Coming off a win against Essendon last Saturday, lions.com.au narrows down Fremantle’s top five to watch against the Lions.
Michael Walters
When Michael Walters is on song, he is as damaging as any small forward in the competition.
As Fremantle’s leading goal kicker in 2015, Walters has kicked a combined seven goals in his last two matches against the Brisbane Lions.
The 25-year-old has averaged almost 19 disposals and two goals a game in 2016 despite splitting his time between attack and the midfield.
He amassed 23 disposals and three goals against Essendon last weekend and poses a difficult match-up for the Lions’ defence on Saturday.
Lachie Neale
Fremantle’s season may not have gone to plan, but midfielder Lachie Neale’s star is on the rise.
The 24-year-old is averaging 34.2 disposals per game, placing him at number one for total disposals of all players in the competition.
The South Australian bided time in the WAFL playing for Swan Districts and then Peel Thunder before becoming a regular in Fremantle’s side in 2013.
In 2016 he is equal second for contested ball, top five for clearances and top 10 for uncontested possession.
Neale will be one to watch and stop on Saturday.
David Mundy
Fremantle skipper David Mundy returned from a calf-injury to gather 33 disposals against the Bombers last weekend.
Mundy was involved in plenty of scoring plays with three score assists, seven inside 50s and three rebound 50s.
Mundy has a good track record against the Lions in recent meetings. He collected 30 disposals in wet conditions the last time Brisbane met with Fremantle in Round 14, 2015.
Michael Barlow
Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow was back to his brilliant best against the Bombers, limiting Essendon midfielder David Zaharakis to just 11 disposals in a run-with negating role on the ball winner.
The 28-year-old was dropped to the WAFL where he dominated with 44 disposals, 13 tackles, seven inside 50s and three goals in torrential conditions playing for Fremantle’s affiliate, Peel Thunder.
His past fortnight has been superb he collected 26 disposals, six tackles and one goal in a best of field performance against the Bombers.
Hayden Crozier
Hayden Crozier has found himself in the purple patch of his career in recent weeks.
Playing 42 games over five seasons, the Victorian struggled to find a permanent spot in Fremantle’s 22. Crozier has played 37 games in the WAFL (East Perth and Peel Thunder) over the same period but has shown the form and consistency in 2016 to lock down a role in Fremantle’s side.
Often used as a crumbing forward, Ross Lyon and his coaching staff have experimented with Crozier across the half back line in 2016.
Against Essendon, Crozier finished with 23 disposals. His raking left foot provided a catalyst for attacking plays from deep in defence. The 22-year-old had five rebound 50s against the Bombers - the most of any player on the field and finished with 14 marks.
More on lions.com.au:
