferocious forward line pressure.
Ethan Hughes
Ross Lyon has said that Freo are keen to provide opportunities for younger players. Hughes has trained consistently over summer and his height and versitility could see him line up anywhere against Adelaide.
