Fremantle’s best forward line is unlikely to meet this week with a potential Sam Switkowski return dampened by Matt Taberner’s fresh injury concern.
Neither took part in the Dockers’ light recovery session on Monday but Switkowski is expected to come under selection consideration for Saturday’s western derby after recovering from back stress fractures.
Lachie Schultz said it would be a relief to welcome his fellow pressure forward back into the line-up.
But Fremantle are feeling for Taberner after his return to form in the win over the Western Bulldogs was cut short by a calf injury.
“He was a bit emotional but it’s all part of it and we back him to get back to 100 per cent really quickly,” Schultz said.
“He plays a massive part in our forward line and structure up there. To lose him hurt but we think we’ve got good depth and whoever comes in will fill that role.”
Switkowski hasn’t featured since Fremantle’s round 13 clash against Hawthorn, the Dockers manic pressure, points for and scores per inside 50 declining in his absence.
And while Schultz believes the Dockers were able to recapture that side of their game against the Bulldogs, Switkowski’s return is set to ease his workload.
“I feel relieved. I like to base my game on pressure as well so when there’s someone else of Switta’s caliber doing it, it makes it a lot easier for me,” Schultz said.
“We love what Switta brings to the team and forward line especially. It’s hard to compare anyone to his pressure on him so he’s a massive inclusion. Everyone else plays stronger and better.”
Fremantle also benefited from a mindset shift against the Bulldogs, choosing to play with more freedom instead of worrying about any final implications.
The club is now locked into the top eight with two rounds to come but, importantly, Schultz believes the Dockers have rediscovered their best football at the right time.
“It was like we were protecting ourselves a little bit and what we’ve built this year,” he said.
“We had a big mindset to play more freely, really attack the game and play a more exciting brand of footy and put a score on the board. The past few weeks we haven’t been able to put up a big score which was probably due to our ball movement.
“Our confidence will grow from the weekend. A few boys were a bit down on confidence and a little bit of belief in their own abilities after the past month. To turn it around on the weekend will reverse that thinking.”
Schultz added it was a “big relief” retired Eagle Josh Kennedy won’t make one last derby appearance after kicking eight goals against Adelaide.
“Knowing that he’s not going to be out there next week, I was sitting there thinking ‘thank god for that,’” he said.
“We’re going through all of those emotions this week with Dave (Mundy).
“I’m sure they’ll like to put a sour taste on our season and try and disrupt it. It’s a big game. We’ll treat it like any other week on the track.”
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