Tackles just as important to Docker
Hard-working forward Chris Mayne denies he feels any pressure to lift his scoring output in the lead-in to the finals as Fremantle prepare to make it eight straight wins against Greater Western Sydney at Patersons Stadium tomorrow.
The Dockers made two changes to the side which thrashed Melbourne by 63 points in Darwin last weekend, with defenders Luke McPharlin and Garrick Ibbotson forced out with calf injuries.
Captain Matthew Pavlich and creative defender Michael Johnson return.
Young trio Hayden Crozier, Matt Taberner and Alex Pearce are the emergencies.
General manager of football operations Chris Bond told the Dockers' website yesterday that McPharlin's issue was minor and it was hoped he would play next weekend against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
Bond said Ibbotson was likely to be out for at least a fortnight.
The Giants will be without Jonathon Patton (groin), Stephen Coniglio (thumb) and Adam Treloar (groin). Kristian Jaksch and Sam Frost were dropped.
Matt Buntine, Lachie Plowman, Jacob Townsend, Jono O'Rourke, and former Swan Districts ruckman Rory Lobb were recalled.
Mayne said he struggled with a back injury in the pre-season but was overcoming the setback.
"I've been able to work well with the physios and fitness staff on getting myself right and I feel great at the moment," he said.
"I feel like I'm running out games better and I'm able to probably have a bit more output."
The 25-year-old booted 39 goals in 2012 and 37 last season but has just eight this year.
Mayne was named in the All-Australian extended squad last year but said he was still producing this season and wouldn't be any more desperate to hit the scoreboard.
He did not think his year had been any different.
"The last couple of years I was able to get on the scoreboard a lot more but this year I have been really diligent to my role in the team, pressuring, chasing, tackling, giving our forwards the best opportunity to score," he said.
"It's always great to kick goals but as long as one of us is kicking goals, I am always happy.
"I would rather have 10 tackles than kick five goals. If I can turn the ball over, give my teammates the best opportunity to score I would be happy with that."
Mayne was speaking at the launch of the club's Live the Dream program yesterday as one of eight player mentors for 16 young people. Over the next five days, the teenagers will experience life as an AFL player by being immersed in the club.
"I feel like I'm running out games better and I'm able to probably have a bit more output.""Fremantle's *Chris Mayne *
