Withdrawals and injuries

Freo were forced to withdraw Nat Fyfe before the game after the talented midfielder had rolled his ankle in his hotel room. The club will today learn the extent of the injury. Alex Silvagni was also out before the start of the game with illness. Then Chris Mayne copped a knock before half-time and had to be subbed out, leaving Freo without a crucial piece of its forward line.

Johnno becomes a key

Michael Johnson has become a key ingredient of Freo’s plans, calmly mopping up across half-back all season long. But Silvagni’s withdrawal on Saturday, coupled with the unavailability of Luke McPharlin, meant he had to be a key defender against the Crows. Johnson’s ability to win the ball was compromised as a result, with his 12 touches well below a season average of 20. McPharlin’s back this week, which means normal service should resume for ‘Johnno’.

Danger on the field

Patrick Dangerfield had already burnt Fremantle once this season with a brilliant 21 contested possessions that included nine clearances in a round 10 Crows win at Patersons Stadium. While he will fight Rory Sloane for the three votes from that game, in the return leg on Saturday the speedy midfielder left no doubt who the most influential player on the ground was. Thirty-four disposals, 22 of them contested, along with 10 clearances and two breathtaking goals were simply match winning. The Fremantle coaching staff will have to come up with a new plan to stop him the next time these two sides meet.

The finals race heats up

Despite losing to Adelaide, Freo still has its destiny in its own hands. Helping the situation was the fact its two main rivals for a spot in the final eight, Essendon and North Melbourne, met each other at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. A Kangaroos win has left the Bombers equal on wins with Freo and just 1.47 per cent ahead. Essendon faces MCG matches against Carlton, Richmond and Collingwood, while Fremantle plays Richmond and Melbourne at home, with a massive clash against North Melbourne (Etihad) sandwiched in between. With percentage highly likely to decide who makes it, it could be as little as a goal either way that decides it.

"We're still in it" says Lyon

Pav closes in on Coleman

With just three rounds to go, Matthew Pavlich continues to lead the race for the Coleman Medal. Buddy Franklin’s absence and a goalless effort by North’s Drew Petrie allowed the Freo skipper to kick a couple of goals clear of the pair. ‘Pav’ leads on 57, ahead of Petrie (52) and Franklin (51). Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt, who faces Freo this Saturday, entered the race with five goals against the Western Bulldogs to move into third place on 54.

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Pavlich set for another record
Defence not to blame: de Boer
Fyfe doubt
Train Disruption Fremantle v Richmond
Destiny in our hands: Lyon