With an identical 1-10 record so far this season, both the Brisbane Lions and the Fremantle Dockers will be hungry for the win come Round 12 this weekend.
Freo recorded their first win last week with a 79-point win over the Essendon Bombers at Domain Stadium last week and are expected to be charging into the Gabba looking to continue the winning momentum.
Captain David Mundy led by example recording 33 disposals with 88.7% efficiency and showing plenty of presence on the field and assisting with four score assists for Freo.
The Dockers’ showed against Essendon that they’re dangerous with the footy with 13 players finishing above the 80% disposal efficiency mark – Nick Suban and Cam Sutcliffe were among their top performers.
While their forward line was firing with Matthew Pavlich, Hayden Ballantyne, Michael Walters and Chris Mayne kicking 11 goals between them, allowing them to apply the scoreboard pressure – something the Brisbane Lions need to work on.
Matthew Pavlich celebrates one of his three goals in Fremantle's win over the Bombers. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media).
Looking at Freo’s list, young midfielder Connor Blakely is looking strong and was acknowledged as the Rising Star nominee in Round 11.
Blakey, who is quickly becoming a ball winner at Freo, had 25 touches and has been preparing to line-up against our midfield this week.
“They’re very dangerous and have a strong midfield, so it’s something we’ll have to combat,” Blakely told fremantlefc.com.au.
“We’ll prepare the same, analyse the team and go over to the Gabba and give it our best shot,” said Blakely.
Another midfielder set to play is Clancee Pearce who has missed the past two games due to concussion.
Also in the mix are the WAFL boys, some of whom have put on strong performances over the past few weeks.
Midfielder Matt de Boer finished with 36 disposals and eight tackles up in the Peel Thunder’s WAFL match. While other notable performances include Brady Grey’s 22 touches and 11 tackles and Zac Clarke's influential role playing as both ruckman and forward, recording 17 disposals, 37 hit-outs and a goal.
Injury Watch
Unfortunately for the Dockers, last year’s Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe is out after suffering a season-ending broken leg in their Round 5 loss to Carlton.
And ruckman Aaron Sandilands will be of no use, out for 2-4 weeks with broken ribs.
Key forward Michael Apeness is set to miss the next six weeks after breaking his collarbone in Fremantle’s win over the Bombers in Round 11.
“Michael was back for his first game in the AFL team and unfortunately he had some very heavy contact,” according to Freo sports science manager Jason Weber.
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