A lot has happened in the Fremantle Dockers camp in the last week…
As a Fremantle Dockers supporter, it really does pain me to see the club struggling on and off the field. These struggles include the recent resignations of assistant coach Peter Sumich and club President Steve Harris, along with trade talks surrounding Hayden Ballantyne, and an apparent ‘divide’ between Nat Fyfe and some of the other players… Additionally, just to refresh your memory, Dockers went from minor Premiers last season, to a team requiring a complete re-build, due to injuries to majority of the senior/experienced players.
However, I can always find some positives! The young players who have received the call up this season have really impressed me, and they have improved from week to week and become an important part of the Dockers line-up. Connor Blakely, Lachie Weller and Sam Collins have been standouts in my opinion. The more games they play, the better they will get! In theory…
The Dockers suffered a devastating 72 point loss to Adelaide last week at Domain Stadium and I think a loss like that would really knock the wind out of the players. Michael Walters was best on for the Dockers in my opinion, finishing with an impressive 5 goals. Unfortunately, Fremantle just didn’t have the answers for the Crows powerful forward line, Eddie Betts kicked 6 goals and Josh Jenkins kicked 5.
Now, if you are thinking that sounds brutal, I think this weekend could be just as bad for the Dockers, when they take on GWS Giants at Spotless Stadium. Not that the home ground advantage came into play last week for Freo however, competing away from home (against a top 8 side) always makes things that little bit tougher.
I am sure GWS will still be FUMING from their loss to the Eagles last week, after Nic Naitanui kicked a goal with 5 seconds to go in the final quarter to win West Coast the match. The Giants will come out looking to redeem themselves, and unfortunately, a young Fremantle side will be in the firing line. GWS dominate in front of goal, ranked second in the comp for scoring. They are also equal top for inside 50’s, while the Dockers are ranked 18th. *gulp*
In happier news, congratulations to Dockers skipper David ‘Barra’ Mundy who plays his 250th game this week. What a milestone!
It’s not going to be pretty for Freo I don’t think, I am tipping the GWS Giants to beat the Fremantle Dockers by 25 points.
Let us know you #AFLGiantsFreo predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaLianaPayne
