Fremantle midfielder Andrew Brayshaw says the team is prepared to play anywhere, as the SCG’s playing surface is assessed by the AFL ahead of the Club’s Round 17 clash with the Swans.
Speaking at his Sunday night post-match media conference, Senior Coach Justin Longmuir highlighted the importance of player safety after watching last Friday night’s match between the Swans and the Western Bulldogs at the SCG.
At his Tuesday afternoon media conference midfielder Andrew Brayshaw echoed Longmuir.
“To reiterate what JL said - player safety is the main priority, but if the AFL clears it to be played on, then we’re ready to play there or wherever else the AFL puts us,” Brayshaw said.
“(In the team meeting) JL did touch on the fact that no matter where we play, we are going to just try to bring our brand of footy.
“We’ve played well on the SCG the last couple of times we’ve been there, so I don’t really mind where we play.
“JL said in the meeting we’d play on the moon if we had to.”
The AFL visited the SCG to assess the turf on Tuesday, with a delegation scheduled to return for a follow-up inspection on Friday before approving the venue to host Sunday’s Round 17 meeting between Fremantle and Sydney.
Brayshaw revealed that Longmuir had reaffirmed to the playing group that no matter the venue, playing Freo footy was essential.
“It’s out of our hands, but wherever we do play, there will be four goalposts at either end, white lines to play on, and we’ll just go over there and try to play our footy… we know we’re flying to Sydney, so not many changes,” Brayshaw said.
“We need to try to keep our focus the same. It’s been holding us in pretty good stead the last few weeks.”
Meanwhile, Brayshaw expressed his disappointment for teammate Nat Fyfe, who suffered a calf injury at the weekend, saying the group would rally around the 244-game player.
“Devastated for him. Obviously, I love having him in the team - he’s a superstar and an amazing leader for us. I’m really flat for him,” Brayshaw said.
“I’ve got no doubt that as devastating as it would be for him, he’ll be back in a couple of weeks and be ready to go again.
“He’s one of the most mentally resilient guys we’ve got.
“Even though he’s not the captain anymore, he’s still one of the best leaders.
“He’s a really calming presence - even when he’s on the bench, if guys are coming off flustered, he’s able to talk to them and help them see the game really clearly.
“I love playing with him, not only for his skill and the way he competes but for his leadership.”
Fremantle faced the Swans in Round 2 of this year, going down by three points. Before that, playing at the SCG in Round 16 of last year, with Fremantle prevailing by one point in a classic.
