Freo’s response

Senior coach Ross Lyon often talks about ‘powerful responses’, and it will take a big one from Fremantle on Thursday night following the club’s poor effort against St Kilda. In the two-and-a-half-years Lyon has been at Freo, the team has generally responded emphatically when challenged, so supporters will be expectant of a strong performance against Carlton. Blues’ defender Michael Jamison certainly anticipates a strong Freo answer. “They're going to want to respond and we'll have to match that”, he told the Carlton website.

Big breaks for both sides

Carlton played on the Friday night in the first part of round 18, while Freo took on the Saints the next day. Both sides have had ample rest and preparation time for Thursday’s match. 

See who's in the mix

Footy on a Thursday

In something a bit different, Freo and Carlton play Thursday night footy at Patersons Stadium. The AFL’s experiment has been met well so far this season, with great crowds and strong television ratings for midweek fixtures in Adelaide and Sydney. And don’t forget to wear white on the night for your chance to WIN a $500 EFTPOS gift card.

Dangerous Blues

Carlton are not in the mix for the top eight this season, but their win over September-bound North Melbourne last round proved they have the ability to beat the best teams. Their midfield includes superstars Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy, while the likes of Kade Simpson and Chris Yarran are also quality players. Jarrad Waite has been inconsistent, but he was superb against the Kangaroos with 11 marks and four goals. 

Defenders not to blame

Freo’s defenders face a three-pronged tall forward attack against Carlton on Thursday. On the surface, it appeared the club’s backmen were beaten comprehensively in the most recent game against St Kilda. But Ross Lyon wasn’t placing the blame on them. “I wouldn’t have thought our tall defenders have been a worry at all,” he said. Freo’s coach focused on the ease with which the Saints’ midfielders sent the ball inside their attack and added that some of greatest defenders in VFL/AFL history would have been helpless under the barrage. “No one could defend what came down on the weekend (against St Kilda). Geoff Southby or Bruce Doull, put them all in there, they would have had goals kicked on them. We all know it’s about pressure up the field.” 

Freo has faith in McPharlin