Freo’s opponents did not get through their semi-final unscathed. Sydney picked up injuries to key forward Kurt Tippett, young midfielder Tom Mitchell, who will both miss the prelim. Veteran star Ryan O’Keefe was hurt very late in the game, but expect him to play. In good news for the Swans, a bump by key defender Ted Richards has only resulted in a reprimand and he is free to play. Stay tuned for updates from the Swans on fremantlefc.com.au.
We draw the Swans
It’s not often two teams meet in a preliminary final where neither side has beaten the other that season, but that’s the case this Saturday because Freo’s round 8 game against the Swans ended in a draw – the first in our club’s history. Ross Lyon’s side was missing Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands, while Sydney did not have Kurt Tippett or Tom Mitchell, who are both in serious doubt this weekend. Likely not to play from Freo’s round 8 side are Clancee Pearce and Jack Hannath, while Garrick Ibbotson would need to recover from his Achilles injury to line up. Alex Silvagni also played in round 8. For the Swans, Adam Goodes and Sam Reid won’t play in the second clash between the sides this year.
Contrasting preparations
The two teams could not have had more contrasting months leading up to this final. The Swans spluttered to the end of the home and away season and were then thrashed by Hawthorn in the first final. They overcame Carlton in the semi-final to set up a Perth prelim. Freo rested a number of key players in round 23, defeated Geelong at Simonds Stadium and took another weekend off while the Swans were in action.
Crowley’s tag
Crowley was going to tag Jarrad McVeigh the last time the teams met, but the Sydney captain lined up in defence, so Freo’s tagger went to Dan Hannebery, who kicked four goals. It was one of the rare occasions Crowley has had his colours lowered under Ross Lyon. Will ‘The Glove’ get another go on Hannebery, or will he play on McVeigh, who had 42 possessions in the semi-final playing in the midfield, including 20 in the second quarter alone.
Matt de Boer’s 100th
One of the most courageous and hardest players in the league will relish a contest against a physical Sydney team on Saturday. De Boer has become integral to Ross Lyon’s plans, with his tackling pressure and selfless attitude epitomising the club’s brand of football.
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