The Fremantle playing group is welcoming the challenge of facing Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday, according to defender Joel Hamling.

Freo are yet to record a win from their nine games against the Hawks at University of Tasmania Stadium, and Hamling agreed that many of the current playing group are yet to play a game at the ground.

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“There’s no better opportunity for us as a group to get away together, especially after a loss, to get to Tasmania where not many guys have played,” Hamling said.

“I haven’t played there myself, either. To get down there as a group, 22 of us will get down there and we’ll hang out and really bond together and get out and play Hawthorn.

“It’s an opportunity for us to rebound.”

Hamling added that the Fremantle playing group are motivated to deliver for Ross Lyon 300th AFL game. 

Lyon, who coached 121 games at St Kilda, will coach his 179th game for Fremantle to bring his career total to 300.

“We’ll look to put a good show on for our fans, supporters and members, and our coaching group as well. We’re all a proud bunch and a proud football club so we’ll get to Tasmania this weekend and give it a good crack,” Hamling said.

“Ross has been brilliant. In my three years I’ve had no better coach than Ross.

“He’s taught me the rights and wrongs of playing AFL football and there’s no better man for the job. I really respect Ross and the whole playing group is behind him as well.”