Clearance battle looms

[Ricochet]

Really looking forward to this game


http://www.fremantlefc.com.au/news/2015-05-30/clearance-battle-looms

Fremantle's dominant midfield group needs to be on guard this week against the No.1 clearance team in the competition in Adelaide, Dockers coach Ross Lyon says.

Freo are rollicking along at 8-0, two games clear on top of the ladder, and travel to Adelaide Oval with an unchanged line-up this week.

Fremantle's diverse midfield, led by the big bodies of Nat Fyfe, David Mundy and Michael Barlow and complemented by the run and carry of Stephen Hill, Lachie Neale, Nick Suban and Danyle Pearce, has torn opponents to shreds this season.

But Lyon is wary of the Crows, who are equal first in the AFL for total clearances this season, third for centre bounce clearances and third for inside 50s.

Fremantle is ranked ninth for total clearances, eighth for centre clearances and ninth for inside 50s but the Dockers have the AFL's best defence.

Lyon said on Thursday the major threat of Adelaide's clearance work came from their first-choice players in the centre square.

"Primarily it's about inside," Lyon said. "(Patrick) Dangerfield, (Scott) Thompson, (Sam) Jacobs, Eddie Betts, and those guys get through. They're very good.

"Our guys weren't at their best last week, so they've got a big challenge within the game. If you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best, so we'll accept that challenge."

[Kellogscrunchynut]

Sounds like a tasty contest.