Dockers receive massive boost as key Power stars ruled out of clash
Justin Chadwick
Caleb Serong has described Fremantle as a special place as the Dockers approach their second wicket win in the club’s history.
The Dockers further cemented their status as title favorites last week after beating second-placed Sydney by 38 points with a goalless first half at a sold-out Optus Stadium.
The result put Fremantle (15-2) clear top with two wins ahead of the third with three and a half wins behind them; This means just three more wins from the remaining six games will guarantee the Dockers a place in the top two.
Fremantle’s only minor win came back in 2015 when they finished with a 17-5 record.
Fremantle are expected to surpass the 17-win mark with matches to be played against Port Adelaide (away), West Coast, Western Bulldogs (home), Melbourne (away), Adelaide (home) and Carlton (away).
The Dockers’ hopes of winning against Port Adelaide on Saturday got a big boost when Zak Butters (ankle), Mitch Georgiades (concussion), Jason Horne-Francis (suspended) and Jack Lukosius (knee) were ruled out of the game.
The ‘Flagmantle’ craze among Dockers fans is officially kicking into overdrive, with many fans already booking flights and accommodation for the grand final.
Sell-out crowds at Fremantle games are becoming commonplace and the Dockers recently reached the $4 million mark with money raised for charity Starlight Children’s Foundation.
It seems all is well at Fremantle and Serong is loving the team atmosphere.
“This is a great group of guys,” Serong said.
“It’s like we walk in and it doesn’t feel like work. You walk in and you’re just hanging out with some of your best friends, and when you talk about celebrating each other, that’s what I mean.
“It’s not 42 guys coming in and trying to get better. It’s 42 guys trying to pull together as a collective and congratulate each other on what they’ve done, firstly as people and then as footballers.
“We are very close as friends and this is a special place to be.”
This friendship and dedication is also reflected in the midfield group.
Serong and Andrew Brayshaw are known as workhorses and the pair are frequently targeted by opponents.
While this has seen the likes of Shai Bolton, Murphy Reid and Hayden Young punish outside teams, it has also led to the development of weaker stars like Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus.
“We all know our roles. Like, I can’t do what Murphy and the Bolts do, and potentially they can’t do what Andy and I can do on the other side of the ball,” Serong said.
“We know that, we embrace that, and we celebrate each other.
“We celebrate our teammates like it’s our success, and that’s what makes this group special. It’s a lot of fun.”
AAP
