Johnson’s injury

Following news Michael Johnson will miss the rest of the 2014 Finals Series, media have used adjectives such as ‘catastrophic’ to describe what the defender’s loss will mean to Freo. Yes, losing Johnson is a blow to Fremantle, but the doomsayers should be reminded that this team also ventured into hostile territory as an underdog in last year’s corresponding final in Geelong without ‘Johnno’. Last we checked that game turned out okay. And as Ross Lyon told 6PR on Monday night: “We’re comfortable being uncomfortable.” 

Playing at ANZ Stadium

Fremantle has only played at ANZ Stadium once in its history – the 2006 Preliminary Final loss to Sydney. Not many players still on the list played in that game. Only Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, Luke McPharlin, David Mundy and Michael Johnson lined up for a shot at making the 2006 Grand Final. The Swans have lost two of their three games there this season, to Collingwood and Richmond, but they did defeat 2013 premiers Hawthorn in round 8.

Return of Fyfe

Avid Freo Twitter follower @FreoPope noted a great stat. This week’s game will be the third time Nat Fyfe has returned from a suspension and faced the Sydney Swans first up. The previous two results have been a loss and a draw. Can Nat rack up the full set?
 


Wet weather Freo

Many experts believe rain won’t bother Freo in September, and senior coach Ross Lyon tends to agree with them. “We do play well in the wet,” he told 6PR. “It doesn’t phase us at all, our game style stands up.” But he reminded everyone that top four sides were where they were because they could win anywhere and in any conditions. “They (Sydney) can win in anything and so can we, so it’s going to be a fierce battle,” he said.