Senior coach Ross Lyon has encouraged his experienced players to support David Mundy and Lee Spurr in guiding their developing young teammates in Saturday’s clash with GWS.
For much of the season, Fremantle have been without the majority of their six-man leadership group.
Aaron Sandilands, Michael Johnson and Nat Fyfe have all missed most of the year with injury, while Matthew Pavlich and Mundy have also spent four games each on the sidelines. Only Spurr has played every match.
Against the Crows last Sunday, Fremantle fielded a team containing eight players with 22 games experience or less.
Lyon said he expected his senior players to lead by example, nominating Michael Walters as a player to have helped fill the void.
Freo players see Lyon as a father figure
“Game day’s about action and direction,” Lyon said.
“There’s always opportunities to lead.
“Michael Walters has been terrific, he led last week.
“We’ve got Michael Walters there, Cam Sutcliffe may come back in, Ibbotson was good last week – his attack on the ball and competition was strong.
“It’s those kinds of guys – the Griffins (Jon Griffin) and the Clarkes (Zac Clarke) and ‘Hilly’ (Stephen Hill) – they’re the ones that have got to step up and support Mundy and Spurr.”
Giants clash a glimpse into Freo's future forward line
Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday to acknowledge his 250th game, skipper David Mundy noted the importance of a holistic approach to leadership.
He said onus shouldn’t fall solely on the captain and leadership group to guide the players.
“It’s not a pyramid or a pinnacle,” Mundy said.
“I’m at the top by title I guess but we’re really working on broadening our leadership scope amongst our whole group.”
Pavlich (rested) and Sandilands (gluteal) will both miss Saturday’s match against the Giants at Spotless Stadium.
