Hmmm. What is there left to say in a game preview for the Fremantle Dockers…?

I still haven’t come to terms with the fact that one of Freo’s only remaining shining lights (Alex Pearce) broke his leg in last weekend’s game against Richmond. I mean, how unlucky can one team get?? It’s getting a bit ridiculous now. Nat Fyfe and his broken leg, Aaron Sandilands and his punctured lung and broken ribs, Michael Johnson and his hammy and ligament damage, David Mundy and his calf issue, Stephen Hill and his adductor injury, and now Alex Pearce with a broken leg.

And they are just the main injuries! I think people need to cut Fremantle a little bit of slack. If any other AFL team lost their best midfielders, best ruckman, best defender, PLUS others, I am sure they would struggle a little bit too, right?

For the most part, I am just going to try and block out any recollection I have of last week’s game. It seems to be getting harder to find positives from the games however, Freo’s newbies Alex Pearce (before the unfortunate leg breaking incident) Lachie Weller, Connor Blakely and Ethan Hughes seemed to be gaining more confidence around the ball and it really shows that they are trying hard out there. Lachie Neale notched up 37 possessions, when and where I am not too sure, it would be nice if those possessions were effective enough to make an impression on the scoreboard. Hayden Ballantyne kicked 3 goals, which is probably the most impact he has had in a game all season.

Looking ahead to this Saturday, a depleted Fremantle Dockers take on St Kilda at Etihad. I would love to say that this game wasn’t out of reach for the Fremantle Dockers however, I think the fact that the game is away from home against a fully fit St Kilda, Freo will have a hard time again this weekend. Nick Riewoldt has been impressive in front of goal for the Saints this season, as has Josh Bruce, and I just don’t think that Fremantle will have enough experience in defence to keep both Riewoldt and Bruce at bay.

I never thought that I would say the following sentence: This week I am tipping St Kilda to beat Fremantle Dockers by 15 points. A tip I will happily lose for Fremantle to get their first win, I hope they can prove me wrong!

Let us know your #AFLSaintsDockers game predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaLianaPayne