Freo players to trial gloves for Darwin
Freo's players might be wearing gloves to combat Darwin's notorious humidity.
The temperature for the day is forecasted to reach a maximum of 32 degrees with a minimum of 19. The humidity is tipped to be at 51 per cent, which can make handling the football difficult given the amount of perspiration.
Senior coach Ross Lyon said some players would trial gloves during Thursday’s training session and in the warm-up for Saturday’s game.
“They’ll trial them with a view to wearing them in the game,” he said.
“If we need them, they’ll wear them because of the conditions.”
Lyon said there would be no directive to the players to wear the gloves.
“I give them enough orders as it is,” he said.
“I asked the guys who was going to try them and a fair few put their hands up.
“A couple of them have played up there before. (It’s) attention to detail, trying to give ourselves the best opportunity.”
Lyon said Luke McPharlin was travelling well but would need to get through the Thursday session to be on the plane to Darwin.
His presence could be important given the senior coach ruled out young tall Matt Taberner through injury and indicated Alex Silvagni was unlikely to be available for selection because of a collapsed lung.