Fremantle coach Ross Lyon is confident Sydney won’t unleash any “garbage” tactics in a bid to unsettle Dockers star midfielder Nat Fyfe in Saturday’s qualifying final at ANZ Stadium.
Fyfe was clearly agitated during his team’s win over Hawthorn three weeks ago, with the 22-year-old lashing out at the Hawks’ close-checking tactics with an off-the-ball hit on Jordan Lewis.
That incident saw Fyfe banned for two weeks, but the West Australian is free to return against Sydney for Saturday’s high-stakes match.
Fyfe gave away a series of uncharacteristic free kicks against the Hawks, but Lyon doesn’t expect Sydney to employ dirty tactics in an attempt to destabilise Fremantle’s prime midfield mover.
“I think he had a moment of aggression that was misplaced, and he knows that,” Lyon said of Fyfe.
“Both sides have got plenty to play for.
“I don’t think there will be too much garbage dished up from two top-four teams.
“They’ll be attacking the ball and attacking the man in the right manner.
“I don’t think much targeting happens in AFL football, to be truthful.”
Fyfe is a proven big-game performer, with the silky midfielder tallying 28 possessions and five clearances in last year’s grand final loss to Hawthorn.
A week earlier in the preliminary final win over Sydney, Fyfe racked up 27 touches and two goals in a match-winning effort.
Lyon said Fyfe was primed to have another big finals series.
“He will be fresh, he won’t be sore,” Lyon said.
“He plays a very physical game. We’ve been able to put a lot of work into him.
“He has been in my office two or three times over that period (he was suspended) talking about how keen he is.
“He has set himself for finals football and we’re thrilled to have him back.”
While Fremantle’s midfield is back to full strength, the same can’t be said for their defence, which will be missing All-Australian pair Michael Johnson (back) and Luke McPharlin (calf).
That spells bad news for Fremantle, who must find a way to contain Swans forwards Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett, Sam Reid and Adam Goodes.
Johnson won’t play again this year, while McPharlin will struggle to make it back for a possible semi-final next week.
