Saturday’s clash between Fremantle and GWS at Spotless Stadium shapes as an intriguing encounter.
The Giants will be looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking last-second loss to West Coast and tighten their grip on a home final.
Conversely, Fremantle’s focus remains firmly on building momentum ahead of next season, with the added incentive of honouring their captain in his milestone match.
TABtouch 22: Three changes for Giants clash
Here’s what to note when the two teams meet on Saturday afternoon.
Saluting the skipper
Fremantle captain David Mundy plays his 250th game on Saturday – the second most of any Freo player. Mundy was drafted with pick 19 in the 2003 national draft as a skilful half-back flanker. In 124 consecutive matches from his debut in round 6, 2005, the 2010 Doig Medallist developed into one of the competition’s premier clearance exponents. Selection on the interchange bench of last year’s All-Australian side reaffirmed Mundy’s calibre.
Freo’s forward line future in focus
Senior coach Ross Lyon has, for much of 2016, noted the importance of developing players for the future. This week Matthew Taberner, Michael Apeness and Shane Yarran will combine to form 50 per cent of Fremantle’s forward half. The trio have never played together before, but Lyon noted their importance in the team’s plans for 2017 and beyond. Each player provides a different dimension – Taberner possesses elite endurance, Yarran speed and skill and Apeness an ability to crash packs. In conjunction with Michael Walters, Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne, the inexperienced trio will hope to stretch the Giants’ defence.
GWS clash a glimpse into Freo's future forward line
Hello, Spotless Stadium
Of Fremantle’s five matches against GWS, not a single encounter has been played away from Domain Stadium. This week, Freo will make their maiden voyage to the AFL’s newest stadium in Sydney’s West. The Giants have played 36 games at the venue for 16 wins, including 11 victories from the past 15 matches. Leon Cameron’s side plays the ground – which doubles as a cricket field in summer – well. Spotless Stadium has wide wings and lends itself to GWS’ hard running style. Freo’s midfield will need to arrive prepared to work hard if they are to pull of an upset victory.
Neale versus Coniglio
Fremantle’s Lachie Neale has so often been the generator of positive ball movement in 2016. The 23-year-old is the AFL’s leading ball-winner with an average of 33 disposals per match, and features heavily in his side’s fortunes at stoppages. He can expect to be shadowed by GWS stopper Stephen Coniglio, who had his colours lowered last week by Eagles on-baller Luke Shuey. Coniglio has himself averaged 29 touches and five tackles per game this season, and possesses clean skills and a quick turn of pace. If Neale is to break the Western Australian’s tag, he will need to exercise caution running ahead of the ball. If careless, the Freo midfielder will be exposed at the other end of the ground.
