Midfield riches allow Neale to elude radar
Dual Ross Glendinning medallist Lachie Neale would be a “marked man” at most other clubs and his rise to prominence shows how strong Fremantle’s midfield has become, according to fellow on-ball star Michael Barlow.
Neale, Barlow, David Mundy and Stephen Hill have won every Glendinning Medal since the start of 2013, and Nat Fyfe has finished second and third in voting in the past two derbies.
Barlow said the midfield was reaping the benefits of several years’ hard work.
“We’ve basically played together now as a midfield group for four or five years pretty consistently without any major injuries,” Barlow said.
“As long as that can stay the case, we’re really confident we can match it with any other midfield in the competition.”
The midfield depth has made it difficult for teams to shut Fremantle down. Geelong and West Coast have tagged Fyfe in the past fortnight, allowing Hill and Neale to run free.
Barlow said he would always give Hill the ball if he was in space because he was so damaging when he gained possession.
The Dockers have also dominated in congestion this season. Their record of 65 more contested possessions than their opponents has them ranked No.1 in the first three rounds and they are second for clearances with a tally of 126 for and 87 against.
But Fremantle won the clearances and contested possessions during their qualifying final loss last year to Sydney, who they face at Domain Stadium on Saturday night in what shapes as a blockbuster clash between two flag fancies.
Sydney have plenty of depth in their on-ball brigade, led by Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker. Barlow said the Dockers knew what was at stake this week.
“It will be the match of the round and it’s a great challenge for us,” Barlow said.
“You don’t have to look too much further than Sydney as one of the most effective midfields in the comp. They have a really diverse mix as well.
“They’ve got a lot of players who can go through there — a bit like us. It is very exciting and Ross alluded to that straight after the game.”
Barlow said winning the midfield battle would also take the pressure off Fremantle’s back line as it prepared to confront superstar Swans forward Lance Franklin. He turned the qualifying final with a final-quarter blitz and has started 2015 in great form.
