Several experienced Fremantle-listed players performed strongly in Peel’s 36-point win over East Perth at Medibank Stadium on Saturday.
Here’s who could be in the mix to face the Adelaide Crows at Domain Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Tendai Mzungu
The 30-year-old responded positively to his omission a fortnight ago, amassing 35 touches, 11 marks and a goal in a best-on-ground performance for Peel. Mzungu has been on the fringes of selection for most of the season. After being held over as an emergency against the Swans, he might have done enough to win back his spot.
Matthew Taberner
Having played 16 games for the senior side – including 15 in a row – the 23-year-old responded strongly to his omission with an encouraging performance for Peel. Taberner worked tirelessly up and down the ground, collecting 23 possessions, eight marks and two goals. Given Michael Apeness’ promising performance against West Coast, the tall forward could be the victim of team balance. However, Saturday’s showing won’t have done him any harm.
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Clancee Pearce
The utility played well against East Perth, gathering 26 possessions and nine marks through the midfield. Pearce has averaged 26 touches in a variety of roles since returning from injury a month ago and looks to be building form. With light showers expected for Sunday afternoon, the big-bodied 100-gamer could be the perfect fit to play an inside midfield role.
Anthony Morabito
Senior coach Ross Lyon said last week that Morabito was anxious to build form and consistency before season’s end. The luckless midfielder worked hard against East Perth for 26 disposals and five marks in one of his better performances of the year. Adelaide’s speed in transition has challenged most sides in the league – a trait the 24-year-old has in spades. Morabito has spent the year building his defensive game and could be useful in negating one of Charlie Cameron or Richard Douglas.
Jack Hannath
Hannath worked into positive attacking positions for Peel and finished with 17 disposals, six marks, two goals and a team-high of four inside 50s. Like Taberner, the ruckman might find himself the victim of team balance, with Apeness (200cm), Sandilands (211cm) and Clarke (203cm) all playing against West Coast. However, he is not without a chance should one of his tall teammates leave the side.