As a Fremantle Dockers supporter, I just want this season to hurry up and end already…
The Fremantle Dockers come into the final round of the season off CONSECUTIVE 104-point defeats, most recently handed to them by the Richmond Tigers last week. It was Freo’s final game at Domain so the stadium was packed (to begin with) with Fremantle supporters, myself included, who witnessed the Tigers absolutely slaughter the Dockers after quarter time. It wasn’t pretty! Hayden Crozier and Harley Bennell finished with two goals each, while Nat Fyfe managed 30 disposals and a goal.
Freo have made a few changes to their line-up this week to face the Bombers at Etihad Stadium. Lachie Neale will be welcomed back from knee/groin soreness and Shane Kersten is back to replace an omitted Cam McCarthy. Jonathon Griffin has been named in the 22-man squad to replace Sean Darcy, who copped a one game suspension for striking Richmond’s Nick Vlastulin last weekend. Tom Sheridan and Sam Collins have also been included into the 22, while Josh Deluca, Ryan Nyhuis and Griffin Logue have been omitted. Deluca and Logue join Danyle Pearce as emergencies. Cam Sutcliffe is the milestone man this week, he will play his 100th game.
The Bombers come into this week off a 33-point win over the Gold Coast Suns last round. They have made a couple of changes to face Freo with the inclusion of Jobe Watson and Travis Colyer into the 22-man squad. Josh Green is out with a foot injury and Craig Bird has been omitted. I’m torn this week – I don’t want the Bombers to hand Freo another hiding however, I do want Joe Daniher to win the Coleman Medal! He needs to kick at least five goals against the Dockers, while Josh Kennedy (WCE) and Buddy Franklin (Sydney) need to not kick any goals this round. If that happens, Daniher will win! Wishful thinking…
After a disappointing run in the second half of the season, the Fremantle Dockers will want to wrap things up on a high note. Lachie Neale is a big inclusion for Freo and hopefully he will be able to assist Fyfe and the Hill brothers though the midfield to move the ball efficiently inside their forward 50. Matt Taberner and Shane Kersten need to stand tall in the forward line and make sure they capitalise when the ball comes in their direction. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster year for the Dockers, I’m just hoping the players get through this round unscathed so they can say goodbye to the 2017 season and start a fresh next year.
I’m tipping Essendon to beat the Fremantle Dockers by 25 points.
Let us know your #AFLDonsFreo predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaPaynes
