Lyon has dispelled suggestions that Fremantle will have a big advantage in midfield during Saturday’s Derby.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has brushed off suggestions that West Coast’s midfield is too ‘small and slow’.
Lyon gave a typically straight-forward answer when asked if the Dockers had an advantage in the midfield due to the perceived small statured and slow-moving Eagles midfield.
“(Nic) Natainui and (Dean) Cox don’t look too small,” he said.
“(Matt) Priddis is about 6’3, (Matt) Rosa is about 6’2, (Andrew) Gaff has got a lot of run and (Sharrod) Wellingham is 6’0.
“A lot of stereotypes and opinions get thrown around. Bar a couple of fade-outs late, they’d be two or three wins better off.
“We understand we’re playing a formidable opposition.”
Lyon said that form didn’t matter in the derby, and the fact that it was an Eagles home game would make it more difficult for the Dockers.
“Both teams, it’s their home ground, it’s a Derby,” he said.
“The whole state is involved. Everyone’s looking.
“For our members and supporters, we want to play with a bit of passion on the weekend and try and bank another four points.
“But it will be two hours of incredible hard work and it’s going to be a real challenge for us.”
On an injury front, Lyon says ruckman Zac Clarke will need to pass a late fitness test to play, however defender Luke McPharlin has been ruled out.
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