Anxious wait on wounded for Dockers
Fremantle will be sweating on a host of injuries this week as they brace themselves for Saturday’s crunch AFL clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Key defender Zac Dawson is Fremantle’s biggest concern after he was cut down by an ankle injury in Sunday’s 19-point western derby win over West Coast.
Dawson was subbed off at half-time and faces a race to be fit to tackle the Power.
Fellow defender Luke McPharlin is also in some doubt after he injured his upper leg in the early moments of the win.
Although McPharlin was able to play out the match after receiving treatment, he faces further assessment this week to determine the extent of the damage.
Should either Dawson or McPharlin be ruled out, Alex Silvagni is likely to earn a rare recall.
Clancee Pearce was also bothered by a shoulder injury during the derby win.
Silvagni was an emergency for the derby and hasn’t featured for the Dockers since round 23 last year.
Midfielder Stephen Hill must also prove his fitness after missing the derby triumph due to a minor hamstring injury.
The 11.7 (73) to 7.12 (54) win over West Coast lifted Fremantle (4-3) into sixth spot ahead of what shapes as a season-defining fortnight.
After taking on the second-placed Power, the Dockers host third-placed Geelong on May 17 before having a bye.
Lyon praised his side’s versatility after they overcame the loss of Dawson to beat West Coast.
Forward Chris Mayne quelled the influence of Jack Darling after being swung into defence, while ruckman Zac Clarke booted three goals as a focal point up forward.
Rising star Lachie Neale won the Ross Glendinning medal after tallying 32 possessions and a goal, while ruckman Aaron Sandilands (21 disposals, 38 hit-outs) was also crucial in his 200th match.
Although Lyon feels his team are on the improve, he said they were still a fair way off from reaching their potential.
“We’re far from playing our best footy,” Lyon said.
“Everyone talks about top four, but I thought you had to earn those positions.
“It’s been bestowed upon us when we haven’t earned anything.
“I don’t fall for that. We’re just a team trying to work our way up to the starting grid for the real season.
“The only way you do that is focus on what’s in front of you.”
