In the latest episode of The Purple Patch, Duck & Oz run through the matchups they are most looking forward to in Freo’s clash against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
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.
Ethan Hughes v Tim Membrey
Hughes was outstanding last weekend against the Cats, with his pressure, tackling and one percenters. Hughes is a medium-sized backman and we believe he is the man for Membrey.
This season, Membrey has kicked 38 goals, with 114 score involvements and is the Saints leading goal scorer. Last time the Saints played Freo, Membrey kicked two goals and had three goal assists, so he is the one to look out for in the Saints forward line.
Bailey Banfield v Sebastian Ross
The concern for us lies with Ross’ stats. He is averaging 26 disposals, four tackles and 4.5 inside 50s per game. Ross is ranked 17th in the competition in total inside 50s and drives a lot of their forward play.
Banfield brings a lot of pressure around the contest, and if given the opportunity, we believe he can nullify Ross’ impact. Banfield had a career high nine tackles in round two against the Suns and laid six tackles against both the Blues and the Cats this season.
Jack Billings v Reece Conca
Billings is a handy player and is ranked 9th in the competition for uncontested possessions. He’s a midfielder but also likes to go forward and kick a goal.
We believe Conca is the man for Billings, with his ability to drive the ball forward and gain territory at all costs. Conca played as a defensive winger last weekend against the Cats, and we think he will play more of a lockdown role this weekend against the Saints. While Conca’s accuracy could be improved, we like the fact he is always looking to be aggressive.
Sam Switkowski v Shane Savage
Savage plays the typical quarterback role for the Saints. His kicking off halfback is elite, and he leads the Saints in rebound 50’s (81 for the season).
Switkowski is pressure personified and led the team in tackles last week against the Cats. If Switkowski can improve his scoring prowess and kick some goals he will make a great forward pocket for Fremantle.
