No let-up for Dockers veterans
Ross Lyon says Fremantle veterans Aaron Sandilands and Matthew Pavlich are unlikely to be rested against a battling Brisbane at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.
The Fremantle coach claimed the fifth-placed Dockers were not in a position to consider giving their star duo a week’s break, despite their opposition having won just three matches so far this year.
“I know that (resting) gets mooted a fair bit, but I think that’s unlikely for us,” Lyon said.
“Certainly we’re not in a position yet. Jack Hannath is whacking away down there, (Jon) Griffin is still coming back from his reco.
“With Aaron, it was a short break, so it’s a bit hard on the old guys. But they’re in pretty good nick.
“Aaron’s missed a fair bit of footy over the last three years. Matthew’s missed a fair bit last year. They’re saying to me they feel good.
“If they were to come to me and say ‘I’m struggling’, we would listen, but it’s not something we’re in a position to do.”
Lyon said scans on Alex Silvagni’s ribs had come back all clear, with the cartilage damage at the lower end.
He predicted the defender would be fine to line up against Brisbane in a key result given the continued absence of Michael Johnson and Luke McPharlin through injury.
Fans will have to continue to wait for confirmation over Anthony Morabito’s AFL return.
Lyon said the 22-year-old remained “in the mix”, but would not declare whether the midfielder would make his comeback from three knee reconstructions against the Lions.
“If it’s the right thing, he’ll come in,” Lyon said.
“If it’s not, he won’t. All the players are keen, we’re keen, but at the end of the day it’s about picking the best team.
“He’s time will come. Is it this week? We’ve got to have match committee.
“I really understand the interest. We all want it to happen.”
