Freo keen for crack at Hawks
Tendai Mzungu says redemption will not be on the minds of the Fremantle players when they take on Hawthorn in Friday night's grand final rematch at the MCG.
Mzungu yesterday admitted there would be plenty of sore bodies in the wake of Fremantle's dour 48-point win over Gold Coast at a rain-soaked Patersons Stadium.
But the 28-year-old said they would be ready for the eagerly- anticipated clash with the unbeaten reigning premiers, despite having to contend with a six-day break and travel.
"We'll acknowledge there is going to be a lot of hype about it," Mzungu said.
"It's a big game externally, but for us it's as important as last week's game.
"We won't be focusing on redemption.
"The fact is on the day they were a lot better than us and they deserved to win so we don't owe them anything or anything like that.
"For us it's a non-issue.
"It's just important for us to go out there and really challenge Hawthorn.
"They're the benchmark team, but we'll have a real crack at them."
Mzungu said he was yet to watch the 15-point grand final loss in full and coach Ross Lyon did not touch on the Hawks after their win over the Suns.
"It's important to recognise what happened," he said.
"It's easy to wash over it and pretend it didn't happen, but it did and I feel like everyone has put it behind them and is really looking forward to this year and I think the first two games have shown how keen we are to have another good crack at it."
Mzungu, who had 18 disposals and kicked two goals playing from a wing and across half-back against the Suns, dismissed suggestions the Dockers were getting the Hawks at the right time with captain Luke Hodge (groin) and veteran Sam Mitchell (calf) both under injury clouds.
"They are certainly strong leaders, but I haven't seen the teams yet," he said.
"No doubt Hodgey will do everything he can to play and also Sam, so we will wait and see what comes at us.
"I suppose they've had a few injury battles but we know they are very well structured.
"They are an elite kicking team, so we'll have to be really on our game to beat them."
