Fremantle coach Ross Lyon wants his players to get uncomfortable this weekend – and he’s optimistic skipper Matthew Pavlich will come along for the ride.
Pavlich was initially set to miss Saturday night’s AFL clash with Geelong at Simonds Stadium after failing a concussion test earlier this week.
The 32-year-old suffered blurred vision last Thursday after copping an elbow to the face in the win over Carlton.
Twelve days earlier, he copped a heavy knock to the head during a marking contest in the loss to St Kilda.
But the 32-year-old was able to pass his Cogstate concussion test on Wednesday, and has been given the green light to take on the Cats.
“There’s no reason why he shouldn’t play, as long as he doesn’t become symptomatic later in the week,” Lyon said.
“He’s in good shape.
“Matthew Pavlich is like a son to (club doctor) Ken Withers. He’s been there 16 years with him.
“I would suggest (Withers) would be on the conservative side, if anything. If he’s cleared him to play, I’m really confident he’ll play.”
The blockbuster clash will go a long way towards deciding the premiership fate of Geelong and Fremantle.
The third-placed Cats sit just one win ahead of Fremantle, with both sides still right in the hunt to snare a top-two berth and the prized home qualifying final that goes with it.
Geelong have won 19 of their past 20 matches at Simonds Stadium – but the one blemish was their shock 15-point loss to the Dockers in last year’s qualifying final.
Fremantle have been off the boil in recent weeks, and Lyon is urging them to stand up on enemy territory.
“We’re not here to sneak around. You’re not going to sneak your way to a premiership or a top-four position,” Lyon said.
“You have to earn that and you have to beat hard, fierce teams and not always at home where you feel comfortable.
“You have to get uncomfortable. You have to get down there and get it done, so that’s the aim.”
Dockers utility player Tendai Mzungu will miss the game due to a hamstring injury, while former Demon Colin Sylvia has been ruled out for several weeks after injuring his hamstring at training.
But goalsneak Michael Walters, who has been grounded by an ankle injury since round three, will return to playing duties via the WAFL on Saturday.
Lyon says the 23-year-old is raring to go, and could be available for senior selection as early as next week.
“He’s an absolute pro – a training animal,” Lyon said.
“He can really run and work with the best of them. He’s a special young man.”
Star Geelong midfielder Steve Johnson has been cleared to play against the Dockers after successfully challenging his suspension for kneeing North Melbourne’s Scott Thompson.
