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Fremantle coach Ross Lyon is confident he can get Luke McPharlin up and going for the rest of the AFL season – but recent history suggests otherwise.
McPharlin is a strong chance to play against Carlton in Perth on Thursday night despite being benched with a tight calf in Fremantle’s shock loss to St Kilda a fortnight ago.
The 32-year-old has missed six games this season due to knee, quad and calf issues, casting doubt on his durability as Fremantle attempt to go one step better than last year’s grand final appearance.
McPharlin also missed eight games last season due to a torn calf, while he sat out the 2012 finals series with a hamstring injury.
This year could be McPharlin’s last in AFL ranks, with the 236-game veteran yet to make a final call on his future.
With Fremantle likely to confront the monster forward lines of Sydney and Hawthorn during the finals, a fit and firing McPharlin will be crucial to the Dockers’ premiership hopes.
Lyon said McPharlin trained well on Sunday and looked to be over his injury woes.
“I’ve got full faith in Luke,” Lyon said on Monday.
“Those that don’t – well that’s fair enough, you’re entitled to your own opinion. But I believe in Luke.
“The only constant thing in AFL footy is change and improvement. You are either getting better or going backwards – you never stay the same.
“Luke’s been one that’s improved.”
Lyon is considering making up to six changes for Thursday’s match.
Ruckman Aaron Sandilands, goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne and midfielder Stephen Hill are certain to return, while Garrick Ibbotson, Hayden Crozier and Tom Sheridan are also in the selection mix.
Former Demon Colin Sylvia appears destined for the axe after producing a string of quiet games, while midfielder Anthony Morabito could also get the chop after tallying just four possessions and a goal against the Saints.
Fremantle’s insipid 58-point loss to the Saints dealt their top-two hopes a massive blow.
Lyon admitted his team’s work rate and effort were off the boil in that game, and said they will be made to pay if they put in a similar effort against the Blues, who upset North Melbourne in their most recent match.
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