The All Australian defender sustained a calf injury in the round 16 Carlton Mid Derby and did not play again until Fremantle’s qualifying final win in Geelong.
The 31-year-old said a number of factors have left himfeeling good ahead of the clash with the Sydney Swans.
“The fact I did the entire pre-season, plus played 15 games in the year, gives me great confidence that I haven’t slipped too far off in terms of fitness and game experience,” McPharlin said.
“I played the final in Geelong and got through pretty much the entire game.
“I think I only had one spell, and I felt aerobically fine, so I’m full of confidence to play tomorrow night and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
McPharlin added that the week off had done him and histeammates good.
“There were some sore guys at the end of a pretty long home and away season,” he said.
“To have that extra week off allowed a few guys to really get up and going and we had a really sharp training session on Thursday.”
Freo regain experienced defender Michael Johnson for the match against the Swans, a man who McPharlin said brought balance to the side’s defence.
“Michael’s a superb reader of the play,” he said.
“He plays our drop-off role really well. He’s a very attacking defender also and he allows myself and Zac (Dawson) to play a more key defensive-type role with him back in the side.”
Johnson’s selection in the 2013 All Australian team last Monday night gives Freo two representatives in its backline, following McPharlin’s inclusion in the 2012 team
McPharlin said the entire club was happy to see Johnson recognised.
“We were thrilled for Michael to get a guernsey in the All Australian team,” he said.
“It’s well deserved, he’s had a super year and played a terrific role.”
As for Sydney, who will be without key forwards Kurt Tippett and Sam Reid on Saturday night, McPharlin said many dangers still existed.
“They’ve got a host of smalls running around, they’re very dangerous and they like to work very hard up (the field) and then back towards goal, and their rucks that flip into the forward line are big strong bodies,” he said.
“Jesse White looks like a very capable forward as well, so you certainly can’t relax or write off a team like Sydney that have a very strong culture and a very competitive side.
“Whatever happens tomorrow night, it’s going to be a very competitive game.”
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