Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon says it will be a “critical call” deciding which tall will play as a second target inside-50 in Friday’s Preliminary Final.
Matt Taberner, Zac Clarke and Jon Griffin are all under consideration to play in the blockbuster against Hawthorn.
All three have played this year, as a secondary tall forward and back-up ruckman.
Lyon told Seven News on Tuesday that the decision had not been made yet.
“It’s a critical call to get the team balance right,” he said.
“We’ve got a few options, we’ll work through that over the next 24 and 36 hours.”
Taberner is a likely inclusion after he was a late withdrawal against Sydney in the Qualifying Final due to forecast rain.
He has kicked 14 goals in 14 games but is less effective in the ruck.
Clarke could also maintain his spot and give Aaron Sandilands support against Hawthorn’s big men, Ben McEvoy and David Hale.
He has kicked seven goals from 14 games.
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Griffin, who is fighting to overcome a hamstring injury, has been impressive in his return to the side later in the season, with seven goals and 83 hit-outs.
Lyon said whoever was picked would play a crucial role in the forward line.
“(It’s about) the right support for Matthew Pavlich, Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters,” he said.
“Matt Taberner played really well in his last game kicking five, Griffin looks like he’ll be available and Zac Clarke is the incumbent.”
Fremantle’s TABtouch 22 for the Preliminary Final will be released at 4.25pm on Thursday at fremantlefc.com.au.
