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Dockers hit AFL reset for Brisbane clash

3 minute read

Injury-hit Fremantle will be aiming to pull off a major upset when they take on Brisbane at the Gabba.

JUSTIN LONGMUIR
JUSTIN LONGMUIR Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has pushed the "reset" button in a bid to help his team cause a major boilover in the AFL clash with Brisbane at the Gabba.

The Dockers were given a major reality check in last week's 59-point defeat to West Coast, with the result snapping a three-game winning run.

Sunday's match against the Lions was originally scheduled for Perth, but the AFL moved it to Brisbane following Western Australia's recent COVID-19 scares.

Brisbane are full of confidence following three straight wins, which included last week's 49-point pounding of fellow premiership fancies Port Adelaide.

Fremantle are still licking their wounds following their derby thumping, with the loss compounded by fresh injuries to Heath Chapman (shoulder), Ethan Hughes (fractured shoulder), Sam Sturt (knee), and Bailey Banfield (ankle syndesmosis).

Chapman and Sturt will miss the rest of the season, while Hughes and Banfield are set for lengthy stints on the sidelines.

The quartet join a long injury list that also includes Joel Hamling, Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan, Adam Cerra, Hayden Young, and Stephen Hill to name a few.

Fremantle were thumped in clearances, contested possessions and inside-50s against West Coast, conceding 20 goals for the match.

Longmuir has brought his team back to basics this week.

"We need to reset rather than work on anything (new)," Longmuir said.

"The fundamentals of our game broke down last week, especially the basics (like) ground ball and skill execution.

"We've put plenty of work into that this week and we'll be ready for Brisbane."

Fremantle recalled Liam Henry, while last week's sub Taylin Duman has been named in the 22.

Brisbane welcome back Darcy Gardiner from concussion, with last week's debutant James Madden omitted.

Lions recruit Joe Daniher will be licking his lips at the prospect of taking on a Fremantle defence missing Hamling, Pearce, Ryan, Hughes, Hill, Young, and Chapman.

Daniher booted two goals and took seven marks from 17 disposals last week, with the former Bomber playing a key role in Brisbane's recent hot form.

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