Freo feel effects of damp victory
Fremantle’s Tendai Mzungu concedes there were plenty of sore bodies in the wake of last night’s physical 48-point win over the Gold Coast Suns at a rain-soaked Patersons Stadium but insists they will be ready for Friday night’s grand final replay against Hawthorn.
The Dockers made it a 2-0 record to start 2014 with the grinding win over the young Suns to set up a tantalising clash with the unbeaten reigning premiers at the MCG.
Both Hayden Ballantyne and Nat Fyfe copped heavy knocks during the win over the Gold Coast but were cleared to play on.
“To be 2-0 at this time of is really pleasing,” Mzungu said.
“After the game there were a few guys who were pretty sore but you know Ballaz played out the game and I think he was a pretty strong contributor all night.
“To be honest I haven't actually touched base with too many guys to see how they’re going, but touch wood everyone will be all hands on deck this week.
“There is certainly a lot more contact in a wet weather game so everyone is going to be a little bit different but I daresay there will be a few guys who are a little bit sore.”
Mzungu also continued his strong form with 18 touches and two goals playing off half back and on the wing.
But it was giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands who really stood out with 58 hit-outs, 21 of which were to advantage.
“I think he's just rapt to have his body at full strength because he's obviously had his issues over the years,” Mzungu said.
“He's really thrilled to be cherry ripe and he's given us first hands at every contest so it's been great for our mids to be able to feed off him.
“He's just got confidence.
“It takes him a little while to get his touch when he's been out for a while.
“So he's been able to get straight in there and he's been really clean with the ball and he's covering the ground really well also.”
