Ross Lyon said in his media conference from Perth airport on Thursday that the game against the Western Bulldogs will be won and lost in the midfield.

Who are we to argue with Ross?

The Freo senior coach was correct. It’s the midfield battles that will decide this game.

Lyon pointed to ruckman Will Minson as the key to the Dogs’ midfield.

Minson had a tremendous 2012, leading the AFL in total hitouts with an average of 32 per game.

He also averaged 3.3 clearances, fifth best among ruckmen who appeared on a regular basis for their teams.

Minson was excellent in the Dogs’ round 1 domination of Brisbane, collecting 34 hitouts and five clearances.

He dished out nine hitouts to advantage as the Dogs led the league in round 1 with 56 points scored from stoppages.

Freo’s Jon Griffin, who will play on Minson in the ruck, also performed well in round 1 matched up against champion Dean Cox.

Griffin only had 20 hitouts, but seven of them were to advantage.

In the absence of Matthew Boyd, Tom Liberatore was very good in the stoppages for the Bulldogs in round 1.

He fed off Minson’s work to win six centre clearances and a total of 11 clearances, which was the best in the league.

David Mundy was Freo’s main ball winner at the stoppages with seven total clearances.

The task seems clear for Freo’s on-ballers. If Griffin can help contain Will Minson, the damage that the likes of Liberatore, Ryan Griffen and Adam Cooney can do will be limited.

2013 STARLIGHT PURPLE HAZE GAME: Friday 12 April v Essendon at Patersons Stadium, 6.40pm bounce down. Dress in purple to WIN! Proudly supported by Fremantle Ports. Click here for more information.