FREMANTLE has chosen not to tinker with the side that defeated Sydney last Saturday night, naming an unchanged line up for the Grand Final.
It means Luke McPharlin, Chris Mayne and Michael Johnson have all been named despite carrying calf and back injuries respectively.
The trio trained away from the main group on Thursday but appear likely to play in Saturday’s decider.
McPharlin has played just two games since missing with the injury but appeared hampered somewhat last Saturday night, while Johnson received treatment on his calf during the third quarter of the preliminary final.
It was speculated he would be subbed out, but returned to the field and played out the game. He did appear to be in some discomfort.
Mayne has carried a back injury for the last few weeks but has been managed by the club.
All three are important players for the Dockers but McPharlin in particular poses as a crucial key to the puzzle, with a likely match-up on Lance Franklin looming.
Johnson on the other hand provides much flexibility to Fremantle, with his athletic ability one of his biggest strengths. At 195cm, the All Australian defender can take marks and be just as effective at ground level and with his rebound ability.
Mayne has kicked 36 goals this season – ranked second at his club but it is more the pressure he applies that is valuable to Fremantle’s game plan.
He is ranked fourth at the club for tackles and averages 4.6 per game. He is also a dead-eye set shot for goal having kicked 36.12 this year.
He too is versatile, with is ability in the air and on the ground his strengths.
Fremantle Grand Final team
FB: Johnson Dawson Duffield
HB: Spurr McPharlin Pearce
C: Mundy Crowley Mzungu
HF: Sutcliffe Mayne Fyfe
FF: Clarke Pavlich Walters
R: Sandilands de Boer S. Hill
I/C: Neale Ballantyne Suban Barlow
No change
