I would love it if that injury cloud hovering above the Fremantle Dockers would buzz off already…
The Fremantle Dockers come into this round off an admirable 12-point loss to the GWS Giants away from home last week. The Dockers were competitive however, they fell away in the fourth quarter and the Giants stole back the lead to record the win. Shane Kersten was vital in Freo’s forward line, finishing with three goals, while Nat Fyfe was impressive with 31 disposals and two goals.
Connor Blakely was so courageous for Fremantle. He dislocated his shoulder not once, but twice during the game. He came back on after the first time with heavy strapping on his shoulder however, the second dislocation saw him sidelined for the rest of the day. He now requires surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. He has been inspiring for the Dockers and it’s devastating that the injury cloud has claimed another victim this season.
A couple of veterans return to the Docker’s squad this week in the absence of Blakely and Sean Darcy (managed), with Freo welcoming back Jon Griffin and Danyle Pearce to face the Gold Coast Suns at Domain Stadium on Saturday. Griffin and Pearce have both been impressive for Peel Thunder in the WAFL in recent weeks and have done enough to earn themselves the call up to the 25-man squad. If Pearce is named in the final line-up, he will play his 100th game for the Fremantle Dockers.
The Suns have included some big names to make the trip over, with Gary Ablett, Steven May, Trent McKenzie, Josh Shoenfeld, Daniel Currie and Mitch Hallahan returning to the 25-man squad. They come in for Jarrod Witts (shoulder), Brayden Fiorini (hamstring) Jesse Lonergan (omitted), Michael Rischitelli (managed), Callum Ah Chee (shoulder) and Ben Ainsworth (knee).
Both teams have had their fair share of struggles this season however I think it will actually be quite a good game. The old Fyfe v Ablett battle will be one to keep an eye out for! I’m tipping the Fremantle Dockers to beat Gold Coast by 15 points.
Let us know your #AFLFreoSuns predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaPaynes
