Midfielder David Mundy believes Fremantle can go one of two ways at the selection table when looking at a replacement for injured ruckman Sean Darcy for Sunday’s clash against Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium.
While Darcy was cleared of any ACL/PCL damage following Freo’s round two against Brisbane, the big man has been ruled out of the Power clash.
Mundy said one option would be a straight swap with ruck Lloyd Meek, who is chasing an AFL debut in his third season at Fremantle.
“I played with Lloyd throughout the summer and he competes really hard and is a really big aerobic ruckman,” Mundy said.
“It’d be great if he comes in and it’s a really exciting opportunity possibly.”
While senior coach Justin Longmuir has shown a preference to play Rory Lobb up front, the versatile forward has played as a lone ruckman for Fremantle previously.
“I know Rory is really capable in the ruck and we’ve seen him come in and play as the number one ruck really well and really efficiently,” Mundy said.
“I think whatever way we go there are pros and cons of each.”
Whether Lobb goes into the ruck or not may depend on whether Jesse Hogan is deemed ready to play.
Longmuir said last week that Hogan was a best 22 player, however Fremantle needed to be confident the forward was AFL match ready.
Hogan played for Fremantle against Brisbane in a reserves clash on Saturday and Mundy feels Hogan is close to a call-up.
“Jesse over the last few weeks has reintegrated back into our group really well,” Mundy said.
“He seems really positive and energetic around our group, and really keen to be back with the boys and in and amongst the football program.
“I know his training - he’s an absolute beast on the track, and he’s giving it all he’s got. He went out on the weekend and performed really well.
“When he comes in, I know he’ll be ready and we’ll have him for a long time.”
Mundy played his first game of his 16th season in the AFL against Brisbane and was pleased with how he’s pulled up.
“I felt good,” Mundy said.
“I feel like I was ready to go if round two proper had gone ahead.
“To have that extra eight or nine weeks in that covid lockdown was even more of an added benefit I guess.
“I could catch up a little bit more. I felt like I ran out the game on the weekend really well, pulled up really well and I’m really eager to get into Port Adelaide this weekend.”
