The crucial cogs of AFL's Round 7: Which players need to be the difference makers?
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
It might only be the NAB Cup but Fremantle supporters will be hoping to see their side turn around from two solid defeats when they host Western Bulldogs in Mandurah this evening. We’ll have live scores from 6.30pm AEDT.
Ross Lyon’s Dockers began their 2013 NAB Cup campaign well enough with a three-goal win against the Cats, but subsequent losses at 24 and 70 points to the Eagles and Blues respectively have thrown a shadow over the West Australian club.
Granted, the Blues have started 2013 with a surge of momentum under new mentor Mick Malthouse and Fremantle had several key regulars out, but a 12-goal loss is a 12-goal loss, pre-season or not.
Tonight they’ll welcome the return of captain Matthew Pavlich, who missed the loss due to the birth of his daughter, as well as prime movers Stephen Hill and Michael Barlow in the centre.
Unfortunately for coach Lyon, ruckman Aaron Sandilands will continue to be a sidelined observer as he tries to overcome a hamstring complaint before the Dockers’ season opener against the Eagles in a fortnight’s time.
This evening they face a Western Bulldogs side who, despite continuing to toe the company line regarding youth development, would have been pleased to close out a thrilling one-point victory over the Hawks last Friday night.
Coach Brendan McCartney will no doubt be playing the win down to his young charges and there is no suggestion that there is plenty of hard work to continue, but there is no substitute for winning games of footy.
One suspects that might change against the Dockers tonight, and after naming a strong lineup it goes without saying that Lyon will be demanding a win from the home side tonight.