AFL inspects SCG as decision day looms over Dockers game

17 hours ago

Confidence is growing that Sunday's game between Fremantle and Sydney will remain at the SCG after an AFL expert examined changes made to the playing surface on Tuesday.
Ground staff have been working since Friday to fix the issues that left Swans and Western Bulldogs players constantly falling over on Friday night. Work will continue throughout the week with a decision expected to be made on Friday as to whether the game will remain at the SCG or be moved.
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir addressed the issue with his players during a team meeting on Tuesday, telling them to focus on their preparation instead of concerning themselves with where the game will be played.
But vice-captain Andrew Brayshaw won't be taking any risks with his ability to stand up. Brayshaw will be packing multiple sets of boots and making a decision on which gives him the most traction during the warm up. Footwear will be vital if the Dockers play at the SCG. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The West Australian
'Obviously we're not allowed to wear metals but you can get some moulded screw ins to try to give yourself an advantage there. I just wear normal Nike boots but I do have a pair of screw ins that aren't metal. I'll definitely be bringing them,' Brayshaw explained.
'They're studs but a little bit longer than what they would usually be.
'I always travel with a couple of pairs. I'll definitely bring a pair of screw ins as well this weekend so I have a few options.'
'You've got to try to keep your feet as much as you can. There's a lot of footwork we do as midfielders particularly to try and stay on your toes because if you fall over you are no good to anyone.' Fremantle star Andrew Brayshaw. Credit: Daniel Carson / AFL Photos
Greater Western Sydney took to social media on Tuesday to cheekily invite the Swans to move the game to their home ground at ENGIE Stadium. They also suggested ENGIE Stadium as a venue for Fremantle's Captain's Run on Saturday given it is unlikely they'll get early access to the SCG even if the game is played there.
The Dockers have won their past two games at the SCG and also won at ENGIE Stadium during their clash against the Giants there in round 10.
Fremantle are in form having won six games in a row and have only produced seven-match winning streaks three times in club history. Brayshaw said they were excited about playing anywhere.
'JL did touch on no matter where we play, we are going to try and bring our brand of footy,' he said. Justin Longmuir chats at training. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The West Australian
'We've played well on the SCG in the last couple of times we've been there. So I don't mind where we play. JL said in the meeting that we'll play on the moon if we have to. We'll go out there and try to get a win.'

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EDITORIAL: Retiring Dom Sheed has his spot in AFL history secured

West Australian

12 hours ago

West Australian

EDITORIAL: Retiring Dom Sheed has his spot in AFL history secured

It's a good problem to have. But there's a touch of unfairness to the fact that retiring West Coast Eagle Dom Sheed will be remembered by fans primarily for a single kick. A spectacular one, certainly. One made with the weight of a premiership on his shoulders. But one he managed to make look easy, despite the tightness of the angle and the magnitude of the occasion. Sheed's drop punt from the boundary to secure the 2018 grand final for the Eagles — made with just two minutes left on the clock — is already part of AFL folklore. And Sheed one of the game's legends. Even if you're not a West Coast fan, you can likely replay the moment in your mind, so ubiquitous has it become. The cost of being part of such an iconic moment is that it tends to overshadow everything else; the years of hard graft that came before and after. As Sheed on Tuesday announced his retirement from the club he has represented since he was drafted as an 18-year-old kid from Kalgoorlie in 2013, that kick was at the front of his mind, as it was everyone else's. It says much about the man's character that he confessed he has mixed feelings about being at the centre of such an iconic moment. 'There's a level of guilt that comes with it,' Sheed said. 'When people talk about that game, they talk about that kick a lot. 'It takes a lot of people to be able to make a grand final, to be able to win one, and I was a beneficiary of what was, in my eyes, one of the greatest grand finals ever.' In a lot of other West Australians' eyes too. Has there been a single moment of greater sheer delirium in our State? 'It wasn't until after we won the grand final, (seeing) how much joy and happiness you can bring other people,' Sheed said. 'And that was really special for me, to actually bring happiness to others.' Unfortunately, Sheed's final seasons have been marred by injuries. He has only played 24 games of senior footy since 2022. 'My body hasn't been able to hold up. I felt like, mentally, I probably had more to give, but physically, absolutely not,' he said. 'I worked extremely hard to try and get back. And I've pondered this decision for a while, and it's definitely the right one.' So the now-30-year-old has called time on a career having spent more than a third of his life at the Eagles. He'll always be an Eagle, as a premiership player and a club life member. There can be few more deserving of the honour. He's been there through it all: the very highest of the highs, as well as some of the lower points of the club's history. As Sheed said on Monday, it's been a hell of a journey. Throughout his career, he has had two goals. 'I am a pretty simple bloke. I wanted to be someone who trained hard and was a good bloke'. Job done.

Nat Fyfe: Injured Fremantle Dockers veteran ‘disappointed' but not done with yet, says coach Justin Longmuir

West Australian

14 hours ago

West Australian

Nat Fyfe: Injured Fremantle Dockers veteran ‘disappointed' but not done with yet, says coach Justin Longmuir

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says he feels for a 'disappointed' Nat Fyfe, but maintains hope that the two-time Brownlow medallist can fix his injury issues in time for the business end of the season. Fyfe failed to take to the field in last weekend's win over St Kilda, with the Dockers substitute suffering what was later confirmed as a moderate-grade calf injury in the half-time warm-up. The club estimate the veteran's return date as two-to-four weeks. It marked the latest in a frustrating year for the 33-year-old, who had an interrupted pre-season due to knee surgery before being set back by a hamstring strain at WAFL level. 'He's disappointed,' Longmuir said of Fyfe on Seven. 'It wasn't ideal for anyone on the weekend. 'I feel for him and what he's gone through, being disrupted again by injury this year.' Longmuir said the latest injury blow would have no bearing on the future of the three-time Doig Medal winner, who is out of contract at season's end. 'We'll make those decisions later in the year,' Longmuir said. 'I'm really conscious of living in the moment. I really want to get Fyfey to rehab it as best he can and as quick as he can and get back to putting his hand up for selection again.' Fyfe is yet to play in a finals match since winning the first of his Brownlow Medals in 2015, with the former skipper desperate to return as the Dockers eye September action. Longmuir hailed the impact of his much-discussed ruck duo in the win over the Saints, with Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy pivotal in helping Freo overcome a 14-point deficit in the final term to help extend the club's winning streak to six. 'I thought Sean's ruck work returned to some of his better work, and his aerial (presence) around the ground was strong as well,' Longmuir said. 'They were both strong contributors.'

Fyfe ‘disappointed' but not done with yet, says coach

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