We talked to some of Fremantle’s former heroes and the women’s captain to see how they feel about Saturday’s final – and how they believe Freo will win it.
Fremantle will go head-to-head with the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Saturday in their first finals appearance since 2015.
It’s been a long road to the finals for the Dockers, and their performance during the home-and-away season has many believing the team can go deep in September, with “Flagmantle” whispers rustling through the streets of the port city.
Ahead of Saturday’s must-win game, WAtoday speaks with past and present Fremantle figures to get their take on what the finals feeling will be like for the Dockers team – and what it will take to book a spot in the next round.
Matthew Pavlich
Matthew Pavlich.Credit:Getty
Where will you be watching? How do you feel about the Dockers making finals after several years missing out?
In the stands with Lauren and the kids – while also working with Fox Footy. I’m very excited for the fans and the whole club who have worked hard to get back into September action.
Is there a key match-up or player battle that you believe will be crucial?
The midfield battle will be crucial – the Bulldogs score very well from stoppages, ranked No1, with Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli and Josh Dunkley a huge threat to the Dockers, while the Alex Pearce and Aaron Naughton match-up will be great to watch.
How will Freo win this game?
Winning the midfield battle and then locking it in their forward half through their forward pressure and overall team defence.
Any words of wisdom for the team? What should they avoid?
Embrace the pressure, and the week, and start well! We are all right behind them.
If Freo win how will you celebrate?
Very subdued with the family!
Lee Spurr
Lee Spurr.Credit:Getty
Where will you be watching? How do you feel about the Dockers making finals after several years missing out?
I will be commentating the game with the 6PR team up in the ivory tower alongside my good friend Luke McPharlin. I’m nostalgic and proud of the team for how they have performed this year in big games that have paved the way, and I’ve enjoyed witnessing their confidence grow with each win – especially Geelong in Melbourne at the ’G.
As a former Docker I’m excited for the fans to get the reward of a home final and jealous the players get to run out in front of a 50,000-plus strong sea of purple riding every contest with them!
Is there a key match-up or player battle that you believe will be crucial?
For me one of the key match ups is Alex Pearce vs Aaron Naughton. Naughton is such an X-factor for the Dogs and gives them confidence to move the ball fast and long when he is wining the aerial contests.
Alex is such a great one-on-one player who has speed and strength. Can’t wait for their battle, it will be pivotal in deciding the outcome.
How will Freo win this game?
We need to start well; you don’t want to be chasing down sides in finals. Settle the nerves early and be clean with ball in hand.
Freo will need to be strong around the contest and match the likes of Bont, Treloar, Smith, Dunkley. If they can take away the Dogs’ key strengths of fast ball movement and midfielders hitting the score board with elite frontal pressure and chase from behind it will go a long way to securing the win.
On the Dockers side, the defence is such a weapon and if they really bring it to life and stifle the Dogs into stagnate play, it will provide an opportunity to turn it over, go quick and score quickly.
The Dogs’ defence has been an area that teams have exposed with quick movement to one on ones and space inside the forward 50 this year.
Any words of wisdom for the team? What should they avoid?
Best advice I could give is to enjoy the moment, it’s OK to be nervous, it’s normal. You have earned the right to feel that way through all the hard work and sacrifices this year.
Enjoy that feeling, it’s what you play for! When the balls is bounced, do the basics well – tackles, smothers, clean one-takes and stick to the plan.
If Freo win how will you celebrate?
Might have to look at some accommodation in Melbourne.
Shaun McManus
Shaun McManus.Credit:Getty
Where will you be watching? How do you feel about the Dockers making finals after several years missing out?
I’ll be watching the game live at Optus, I can’t wait to hear the roar of the crowd when the boys run out. The atmosphere I’m sure will be electric!
As a past player I’m so excited for the boys and the club – so much hard work goes into getting them into this position and I’m hoping it all pays off.
Is there a key match-up or player battle that you believe will be crucial?
Clearly the midfield battle will be essential to both sides – I believe the class and experience of David Mundy will be a factor. I also see the Fremantle forward line having a big impact on how the result turns out.
How will Freo win this game?
Fremantle can win this game with suffocating pressure all around the ground; particularly the forward line pressure – chasing, tackling, harassing the opposition into submission…
The game needs to be played in Freo’s forward half. Also, with pressure acts comes crowd involvement – when you have 60,000 fans on your side it’s daunting for the opposition.
Any words of wisdom for the team? What should they avoid?
The boys need to stay in the moment and at no stage become outcome driven. I’d also say lap up the experience – they can sometimes take a long time to come back around.
If Freo win how will you celebrate?
If the Dockers get up I’ll be celebrating with a few beers with some past players … then I’m off to a 21st where no doubt I’ll be coming in full of steam!
Hayley Miller
Hayley Miller.Credit:Getty Images
Where will you be watching? How do you feel about the Dockers making finals after several years missing out?
I’ll be watching live at Optus Stadium with basically the entire Freo AFLW team. It’s incredibly exciting for the club to be back in AFL finals and especially for those players who have endured extended periods of time in their careers not having the opportunity to play finals footy.
Is there a key match-up or player battle that you believe will be crucial?
I’m a sucker for a good midfield match-up, so the young guns. Andy Brayshaw and Bailey Smith will hopefully be a battle to keep an eye on.
How will Freo win this game?
I think Freo wins this game if they are able to play the free-flowing open style they have during their dominant performances this year.
Repeat sprint efforts to create scoring opportunities that often go unrewarded from the likes of Freddy (Michael Frederick) and Shoota (Lachie Schultz). Immense pressure and solid contest work around the ground. A few of Andy’s chase-down tackles and daring defensive run off half back by our youngsters in Chapman, Young and Walker will all go a long way to securing the win.
Any words of wisdom for the team? What should they avoid?
Good luck, play on instinct, trust your preparation and enjoy the moment. We’re only just getting started! The whole of the Freo AFLW program is behind you.
If Freo win how will you celebrate?
A feed and a good night’s sleep, ready to go for next weekend’s AFLW game and boys’ final!
