FREEO SWING

With the odds stacked against them, the Suns have a …

A CROSS-COUNTRY trip to face the competition’s benchmark is not normally the antidote for an 0-3 start but that’s how the Gold Coast Suns will approach Saturday’s AFLW clash with the Dockers at Fremantle Oval.

The deck appears stacked against the Suns; winless through three games, against an unbeaten opponent on its home ground and with last season’s 80-10 semi-final loss at the same venue still front of mind.

But with the weight of expectation in favour of the Dockers, Suns midfielder Georgia Bevan says the visitors have what equates to a free swing at their more fancied hosts.

“I think everyone loves an underdog,” Bevan said.

“We’re coming in wanting to take it to them and take them by surprise.

“Especially after last time we were here, the girls are hungry to get revenge and show what they’re capable of.

“As much as we’re 0-3 and they’re 3-0, our best footy is capable of beating anyone.”

Bevan was left out of the side that narrowly lost to GWS at Blacktown last weekend but returns to the line-up for the trip west.

The Fremantle team produced perhaps the most impressive performance of the AFLW season in its most recent game, rolling the previously undefeated Crows by 30 points in Adelaide.

Bevan said the Suns’ preferred brand, built on winning the contested footy and building from defence, matched what Freo had shown so far this season.

“A team like Freo gives us that benchmark,” the 27-yearold said.

“Their win last week gave us a good look at how they like to play their footy.

“You can see their drive for contested ball and they have really solid defence, as seen by most of their scorelines.

“We know it will be a tough match-up, they’re a really physical team, but when we’re playing our best footy that’s what we pride ourselves on as well.”