Freo wants happy tale to atone for caning

LAST week was akin to a horror story for Fremantle, and coach Ross Lyon has challenged his group to write a much happier chapter when they face Collingwood at Domain Stadium today.

Fremantle’s purple patch of form was brought to a sudden halt last Saturday night in a 100-point mauling by Adelaide in the wet.

The pummelling convinced Lyon to wield the axe on three underperforming veterans, with Danyle Pearce, Garrick Ibbotson, and Jon Griffin all dropped. The return of ruckman Aaron Sandilands from hamstring tightness is a huge boost as the Dockers attempt to right the wrongs from last week, while 21-year-old defender Luke Ryan has been named for his AFL debut.

Lyon was disappointed with his group’s lack of intensity and effort against the Crows, saying a “working-class” list like his couldn’t afford to drop off even a few per cent.

And he refused to blame the wet weather for his team’s poor display. “Wet or dry — it doesn’t matter. How we looked (meant) we wouldn’t have got it done. It’s not a look we like,” Lyon said.

“We didn’t dive too deeply (into the player feedback analysis), except to say that it’s not the story we want to write about ourselves.

“Let’s get back on and write a good story.

“We’re aiming to make sure they get to the line this week physically and mentally ready to go.”

Collingwood has lost its past five matches at Domain Stadium by an average of 41 points.

But the Magpies (4-6) are riding a wave of confidence following recent wins over Hawthorn and Brisbane.

Nathan Buckley’s side will enter the match without Alex Fasolo, who has taken time off to deal with depression.

Lyon said the demanding nature of elite sport meant it was inevitable some players would struggle to cope.

“AFL footballers for a long time have been 10 times more likely than the general population to suffer from a a form of environmental depression,” Lyon said.

“Look at the scrutiny on Nat Fyfe at the minute for a player who’s playing pretty good footy.

“That’s just the environment we’re in “coaches and players.”