Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has described Adelaide’s midfield as “top of the tree”, but says the Dockers also possess enough on-ball firepower to win Saturday’s AFL clash at AAMI Stadium.
The Crows boast a glut of match-winners through the midfield, with Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson, Bernie Vince and Richard Douglas all capable of producing game-changing performances.
Fremantle aren’t shy in that area either, especially with the returning Stephen Hill joining fellow guns Nat Fyfe, David Mundy, Michael Barlow, Danyle Pearce and master tagger Ryan Crowley in a formidable unit.
With Fremantle ravaged by injuries up forward, and Adelaide missing spearheads Taylor Walker (knee) and Kurt Tippett (Sydney) from last year’s semi-final win over the Dockers, Lyon predicts Saturday’s game will be won and lost in the midfield.
“They’ve lost talls, but through the midfield they’re as strong as they can be with their No.1 ruckman still there,” Lyon said.
“They’re top of the tree. They’re similar to us.
“Whichever midfield gets on top for the longest will give their forwards the most opportunity and protect their defence.
“It’s going to be a really good battle and we are going to find out where we’re at.”
Lyon identified Dangerfield as a particular threat.
Dangerfield was restricted to 18 possessions and a goal by Crowley in last year’s semi-final, but averaged 33 disposals and booted three goals in his previous two games against the Dockers.
“We sort of tagged him last year. He’s a star player – contested ball winner, line-breaking, 70m goals,” Lyon said.
“The whole team will have to take account for Patrick.
“He’s explosive if he gets that goal side, a bit like (Brett) Deledio. He’s at the forefront of our planning.”
Fremantle were left heartbroken after coughing up a 29-point lead in last year’s semi-final.
North Melbourne were feeling a similar pain last week when Adelaide kicked the last five goals of the match to secure a one-point win, with unheralded Crows forward Sam Kerridge booting six goals.
