Freo trio racing to be fit
Fremantle trio Hayden Ballantyne, Tendai Mzungu and Matt Taberner face a critical three days of training later this week to prove they are fit enough to play in Sunday’s season opener against Port Adelaide at Domain Stadium.
Coach Ross Lyon confirmed last night the three first-choice players were still training with the rehabilitation group.
Taberner is battling Achilles soreness and has not played since kicking three goals against Melbourne in the NAB Challenge win at Fremantle Oval on March 5.
Ballantyne (calf) and Mzungu (hamstring) have been sidelined for the past fortnight.
Serious doubt over their availability comes with a line already having been ruled through Zac Dawson (groin), Alex Silvagni (hamstring), Nick Suban (hamstring) and Ryan Crowley (provisional suspension).
“They (Ballantyne, Mzungu and Taberner) are all training really well in rehab,” Lyon told 6PR.
“Hopefully we’ll see them on Wednesday or Friday to give themselves a chance.
“There’s no guarantee on that, but we’re hopeful.”
Danyle Pearce, Michael Barlow and Paul Duffield played for Peel against West Perth at HBF Arena on Saturday in an effort to make up for a pre-season restricted by injury.
Barlow (ankle) and Duffield (ribs) had missed three weeks before the WAFL hit-out.
Their availability will depend on how each player pulls up at training today. Lyon said he was prepared to play a smaller forward line against Port Adelaide if his hand was forced at the selection table through injury.
He praised Chris Mayne’s pre-season, saying the 26-year-old would play as a tall forward.
“He’s back to his very best when he kicked 40 to 50 goals,” Lyon said. “I’d love that output from him.”
Port Adelaide have their own selection headaches.
The fate of former Bombers Angus Monfries and Paddy Ryder will be decided by today’s AFL anti-doping tribunal verdict. Chad Wingard (knee) and Jackson Trengove (shoulder) are doubtful starters.
