Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir concedes his crew went “insular” throughout final week’s embarrassing loss to GWS, and he hopes the return of ruckman Sean Darcy will assist kick his facet into gear.
The Dockers had been smashed in contested possessions (140-116), clearances (39-29), centre clearances (16-6) and inside-50s (68-44) throughout Saturday’s 70-point loss to GWS – their greatest defeat below Longmuir.
Darcy is arguably Fremantle’s most necessary participant, and his return for Saturday evening’s conflict with Essendon in Perth is essential.
Not solely does Darcy dominate within the ruck however his presence permits Luke Jackson to play predominantly in assault – a combination that has labored properly for the Dockers this season.
“Our team balances a lot better with Sean in,” Longmuir stated.
“It allows Jacko to play the role he was playing before Sean got injured.
“I do not sit there and rank the significance of our gamers, however we have undoubtedly missed him.
“The way he allows others to structure up, the way he allows others to play to their strengths, and the way he allows us to get a bit more proactive inside the stoppage when he’s getting his hands on (the ball is important).”
With Essendon lacking Sam Draper (hip), Darcy and Jackson have the prospect to dominate Andrew Phillips in Saturday evening’s ruck battle.
Fremantle have additionally been boosted by the return of goalsneak Michael Frederick (ankle).
The Dockers regarded each bit a premiership contender final month after stringing collectively 4 straight wins.
That stretch included a victory over the Swans on the SCG, beating Geelong in Perth, and a surprising triumph in opposition to Melbourne on the MCG.
But disappointing losses to Richmond and GWS instantly following the bye have dropped Fremantle to thirteenth spot with a 6-7 report, leaving their finals hopes in jeopardy.
In the wake of the humbling at GWS, Longmuir has bolstered the significance of his gamers sticking to their roles and dealing for the crew.
“That’s the main thing – a mindset change,” he stated.
“We need to make sure we get back to playing team footy, a connected brand, built on defence and contest, which wasn’t evident last week.
“When you are not having an impression in your personal function, you drift outdoors of it, possibly (go) chasing the footy.
“Sometimes when you value the wrong things in your game, when things aren’t working for you, you can just go insular.
“That’s what we did final week – we went insular.”
The Bombers (8-5) are on a four-match winning run, and will take a major step towards locking away a finals berth if they can beat the Dockers at Optus Stadium.
Essendon might be bolstered by the return of gun midfielder Darcy Parish (calf) and defender Jake Kelly.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
