Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is about to withstand the temptation of shifting star defender Brennan Cox into assault regardless of Matt Taberner being reduce down by a severe again harm.
Taberner underwent microdiscectomy again surgical procedure on Friday, with no precise timeframe set for his return.
Longmuir is optimistic Taberner will be capable to return later this yr, however his prolonged absence leaves a significant gap in Fremantle’s inexperienced assault.
Teenage ahead Jye Amiss kicked only one objective from two disposals in Friday night time’s 49-point loss – 17.16 (118) to 10.9 (69) – to the Bulldogs earlier than being subbed out within the third quarter.
Prized recruit Luke Jackson additionally struggled with 1.1 from 9 disposals, whereas Sam Sturt was quiet other than a two-goal spurt within the second time period.
With Nat Fyfe no certainty to return from a plantar fasciitis harm for subsequent week’s conflict with Brisbane on the Gabba, Longmuir faces a battle to assemble a ahead line able to repeatedly kicking match-winning scores.
Cox has proven potential as a ahead up to now, however his star shows in defence means it is going to be laborious to maneuver him.
“He’s just such a good defender for us, and defenders that are able to win the ball back like he does are hard to find,” Longmuir mentioned.
“I suppose that’s an option. But him and (Alex) Pearce have been getting the job done pretty well.
“So you do not need to rob Peter to pay Paul.”
Longmuir said the loss of Taberner was a big blow.
“We’re in all probability lacking a mature key ahead that may take the most effective defender,” Longmuir mentioned.
“Luke Jackson continues to be discovering his method, Jye continues to be discovering his method.
“We hope Tabs can get back to his best and give us something at the back-end of the year.”
Longmuir is not sure when Fyfe will probably be able to return.
“We think he’s getting closer, but we want to make sure it’s right so it doesn’t flare up again and we don’t have this situation again,” Longmuir mentioned.
“Whether it’s this week or next week or the week after, we’ll have to update during the week.”
Of extra concern to Longmuir proper now could be Fremantle’s incapacity to win the competition.
The Dockers misplaced the contested possession rely 154-129 in opposition to the Bulldogs, persevering with a development that has seen Fremantle droop to a 2-4 report.
“We got a bit of a lesson from a more experienced midfield tonight,” Longmuir mentioned.
“Sometimes in the contest the harder you try the win the contest the more you get exposed on the outside.”
Longmuir was additionally fearful by his staff’s incapacity to maneuver the ball from defence.
“We can’t play good teams by getting stuck in your back half, because the dam wall will break,” Longmuir mentioned.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
