Fremantle v Gold Coast Preview

Posted on March 31, 2016June 7, 2018 | Posted by Digby Beacham

Fremantle v Gold Coast

Saturday, 4.40pm Domain Stadium

The blowtorch has been turned on and while it has not been applied to Fremantle coach Ross Lyon and his players, it is heading in that direction. How the Dockers respond against Gold Coast at home in this match will determine whether the heat is really turned up or the flame is minimised somewhat. Fremantle’s attacking intent, ball movement and efficiency were at a standard befitting a bottom-four side, not one that claimed the minor premiership last season.

Gold Coast know what it is like to be a straggler and they relished the opportunity to beat up on Essendon last weekend. So much so, that they flirted with their form in the final term, much to the chagrin of coach Rodney Eade. Skipper Gary Ablett was awesome and Matt Rosa slotted in like the experienced pro that he is. Both, along with Eade, will stress to the youthful Suns of the need to hold their ground early against Fremantle, who are renowned for dominating an opponent early and then taking the air out of the match.

Lyon often talks about the need to find extra goals a game, yet he hasn’t been able to discover them on a consistent basis and that is a chief reason why the Dockers keep coming up short when it matters most. The Suns aren’t likely to participate in finals this season, but the Dockers must allay growing concerns and show they have the capability to kick a sizeable total.

VERDICT: Fremantle by 38 points.

View Digby’s full Round 2 Preview

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