Battered Pavlich, Walters in doubt for Freo
Coach Ross Lyon warned that the fickle nature of football could cause Fremantle’s fortunes to sour quickly after they continued their barnstorming start to the season with a 68-point thumping of Melbourne at the MCG yesterday.
The Dockers remain a game clear at the top of the ladder, having won their opening five matches.
But they face another test of their credentials against unpredictable finals fancies Essendon at Domain Stadium on Saturday night.
Fremantle are sweating on the availability of forwards Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters, who were forced out of the Melbourne game before half-time with concussion.
The six-day turnaround does not help their bids to be passed fit to play, with medical tests to be conducted in the coming days.
Lyon said he was pleased with Fremantle’s wins so far, but he was quick to keep a lid on expectations after the hammering of Melbourne.
The Dockers’ dominant midfield and numerous avenues to goal were keys to the big win, producing 10 goals to one after half-time.
“I think it’s our best start since I’ve been there, but the challenges keep coming at you,” Lyon said. “We know Essendon are a really powerful team.
“We’ve got a short break, we’ve got to get back on the bird and go.
“We’ll breathe out tonight, we’ll enjoy that performance.
“It was important to come here and play well and we did that.”
Lyon felt the absence of Ryan Crowley (provisional suspension), Colin Sylvia (retired) and Anthony Morabito (injury) had already left Fremantle vulnerable a little more than one month into a long season.
“As much as it’s not affecting us now, it stings us a bit more than we’d like over the journey of the year,” Lyon said. “Three already off your primary list is not ideal.
“On the surface it seems we are pretty fit and healthy but we’ve got those three that are unlikely.
“It puts us under more pressure.”
But there was cause for optimism with the return of Hayden Ballantyne from suspension and an impressive four-goal display from Chris Mayne.
Essendon coach James Hird said his side had work to do after its two-point win over St Kilda yesterday.
“If we don’t work out the contest part of our game, then we’ll struggle against the best teams,” Hird said.
