I can’t believe this is Pav’s last game! Is it too early in the week to get emotional about it?? Ok, I just have something in my eye…
Fremantle Dockers legend Matthew Pavlich will play his 353rd and final game on Sunday against the Western Bulldogs. I am BEYOND happy that his last game will be at Domain Stadium in front of a home crowd. No matter which team you support in the AFL, there is no denying that Pav has been an absolute hero for the Dockers, and a legend of the game. He has played at AFL level for 17 years and is just 1 goal away from a career total of 700. I hope with all my heart that he gets the chance to kick that 700th goal on Sunday. If he does, he will become just the fifth player in VFL/AFL history to have played 300 games and kicked 700 goals. #Legend
Freo coach Ross Lyon has made quite a few changes to the line-up this week, including Matt de Boer and Tendai Mzungu (possibly for sentimental reasons in Pav’s last game) along with Aaron Sandilands and Zac Dawson, who has returned after a three-week suspension. I am sad to see Sam Collins omitted, he has done well for Freo in his debut season. Big things to come from him in the future!
Nat Fyfe confirmed his commitment to the Fremantle Dockers during the week, which will no doubt raise the spirits of the players. The reassurance would be a breath of fresh air for the club, who have suffered a very average 2016 season.
Some other exciting news, Lachie Neale is on track to set a record this weekend. He needs just 21 touches on Sunday to surpass Western Bulldogs Matthew Boyd’s record set in 2012 of 721 possessions in a home-and-away season. Neale has had the ball in his hands 701 times so far this season, averaging 33.3 possessions a game. What an awesome stat to hold the record for, I hope he can get it done!
The last time these two sides met was at Etihad Stadium in round 1 this season, where the Bulldogs won by 65 points. With seven of the top eight ladder positions yet to be finalized, the Bulldogs have a lot to play for. They have a home final at stake and will want to secure the win more than ever. The Bulldogs haven’t won in Perth since 2010 so will also be looking to break to that drought.
I hope Matty Pavlich enjoys his last game, surrounded by his family, friends, teammates and his loyal fans. I am going to miss seeing him in the Fremantle Dockers forward line next season, that’s for sure. #ThanksPav
Just because it’s Pav’s last game, I am going to tip the Fremantle Dockers to beat the Western Bulldogs by 8 points! Tipping with my heart and not my head this week.
Let us know your #AFLFreoDogs predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaLianaPayne
