Sydney’s star studded forward line looms as one of the most daunting tasks in the AFL.
 
It will take a whole team effort to curb the forwards, led by three time Coleman Medallist Buddy Franklin and Kurt Tippett, on Saturday night, according to defender Michael Johnson.

Johnson repays the faith
 
With injuries keeping tall defenders Zac Dawson and Alex Silvagni out of this weekend’s team, Johnson or veteran Luke McPharlin will likely line up on Franklin and Tippett.
 
“It’s not left to one player,” Johnson said.
 
“Myself or Luke will be playing on him (Franklin).
 
“If we can play the way that we played against the Eagles and not let the ball come into our defence, that’ll make the job a lot easier.”
 
Franklin, who was last year’s Coleman Medalist, has already booted 11-goals this season, and kicked two crucial goals in last year’s Qualifying Final win over Freo at ANZ Stadium.
 
Johnson did not play in the last encounter.
 
“He (Franklin) did get on top of a couple of our players,” Johnson said.
 
“We’ll be prepared for it, we know he’s a quality player…it’s another test for Luke and I.
 
“If he does work up the ground, he’s bursting back forward and trying to disrupt our defence…if he does push up, I’ll try attack him.
 
“He’s not the only good player in their team, they’re a quality side…we know it’s going to be a big test against those guys, I can’t wait.”
 
Fremantle take on Sydney on Saturday 25 April in the 20th annual Len Hall Tribute Match at Domain Stadium. Bounce down is at 6.45pm.