Search

show me:

High-flying Dockers not scared of the wet

3 minute read

Fremantle have struggled in the wet this season, but they might get a chance to make up for those poor showings in Saturday's clash with Hawthorn in Perth.

JUSTIN LONGMUIR.
JUSTIN LONGMUIR. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has declared his team is ready to handle the wet as the Dockers attempt to extinguish a glaring weak link in their bid for premiership glory.

Longmuir's men have charged into premiership contention on the back of a stunning 9-3 start to the AFL season.

Wins over top-two outfits Melbourne and Brisbane over the past fortnight have further amplified Fremantle's flag credentials.

But one big question remains; are the Dockers any good in the wet?

Fremantle slumped to shock losses to Gold Coast and Collingwood this season in wet and slippery conditions, while last year they were also taught a football lesson by Geelong in the wet.

Up to 10mm of rain is forecast for Perth on Saturday when Fremantle host Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.

If it does rain during the match, it would give Fremantle the perfect chance to exorcise their wet-weather demons.

"If it happens, we're ready for it," Longmuir declared when asked about the rain.

"As a club we learned a lot out of those two wet games. If it rains, we'll change a few things up.

"I think we'll be a lot more predictable to each other."

Fremantle will be boosted by the return of skipper Nat Fyfe, Michael Walters and Sam Switkowski.

Longmuir has remained tight lipped about what percentage of game time Fyfe will spend up forward.

But he did confirm that defender Griffin Logue will spend a third straight week in attack.

Logue has thrived since his shock move to the forward line, with the 24-year-old booting two goals and taking seven marks against the Lions last week.

"I really like what he's done," Longmuir said.

"His attitude and application to prepare himself has been really strong. He's shown there's plenty to work with there.

"We've played him on some key defenders who take forwards to the ball. They read the ball really well - Steven May, Jake Lever and Marcus Adams.

"He's just been able to compete in all the contests he's been at.

"Some of his leading patterns have looked really natural and the way he's launched at the ball has looked really natural as a forward."

The 13th-placed Hawks (4-8) will be aiming to bounce back from last week's thrilling four-point loss to Collingwood.

Hawthorn have lost forwards Mitch Lewis (knee) and Jack Gunston (ankle) to injury, while Jarman Impey has been rested.

Sam Frost (suspension) and Jack Scrimshaw (concussion) return, while forward Jackson Callow will play on his 20th birthday after also being named.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au