The last time Fremantle returned home with wounds from a visit to Adelaide, Ross Lyon executed a monster selection shake up making six changes to his side.
The Dockers mastermind cherry picked his youth from Peel Thunder’s ranks and in turn sent a number of experienced players to the WAFL affiliate.
Now, after suffering the first three-figure defeat of his coaching career at the hands of Adelaide last weekend, Lyon appears poised for more changes.
“I don’t think anyone will put their head on the pillow and think they are safe,” Lyon said of his 22 that took on the Crows.
“It’s a performance business and that’s what we sign up for. We will be assessed and need to reward people who have been underneath and pushing away.”
Those players “pushing away underneath” have been stellar in helping Peel turn a four-game losing skid around into a three-game win streak.
Lyon singled out defender Luke Ryan (who travelled with the team to Adelaide as an emergency), ruckman Sean Darcy and midfielder Tommy Sheridan as potential suitors for spots in the Dockers’ team.
Ryan especially has been in outstanding form for the Thunder.
The rebounding defender had an injury-interrupted start to 2017, but has played the last four games averaging a shade under 24 disposals and six marks per game.
Darcy has also been banging down the door of the Fremantle selection committee for some time.
He sits third in the WAFL in total hit outs and has shown a knack for scoring with six goals over the past two matches, including a four-goal haul in a win over Swan Districts.
His disposal numbers have also taken a small rise in the past fortnight.
Sam Collins, Nick Suban, and Griffin Logue could also come into the minds of the Fremantle selectors, while Ed Langdon and Aaron Sandilands must return to the side after missing the Adelaide game with injuries.
In turn, this means Peel Thunder could stand to benefit from a number of experienced AFL players donning teal jerseys.
Danyle Pearce has been underwhelming in his return to the top level after a month away from footy, and could pick up some much needed confidence in the WAFL.
Cam Sutcliffe was under siege down back against a dominant Crows outfit, and is another who might relish in a stint in at Peel.
Fremantle’s next game will be at home on Sunday, meaning their selection plans won’t be confirmed until Friday afternoon.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
