In the latest episode of The Purple Patch, Duck & Oz run through the matchups they are looking forward to in Freo’s clash against Sydney at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
The Purple Patch is the official Fremantle podcast that comes out every Friday and previews the game each week.
Hosts Duck and Oz, from The Purple Reign podcast, are two of the club’s biggest fans and provide great insight to each game from a fan perspective.
Nathan Wilson v Tom Papley
Wilson’s rebound from 50 has been a key for Fremantle to win. He is often the barometer of our success in terms of the pressure he brings and also his run and carry. Freo are 3-0 when he gets 25+ possessions.
Papley is a small forward and small forwards have taken us to task in the past month in particular. The Swans are 5-1 when Papley kicks two goals or more and he’s their leading goalscorer for the Swans this season with 27.
Wilson has done good work in the backline on the small forwards, but we need him to defend as well as attack and give us that rebound and run.
Darcy Tucker v Luke Parker
In the midfield, the first crucial matchup involves Darcy Tucker. We see him moving to Luke Parker, who is ranked 10th in total centre clearances and averages just under 26 disposals a game. He’s vital for the Swans and is capable of changing the tide of games. Parker’s very experienced and needs to be held under his average of six clearances a game, and we believe if Tucker can have his influence, it could potentially sway the battle.
David Mundy v Josh Kennedy
This is the battle of the juggernauts. Mundy is currently averaging 29 disposals and 4.5 inside 50s per game. Kennedy is currently ranked sixth in stoppage clearances, he’s averaging 27 disposals and just under seven clearances per game. The point of difference is Mundy’s ability to move forward and potentially win the game off his own boot.
Mundy had 36 disposals against West Coast the last time Nat Fyfe didn’t play, and he was probably best on in the game.
Adam Cerra v Jake Lloyd
Cerra played on Shaun Burgoyne last week and he’s been a bit down after a quiet month. His skills inside 50 are going to be crucial to Fremantle, especially in that half-forward role, which is quite a tricky role.
Cerra could also move into the guts but we have a feeling he’s going to be at half forward and playing that defensive role and really making the most of it when it’s his turn to get the ball and use those silky skills.
Lloyd has dominated across the half back flank. He could have a big game against Freo considering our recent inside 50 movement. Cerra is also a good overhead mark and he could kick two or three.
