Dockers rule out early return for Barlow

[Ricochet]

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/afl/a/24809056/dockers-rule-out-early-barlow-afl-return/

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has ruled out the prospect of recalling injured midfielder Michael Barlow for Saturday's top-four showdown with Port Adelaide at Patersons Stadium.

The Dockers will enter the crunch clash without star midfielder Nat Fyfe (suspended) and defender Luke McPharlin (calf), while skipper Matthew Pavlich is in doubt with a tight quad.

Barlow isn't expected to return until the first week of the AFL finals after breaking his thumb against Hawthorn in round 21.

The 26-year-old is holding out hope of returning this week, but Lyon poured cold water on it.

"I wouldn't have thought so," Lyon said.

Pavlich, who was a late withdrawal from last week's 58-point win over the Lions, is yet to be given the green light to take on Port Adelaide.

"He's going to need to go through the week, tick his KPIs off and get through," Lyon told Perth radio station 6PR.

"But you'd have to say he's in some doubt based on the weekend."

[valkorum]

As long as they are all in good shape for the 1st week of finals - thats what I am hoping for.

[Ricochet]

As long as they are all in good shape for the 1st week of finals - thats what I am hoping for.

[Sydney_Rox]

Yeah, being fit for finals has to be the main priority. although if you finished 5th and played WC in a home final, you lose a lot of the advantage.... would still win

[Ricochet]

Yeah, being fit for finals has to be the main priority. although if you finished 5th and played WC in a home final, you lose a lot of the advantage.... would still win

lol yeh I'd be pretty confident. Although they are playing very good footy atm

Your right though, a top 4 finish is the aim.

[Sydney_Rox]

yeah, never though you would lose, but getting a home final vs say north or the bombers will make it easier in week two (or heaven forbid week 3)

[elephants]

Pfft, settle. If we play Freo in week 1 of finals WCE should be $1.10 favourites ;)

[Sydney_Rox]

Pfft, settle. If we play Freo in week 1 of finals WCE should be $1.10 favourites ;)

you worry your pretty little head about the gold coast first!

[Ricochet]

Pfft, settle. If we play Freo in week 1 of finals WCE should be $1.10 favourites to lose by more that 100000pts ;)

[elephants]

Pfft, settle. If we play Freo in week 1 of finals WCE should be $1.10 favourites ;)

you worry your pretty little head about the gold coast first!

Pretty? yes. Little? Nope. Its gotta lug around my enormous brain mate ;) Also, I did say 'if' :p

Pfft, settle. If we play Freo in week 1 of finals WCE should be $1.10 favourites to win the GF by more that 100000pts ;)

[j959]

Pfft, settle. If we play Freo in week 1 of finals WCE should be $1.10 favourites ;)

you worry your pretty little head about the gold coast first!

Pretty? yes. Little? Nope. Its gotta lug around my enormous brain mate ;) Also, I did say 'if' :p

[/quote]
already getting ahead of themselves, it's the West Coast way ... along with downhill skiing!  :o   ;)

bait!  ;)

[kilbluff1985]

i'm not getting overly excited just yet every chance he'll be a late out

[valkorum]

Barlow named for this weeks game against Port

[Sydney_Rox]

Ross playing games, both Pav and Barlow outs before game time.

No way you risk either a week out from finals.

[kilbluff1985]

Ross playing games, both Pav and Barlow outs before game time.

No way you risk either a week out from finals.

They are playing for a top 4 spot airnt they?