Freo expect intense Derby: Hill
Stephen Hill says Freo are expecting Sunday’s Carlton Draught Derby to be as tough as ever
The pressure is on after disappointing defeats on the weekend left both sides precariously placed on 3-3 records.
Fremantle lost its first home game in more than a year to North Melbourne, while West Coast surrendered a four-goal final quarter lead to lose a thriller to Carlton at Etihad Stadium.
Hill said the team was eager to bounce back this week, but he acknowledged it wouldn’t be easy.
“It’s going to be a another big challenge,” he said.
“West Coast in a Derby is always an intense game, but we’re looking forward to it.”
The 23-year-old said the Eagles were talented all over the field, but he highlighted their forward line as a big danger on Sunday.
“They’ve got a number of good players and a pretty good forward line with (Josh) Kennedy,” he said.
“We just have to make sure we come with our pressure and effort to really hit them hard and turn it over and work hard both ways.”
Freo forward Hayden Ballantyne and West Coast captain Darren Glass will both return from suspension.
West Coast could also regain stars Mark LeCras and Shannon Hurn from injury.