The Fremantle Dockers must account for the West Coast Eagles ruck combination of Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett, when selecting their team for Saturday’s Carlton Draught derby.
Ross Lyon told media on Wednesday that the Eagles ruck duo posed a threat heading into the round three clash, and would merit consideration when deciding who would ruck alongside Aaron Sandilands.
“It’s an issue that needs to be discussed at match committee,” Lyon said.
“Lycett and Naitanui are really experienced, so it would throw a real challenge at Alex (Pearce) and Jon (Griffin).”
Jonathon Griffin could be in line for senior selection after a strong performance for Peel Thunder, in which he had 36 hit outs.
The veteran ruckman was left out of the Freo side that faced the Gold Coast for team balance, but Lyon said he would be considered for Saturday’s game.
“Jon Griffin was maybe a little bit unlucky to go out of the team,” he said.
“He’ll come under consideration (this week).”
Versatile, young key position player Alex Pearce saw plenty of time pinch-hitting in the ruck against the Suns in Griffin’s absence.
Despite his relative inexperience playing the position at senior level, Lyon was pleased with Pearce’s endeavour.
“I thought Alex Pearce really held his own,” he said.
“He gives us good spread, agility and flexibility within the team.”
Although confident in both the abilities of Griffin and Pearce, Lyon remained adamant that a healthy Aaron Sandilands would be crucial in nullifying the Eagles ruck pairing.
“To have Aaron coming in feeling fresh is very important for us,” he said.
“We have to make sure he recovers and is at his best against what is a formidable opponent in Naitanui (and Lycett).”
