There’s more than momentum from two wins in a fortnight on Fremantle’s side now they are back in Perth after five weeks in a hub on the Gold Coast, according to forward Matthew Taberner. 

In a season like no other, Fremantle are the only team yet to play a game at their home ground after six rounds.

While there are no official fixtures locked in after round seven’s RAC Derby at Optus Stadium, Fremantle are expecting a string of games at home.

Taberner hopes that means Freo can build on their 2-4 record.

“It could be a huge advantage for us,” Taberner said.

“It’s good to get back in front of our fans and play on our home deck, which we haven’t all year.

“There’s a few young guys like Caleb Serong, Sam Sturt and Hayden Young who have never played there, so it’s really exciting for them and I look forward to it.” 

Taberner had kicked a goal in every game in 2020 but said he planned to do more than his two majors against the Saints. 

His role became even more important after ruckman Sean Darcy came off the ground, meaning fellow tall forward Rory Lobb had to head into the ruck.

“I thought personally, my game was similar to the team. I struggled to get into the game in the first quarter but I was able to hit the scoreboard and my main focus for the last three quarters was to make a contest,” Taberner said.

“I thought we didn’t have much height up forward (after Darcy’s injury) so I had to bring it to ground and let our smalls get to work, which I thought I was able to do a bit better than I did earlier in the game, so that was pleasing.”