Senior coach Ross Lyon opened up to football commentator Dennis Cometti at Tuesday's season launch. Below are some of the key points from his chat.
1. Michael Walters could captain Freo one day
Yep, you heard right. The footballer who was once banished from the club for failing to meet the standards required to play AFL football has grown so much, one of the best coaches in the league rates him highly enough to suggest he could lead an entire club. “He’s a great trainer and a great leader, it is possible,” Lyon said.
2. Nat Fyfe went from four votes last year to a unanimous leadership group choice in 2015
Ross revealed that every player on the list chose Nat Fyfe in this year’s leadership group vote. It goes to show just how fast the brilliant 23-year-old is developing.
3. Fyfe’s hamstring is a 21-day rehab
That puts the return date for the superstar midfielder at right around the club’s opening NAB Challenge fixture against Melbourne at Fremantle Oval.
Fyfe not to be rushed: Lyon
4. Fyfe has the tools to play centre-half-forward
Ross had lots to give about ‘Fyfey’. He recalled an under 18s game where the Lake Grace gun took 20 marks playing centre-half-forward. “He probably should be playing as a centre-half-forward, but I don’t think Nathan wants to go to centre-half-forward,” Lyon said.
5. Expect to see a lot of Aaron Sandilands up forward
This isn’t the news most AFL defenders wanted to hear. All 211cm of the Freo champion will often be plonked in the goal square this season. “I remember Paul Salmon playing forward and kicking a lot of goals,” Lyon said of the former Essendon and Hawthorn great. This also means that Zac Clarke is likely to play a fair bit as the number one ruckman.
6. There are 18 teams who can win the premiership
On-stage interviewer Dennis Cometti suggested that only five teams could win the flag this year – Hawthorn, Sydney, Port, North Melbourne and Fremantle. But Lyon leaned on the side of probability and reminded Dennis that every team has a chance.
