Dockers won't shy away against Swans firepower
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir will fight fire with fire in Friday night’s clash with Sydney as two of the league’s hottest midfield groups go head-to-head.
The Dockers, boasting the likes of Nat Fyfe, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young, are the league leaders in clearance differential.
The ladder-leading Swans rank fourth, fuelled by big efforts from Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Taylor Adams and James Rowbottom.
Sydney have been in such good form that former skipper Luke Parker can’t squeeze his way back into the side despite having recovered from injury weeks ago.
Although Fremantle win more clearances than Sydney, the Swans’ midfielders are far more of an attacking threat.
Heeney has kicked 13 goals this season, while Warner (10), Gulden (seven) and Robottom (three) have also contributed.
Isaac Heeney kicks straight in the Swans’ last-out win over the Giants at the SCG. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)
In contrast, Young (three), Fyfe and Brayshaw (both two) and Serong (zero) have combined for just seven goals.
Despite those lopsided numbers, Longmuir doesn’t want his midfield to adopt a defensive mindset against the Swans.
“We will probably go head to head,” Longmuir said ahead of the Optus Stadium clash.
“I think our mids have been in pretty good form and they’ve been asking lots of questions of the opposition. “I don’t want to get too defensive in this game and sit back and be reactive against Sydney. They will rip you apart.
“We want to be on the front foot and put some of our strengths on the table as well, and the midfield is one of those. “We need to respect Sydney, but we need to get back at them as well.”
Young showcased his attacking potential with two goals from 30 disposals in last week’s 54-point win over Richmond.
“He’s a very dominant player,” Swans veteran Jake Lloyd said.
“He spent a little bit of time across half-back earlier in his career, but he’s stepped into that midfield and he’s getting a lot of the football around there and really hitting the scoreboard.
“He’s a player we certainly have to watch.
“It’s going to be a really good challenge watching the two midfields battle it out.”
Fremantle were dealt a big blow when ruckman Sean Darcy was ruled out of the match with calf tightness.
Goalsneak Sam Switkowski returns from concussion, while forward Patrick Voss was included for his second game.
Sydney lost Tom McCartin to concussion, replacing him with former Bombers swingman Aaron Francis.
In Friday night’s other match, Geelong host Port Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium.
The Power will be without captain Connor Rozee and defender Lachie Jones (both hamstring), ruckman Jordon Sweet (virus) and winger Jason Burgoyne (groin).