Chris Mayne could play more of a role in defence in the coming weeks, as Ross Lyon looks to get him more involved in the play.

Mayne spent time down back against West Coast in last week’s Carlton Draught Derby and looked composed on the ball.

“He looks more instinctive and aggressive when he gets back there,” Lyon said.

“Last week he played 50 per cent forward and 50 per cent back and we like his distribution down there, he uses it quite well back there and competes.”

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At 188 centimetres, Mayne has the ability to play on taller opponents and with Adelaide boasting a number of tall defenders, he will help a depleted Freo defence.

“Our back six down there, if you think what we finished with last year to what we had on the weekend, I think Lee Spurr was the only guy there,” Lyon said.

Adelaide lead the AFL with 114 points per game, with Eddie Betts and Josh Jenkins in arguably career best form.

Talking points ahead of Adelaide clash

Adelaide’s midfield poses another challenge for Fremantle and Lyon sees it as an opportunity for Tommy Sheridan to continue his development.

“We like what Tommy did and we’ll probably give him another opportunity,” Lyon said.

“He accepted the role, wanted the role and I thought he played very well.”

Sheridan played a tagging role on Andrew Gaff last week, and kept the West Coast midfielder to 19 touches and a goal, well down on his season average of 28 disposals per game.

“Rory Sloane will be a really big challenge, so we need to fine tune that, and it might not be ideal,” Lyon said.

“They have some pretty good players.”

With Adelaide sitting in third place on the AFL ladder, level with Sydney, Geelong and GWS on points, Ross Lyon said they’re a premiership candidate. 

“The closer you look at them, you think they can win it,” he said.