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.
Fremantle have big plans for their attacking set-up this year. Giant plans, actually.
The Dockers have struggled for key-forward options in recent years, with skipper Matthew Pavlich often forced to carry the bulk of the workload in attack.
But Fremantle will consider unleashing a trio of big men in attack this year, with Pavlich and 198cm Matt Taberner a chance to be joined up forward by 200cm Michael Apeness.
And if Apeness isn’t playing, fans can expect to see 211cm ruckman Aaron Sandilands spending longer stints up forward in a move that will really stretch opposition defences.
“I remember Paul Salmon playing forward and kicking a lot of goals,” Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said.
Although Taberner and Apeness are still raw, Pavlich is confident in their ability to make an impact.
“I think the external view potentially is that we have a bit of a void with key position players,” Pavlich said after the club’s season launch on Tuesday.
“We’ve trained a lot throughout the pre-season the three of us – Taberner, Apeness and myself. It’s highly possible (we can all play forward).
“Clearly it’s been the club’s mantra for a couple of seasons now to draft young players in and develop them.
“In Taberner, Apeness, and (Alex) Pearce down back … we’re in really good hands.
“I’m confident that coupled with our ruck threats coming forward for a bit, we will certainly be a handful for the opposition.”
Taberner has shown glimpses of his talent during his 13 games over the past two seasons, while 20-year-old Apeness is a former rugby union player who notched two games for the Dockers last year.
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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.
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