In a press conference before training tonight Sheedy cited Fremantle’s performance against St Kilda recently as reason enough for the Bomber’s to be switched on this weekend.
“In their game against St. Kilda, they were only down by a few goals and had some easy misses,” Sheedy said. “But Fremantle could have won it.”
“Fremantle have played many good quarters of football, and have lost games by a few goals, for a developing side they have had some very good form. We have played some fantastic football in the past when we were a developing side even if we didn’t always win.”
And Sheedy made it clear that the players had been briefed in anticipation of what tipsters are claiming may be a record blow out. “We have spoken to the players about it, and we will be having some match practice here today to make sure everybody is switched on,” he said.
Discussion around Windy Hill also centred around just which stars will return from injury. Damien Hardwick looks certain and two others will also regain their senior positions. However, Sheedy pointed out nobody guaranteed a place.
“All these boys out here are fighting for their spot in the senior side… players must be fit, we saw Hawthorn almost go down to a very fit Kangaroos side (after they had returning injured players),” Sheedy said.
Steve Alessio’s return is imminent while Dean Wallis still has a question mark over his fitness. “Steve will probably return next week in the VFL and Dean is still in doubt with that hamstring which is more back related,” Sheedy said.
There has much speculation that Damien Peverill could remain on the senior list should Dean Wallis succumb to a hamstring injury. “We’re still unsure about that, we’ll just have to wait and see,” Sheedy said.
On a lighter note, when discussion turned to the fact that the TAB would be taking bets on whether star forward Matthew Lloyd might kick more goals than Fremantle, Sheedy’s response was swift. “I’ll fix the TAB and start Matthew at centre half back,” he laughed. We look forward to the result!
