Can the Fremantle Dockers secure their second win in a row this weekend when they take on the Swans?
Hmmm. Not going to lie, it’s going to be tough. HOWEVER, I’m really enjoying the direction the Dockers are currently heading. Fremantle come into this weekend off a 23-point win over the Gold Coast Suns in front of their home crowd last week. Luke Ryan was excellent for the Dockers, finishing the game with 28 disposals and an impressive 16 tackles.
The only other player in the competition to record 16 tackles this season is fellow Docker Brad Hill. Ryan earned him self a Rising Star nomination for his efforts, Fremantle’s first Rising Star nomination for 2017. Congrats to the youngster!
The Fremantle Dockers have made three changes to their squad this week to take on the Swans. Ruckman Sean Darcy is back in the side after being rested last week, while Matt Taberner and Josh Deluca have also been included. They come in for Hayden Crozier, who is out with concussion, Brady Grey, who will miss the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury, and Jon Griffin who has been omitted.
I’m hoping that Taberner can transfer his form from Peel Thunder in the WAFL to AFL level. If he can manage some strong marks inside 50 and a couple of goals, I’ll be happy! Garrick Ibbotson, Sam Collins and Jon Griffin have been named as emergencies.
The Swans have made ZERO changes to their side this week. Buddy Franklin did basically nothing in the Swans big 46-point win over Geelong last week. It’s worrying that Sydney still managed to dominate the Cats, at the Cattery, without Buddy contributing. Freo’s Joel Hamling managed to keep Buddy at bay in the Grand Final last year, when Hamling was still a Bulldog, so hopefully he will be able to replicate the same form this weekend so that the Swans don’t run away on the scoreboard.
The Swans have been impressive form over the last three months, and don’t look like fading away any time soon. The Dockers don’t have a great record playing at the SCG, they haven’t actually won a game in Sydney since 2011… I remain hopeful that the young Freo side will stay competitive however, I think the Swans will be too powerful on their home ground.
I’m tipping the Sydney Swans to beat the Fremantle Dockers by 25 points.
Let us know your #AFLSwansFreo predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaPaynes
