FREMANTLE defender Antoni Grover is confident his side can overcome its round-one skill errors when it takes on Essendon this Sunday, despite the loss of classy defender Roger Hayden.
The Western Bulldogs fed on Fremantle's sloppy rebound from defence in the opening round, scoring 18 goals from the home side's turnovers.
Hayden was a late withdrawal from the side that lost by 63 points, and didn't travel with Fremantle this morning as he recovers from a minor hamstring injury.
"I think it was pretty obvious that our skills let us down, especially in the last quarter when they got a run-on," Grover said on Friday morning.
"We didn’t even really put up a good show. We've got to improve our skills this week and take it into the game.
"I don't think a lot of players that might have made skill errors are not skilful players. So sometimes it might be a mental approach and getting back to the basics."
Fremantle will also have to overcome a Docklands curse, not having won at the venue since round 17, 2006.
Grover said the side's skills would come under sharper focus in the controlled Docklands environment and using the ball well would be crucial to snatching the four points.
Grover is bouncing back from a disappointing round one and hinted he may return to defence this week to take on Essendon pair Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas.
The 29-year-old denied Essendon was vulnerable, despite lacklustre opening rounds from the two tall forwards.
Lloyd didn't kick a goal last week from his nine possessions and three marks, while Lucas managed 1.2.
"They've got some quality players, quality forwards and experienced defenders. We never take any team lightly," Grover said.
Stephen Hill and Nic Suban were both named on the bench for Fremantle and travelled to Melbourne on Friday morning.
Tough utility Dean Solomon was also named after serving an eight-match ban.
Grover said Solomon's aggressive approach had been discussed at the club, but with a young side it was important for the former Bomber to maintain his physical presence.
"We like Dean's physicality, but as far as getting suspended for eight weeks, we don't want to see that happen," Grover said.
"But we still like to see him use his body and the physical side of his game."
Bouncedown against Essendon at the Docklands is at 1.10pm (EST).
Squad listed below:
Backs: Dean Solomon 6, Michael Johnson 37, Luke McPharlin 18
Half Backs: Josh Head 42, Antoni Grover 14, Steven Dodd 25
Centre: Rhys Palmer 10, Paul Hasleby 4, Garrick Ibbotson 5
Half forward: Paul Duffield 41, Chris Tarrant 20, Byron Schammer 3
Forwards: Brett Peake 7, Kepler Bradley 26, Matthew Pavlich 29
Rucks: Aaron Sandilands 31, Ryan Crowley 15, David Mundy 16
Interchange:
Scott Thornton 22, Nic Suban 8, Stephen Hill 32, Andrew Browne 36
IN:
Dean Solomon 6, Scott Thornton 22
OUT:
Ryan Murphy 28, Marcus Drum 9
Forecast:
Partly cloudy. Isolated showers until afternoon. Min: 10 Max: 20
Broadcast Details:
TV
FOX Sports 1
Live nationally 11.00am (WST)
Channel 7
Live in WA 11.00am (WST)
Radio
PERTH – 6PR
MELB – SEN
** check local guides **
