Fremantle Dockers senior coach Ross Lyon envisions a backline addition of Anthony Morabito once the Freo utility makes a successful return from a hamstring injury.
Morabito hurt his hamstring prior to Freo’s NAB Challenge series, and following an impressive pre-season playing across halfback; Lyon said the role would suit his style of play.
Freo facing Gold Coast, not just Gary
“All summer he’d been coming off the halfback line,” Lyon said.
“It’s straight ahead, with the game in front of you so it’s a bit easier to bounce it out.”
Lyon was optimistic that with some good luck and consistent playing time, Morabito’s physical attributes could see him flourish into a defender similar to that of two, established Freo veterans.
“He’s not an endurance beast, so it’s more of a speed and component thing.
“Hopefully he can develop into an (Garrick) Ibbotson or (Michael) Johnson type player if everything goes the right way.”
While Morabito returned to full training this week, Lyon said he wouldn’t play in Peel Thunder’s game against Swan Districts on Saturday.
Given his history and unfortunate run of luck with injuries, Lyon said one more week of preparation would be beneficial for Morabito.
“He’s available, but he’d like to get another week of full training under his belt,” he said.
“It’s been a five or six year road, since he injured his knee in 2010.
“I don’t think there’s any rush to get back when you’ve played around eight games of football in five years.
“Another week to give him his best chance to be resilient will be really good for him and us.”
Tickets are still available for Saturday's game via ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 135 915.
