Jordan Clark says Fremantle aren’t reading too much into the bigger picture heading into this weekend’s must-win clash against the Western Bulldogs.
Fremantle has slipped out of the top eight after losing the last three games, including last Saturday’s massive upset loss against West Coast.
On Saturday, Fremantle will look to bounce back from the past few disappointing weeks and jostle with the Bulldogs to re-enter the top eight, with both sides sitting 3-3.
Speaking ahead of the annual Len Hall Tribute game, Clark says ladder position isn’t the focus.
“We don’t read into a ladder position or anything like that. I think every week the games are very important, you just want to win,” he told Sports Breakfast.
“Without stating the obvious that we’re both neck and neck at the moment and want to play finals, I think every team has that aspiration in the AFL.
“I think we just got to try and win and however, we can get a win, I think that’ll be the most important thing this weekend.“
The Dockers have made four changes from the Derby lineup, with Sam Sturt, Neil Erasmus and Ethan Hughes omitted, while sharpshooter forward Jye Amiss has been sidelined under concussion protocol.
Two debutants – Cooper Simpson and Patrick Voss, have come into the side and will look to improve Freo on the scoring front.
Simpson was picked up with pick 35 in last year’s draft, while Voss was signed on during the pre-season supplemental selection period.
“He’s (Simpson) a little player that is very smart, very silky with the ball in hand, very good finisher and hits the scoreboard,” said Clark.
“Look for a bit of class if he gets his hands on the ball and around goals that he’ll probably poke him through.
“Big Vossy, he’s an absolute beast, he’s as strong as an ox, he’s the strongest player on our list and he’s 20 years old.
“I think it’s his physical presence and his ability to assert himself on the contest. He throws his weight around a bit, he’s not frightened of anything.
“Hopefully they can both get their hands on it and kick a few goals for us.”
Fremantle will also be bolstered by the return of defender Heath Chapman, who delivered a stunning performance for Peel last weekend in the WAFL, with 26 touches, eight marks and a goal.
Since being drafted in 2020, Chapman has only played 26 games and had a horror run with injury keeping him sidelined.
During an intraclub in February, Chapman suffered a hamstring strain and has since undergone rehabilitation in Qatar to resolve it.
Clark says he looks forward to running out with Chapman again on Saturday.
“He’s the heart and soul of the club, everyone loves him. There’s not a bad word to say about the poor kid,” he said.
“The weekend will be a special time, not only for him and his family but enough for the whole club to see him back out there running around. He puts so much work into his body and to see him suffer continuous injuries and setbacks is pretty heartbreaking to see.
“We can’t wait to have him back because he’s an out-and-out gun and he definitely makes us better when he’s playing.”
IMAGE: Freo Dockers