Fremantle Dockers forward line coach Mark Stone said after training on Friday that increased time in the midfield for Michael Walters and Hayden Ballantyne would help their game.

“It helps them,” Stone said.

“It gives them the freedom to run around and get involved the in the game.”

Stone also said fluid movement through the midfield could result in desirable matchups for Freo forwards.

“It gives them the flexibility of moving in and out and it helps change up their opponents,” he said.

“It doesn’t allow defenders to sit and blanket them.

“It allows us to refresh them mid-game, and it also adds flexibility to the forward and midfield groups.”

Midfield flexibility was on display at training with Nat Fyfe drifting down and making an impact as a forward, something that comes naturally, according to Stone.

“Nathan is very strong overhead and has natural abilities as a forward,” he said.

“He played forward as a young kid, he likes it down there as a spell from the midfield.

“He provides us with another marking dimension.”

Training report

An increase in rotations between midfields and forwards has placed a high level of importance on forward line chemistry.

“We aim to build a little bit more chemistry and understanding of what each other is doing, and what the roles are,” he said.

“If we can build more chemistry, then we’ll be able to take more marks.

Friday’s 90-minute match simulation was physical but beneficial for the players, according to Stone.

“There were a couple collisions, but none were reckless in intent, so it’s good for the boys to experience that,” he said.

Lachie Neale was involved in one of the collisions but Stone confidently confirmed the health of the young midfielder after training.

“It was just a bit of a knee-on-knee collision, but he’s fine.”