Fremantle vice-captain Andrew Brayshaw has declared a finals miss gained’t mark a failed season because the Dockers look to show their kind round.
The Dockers have misplaced 4 of their 5 matches because the mid-season bye to drop to a 7-9 file and 14th on the ladder, resigning them to merely an outdoor hope of enjoying finals.
It’s a stark distinction to this time final season, after they sat third on the desk forward of their return to September motion for the primary time in six seasons.
There was loads of optimism round what the Dockers might obtain in 2023, however this has dissipated as they put together for the hardest process in soccer – enjoying a rampaging Collingwood on the MCG on Saturday.
Brayshaw stated development and never a return to finals could be their pass-fail marker for the season.
“I don’t see finals as a pass or fail mark,” Brayshaw stated.
“Consistency would be the main goal. If we play consistent footy and for whatever reason, still don’t make finals, I still think that’s a step forward for this group.”
Asked if the Dockers might nonetheless make the highest eight by the top of the season, Brayshaw stated: “Our first goal is to play consistent footy. “
“We’ve shown that when we play four quarters of our brand we’re really, really good and the last couple of weeks we haven’t.
“We’ve had patches of good footy but haven’t been able to play four quarters.
“There’s no doubt that we’re still in the calculations of playing finals and that is still the goal at the end of the day.”
The Dockes will tackle the Magpies with out vice-captain Caleb Serong (suspension) in addition to defensive duo Brennan Cox and Hayden Young on account of ankle accidents.
Adding to their woes is attempting to cease Brownlow favorite Nick Daicos, who’s averaging 33 disposals this season.
Brayshaw stated he wasn’t positive if the Dockers would tag the 19-year-old and admitted he’d like to take him on if given the prospect.
“We’ll be doing a lot to try and nullify them but I think our main focus would be on us putting our best foot in and what we can do to do that,” Brayshaw stated.
“He’s able to play really well in the midfield and then if it’s not working there he can go back to halfback and have an impact there.
“It’s the coach’s decision at the end of the day, if that’s something that they wanted for me, I’d love the challenge because he’s playing really well.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
