Sandilands tips battle to be fierce from start
Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands is bracing for a ferocious start to Sunday’s round-one clash with Port Adelaide at Domain Stadium as the Dockers look to atone for last season’s straight-sets finals exit.
The Dockers were knocked out of last year’s finals series at the hands of a hard-running Power outfit, which came from behind to steal a famous September victory on the road.
More than six months after that encounter, Sandilands said the Dockers were excited to have a chance for revenge.
“Any loss that finishes your season is a disappointing feeling. They all feel pretty bad,” he said.
“To get knocked out in straight sets is disappointing but I think that’s what spurs you on over pre-season.
“Guys are excited with the chance to run out there and play four quarters of footy again.”
He predicted the game would be played at a frenzied pace in the opening stages, with both sides desperate to start their season with a win.
“The heat’s going to be on early,” Sandilands said.
“Obviously both sides have prepared for a long period of time and the intensity is there for that first five or 10 minutes.
“We know it’s going to be hot but it’s a matter of absorbing that and playing four quarters of quality football.
“It’s really important to get the season off to a really good start and there’s no better way than getting four points first-up.”
Fremantle will go into the game with several selection issues, though most of their best 22 are likely to be available.
Michael Barlow (ankle), Paul Duffield (ribs) and Danyle Pearce (calf) have all missed part of the pre-season, but are expected to play after proving their fitness in the WAFL with Peel Thunder on Saturday.
However, the make-up of the team’s back six is likely to cause coach Ross Lyon some headaches, with Zac Dawson (groin) ruled out and fellow key defender Alex Silvagni (hamstring) also unlikely to be available.
Young forward Matt Taberner (Achilles soreness) could also miss after sitting out all but one of the club’s pre-season fixtures.
But Sandilands said Fremantle’s faith in their game plan meant they were confident of matching Port Adelaide no matter who took the field.
“Their strength is they fill the 18 positions on the ground really well,” he said.
“So for us it’s all about focusing on the way we play and bringing our game plan to life.
“If we execute our role and bring that great effort it will put us in good stead.”
The Dockers will once again use their first home game of the season, dubbed the Purple Haze game, to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
