Lift in skills, not tricks, will boost Eagles
Beating Fremantle in Sunday’s western derby is going to take plenty of hard work rather than tricks, according to West Coast captain Shannon Hurn.
The Eagles will go into the Domain Stadium clash having dropped their past five straight games against their cross-town rivals, who are riding high after two straight wins to kick off the season.
Hurn said the Dockers looked to have improved again this season, but the Eagles, who were impressive in their 69-point win over Carlton last week, were confident they were better placed to beat them than in recent seasons.
He said if they were to beat the Dockers it would be because they had improved their contested ball skills, not because of any radical changes to their set-up.
“I don't think you need to play tricks,” he said.
“I don't think tricks really win you games and certainly finals they don't win.
“So we'll be about doing what we've done last year and what we've worked on this pre-season and the first two games, which is about playing four quarter of consistent effort trying to get the ball going our way and using it and then making the most of our opportunities.
“Everyone that's practiced over this year, it's been about contested ball, how you use it, decision making. Every team does that.
“We've been fortunate to play against the Western Bulldogs, and Carlton were pretty good there for a period, so I think we can handle it.”
Hurn said the Eagles remained hopeful vice-captain Scott Selwood would recover from an ankle injury in time for the Dockers match, but he would be monitored throughout the week.
He denied the team was frustrated by its disappointing record against Fremantle in recent seasons, but acknowledged it wasn’t good for supporters.
“I suppose for the fans they enjoy bragging rights for the year. But it doesn't frustrate us,” he said.
“We go out to win every game regardless of who it is.
“Just the fact Freo have been a good side the past few years, and we haven't been able to match it with them the whole game.”
