Season to date:
Fremantle has been under the pump since losing its first three matches of the season, and one only has to look at its recent form (see below) to see that stringing wins together since has been a problem. Off-field dramas haven’t helped Fremantle’s cause, but perhaps last week’s win was the first sign that things are starting to turn. Jeff Farmer was brilliant in his first game of the year and with Chris Tarrant back this week, Freo will be able to unleash its full arsenal up forward for the first time in 2007.
Recent form:
Round 9 – Fremantle 15.11 (101) def St Kilda 6.19 (55)
Round 10 – Collingwood 15.13 (103) def Fremantle 13.16 (94)
Round 11 – Fremantle 18.15 (123) def Richmond 15.12 (102)
Round 12 – Western Bulldogs 22.9 (141) def Fremantle 16.19 (115)
Round 13 – Fremantle 27.11 (173) def Carlton 13.18 (96)
Last time out:
Sydney 19.13 (127) def Fremantle 14.8 (92)
Preliminary Final, 2006 at Telstra Stadium
It was a battle of the power forwards in what was the biggest match in Freo’shistory. Unfortunately for Fremantle, Barry Hall (six goals) was simply unstoppable despite Matthew Pavlich’s best efforts (four goals). Peter Bell (24 touches and three goals) and Aaron Sandilands were also superb for the visitors although they couldn’t get the job done against a more finals-hardened opponent.
The venue:
Adam Goodes noted this week that sides with numerous goalkicking options could sometimes run into difficulty on the small confines of the SCG. Just how the Freo forwards operate will be crucial to their side’s success on Sunday. The dimensions of the ground are vastly different to Subiaco and Telstra Stadium – where the two teams last met. Throw in a boisterous, emotion-packed crowd given the milestone achievements of several Swans this week and overcoming the SCG factor could be half the battle for the visitors.
Coach: Chris Connolly
Talk about heat. Connolly has been feeling it all season, and most seem to accept that if his side doesn’t make the eight his tenure at the club is over. Sunday is virtually an elimination final for both sides, so the Fremantle coach will have his side primed for their biggest game of the season. Often accused of going short and playing indirect footy in the past, Connolly will encourage his men to run and avoid stoppage football against the Swans, instead trying to promote one-on-one footy where his side’s speed and potent forwards can thrive.
Strengths:
With Jeff Farmer having served his suspension and Chris Tarrant set to return from a week’s rest after his wardrobe malfunction in Darwin, Fremantle finally looks ready to kick a bag of goals. While getting the likes of Pavlich, Farmer, Tarrant and Des Headland to work cohesively in and around the 50m zone might take some tinkering, it’s a nice problem to have for the Fremantle coaching staff. They loom as a dangerous bunch for any side they face in coming weeks.
Missing in action:
The biggest question mark lingers over big man Aaron Sandilands. If he can’t recover from a groin complaint, that will leave the rucking duties to Robert Warnock. Meanwhile, Brett Peake (collarbone) is another month away while versatile big man Justin Longmuir (knee) is still a long way from resuming.
The key – Slice of Pav
Who’s going to stop Matthew Pavlich on Sunday? The Fremantle skipper was best afield last week against Carlton, and Swans fans might remember his deeds from last year’s preliminary final. That night he did all he could to try to lift his team to victory, looking dangerous every time the ball came his way. Craig Bolton is likely to get first crack on the Freo match-winner, although if he starts from the goal square perhaps Leo Barry will get the nod. That’s where his sheer size is invaluable – and has caused problems in the past.
The young gun: Robert Warnock
Warnock continues to develop nicely in the shadow of man mountain Aaron Sandilands. Fremantle been able to nurture the emerging big man and he looks a genuine player in the making. While he is progressing nicely, Sandilands’ fitness this weekend could be crucial as the young Warnock might find it tough against Darren Jolly and “Spida” Everitt if forced to go solo against arguably the No.1 ruck pairing in the competition.
The stopper: Matthew Carr
With Goodes getting back to his best, Freo will be keen to negate his run and carry as much as possible. Either of the Carr brothers is capable of playing a run-with role, however the taller of the two is likely to get the nod to play on the dual Brownlow Medallist. He pulled down 12 marks himself last week, so Fremantle could be confident its man may be able to match Goodes in the air as well as having the engine to run with him all game.
The emotion factor
For the first few minutes of Sunday’s clash the Dockers may well feel like there are 25 Swans players on the SCG. It seems to be “Milestone Week” at the Swans, with Michael O’Loughlin, Goodes, “Spida” and Sean Dempster all celebrating the match for a variety of reasons. Paul Roos’ men will have plenty of adrenaline running through their veins in the opening minutes. Just how the visitors respond to the early onslaught will tell a tale as to which way this one’s going to go.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
