Dockers tease big battle of the stars
FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon will consider playing Nat Fyfe on Dustin Martin in a bid to expose the star Richmond midfielder in Sunday’s AFL clash at the MCG.
Martin is one of the early favourites to win this year’s Brownlow Medal following his scintillating start to the season.
The 25-year-old is averaging 28 possessions per game this season, and he’s also showcased his huge potential up forward with 12 goals.
Martin has been able to shake tags in all but one game this season – when he was restricted to just 16 disposals by Brisbane’s Mitch Robinson in Round 4.
Connor Blakely has been used as Fremantle’s primary tagger this year, nullifying the likes of Luke Shuey, Zach Merrett, Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Ziebell.
Lyon will consider using Blakely to shut down Martin.
But the coach threw a curve ball by saying a mouthwatering match-up between Fyfe and Martin was possible.
“Well the question is can anyone go with Dusty? I don’t know,” Lyon said.
“Has anyone stopped him yet? Maybe you need to work off him. That (Fyfe and Martin match-up) would be exciting for everybody.
“Dustin is unique. He’s explosive and powerful, and spends a fair bit of time out of the goalsquare.
“I think he’s a restricted free agent, so he sits in the category of Fyfe. We admire and respect Dusty.”
Fyfe has played a key role in Fremantle’s four wins this year, and his ability to work off Martin could be crucial.
Fremantle’s big man stocks were dealt a blow this week when it was confirmed forward Michael Apeness would miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
He joins ruckman Zac Clarke (knee) and defender Alex Pearce (broken leg) on the long-term injury list.
But in better news, goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) and midfielder Stephen Hill (hamstring) are on track to return in the coming weeks. Veteran David Mundy needed treatment on his leg and back during last week’s win over Essendon.
But Lyon said the star midfielder was a certain starter against the Tigers.
“He had a clash of legs, but he came back on and his last quarter was really strong,” Lyon said.
The Dockers have won four of their past five matches to surge into ninth spot with a 4-3 record. Richmond are one win ahead.