Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has praised the selflessness of David Mundy, saying the star midfielder has been more than willing to sacrifice his own game for the good of the team.
The Dockers’ big man stocks have been decimated this year, with their attack particularly ravaged.
Forward trio Jesse Hogan (foot), Matt Taberner (foot) and Rory Lobb (shoulder) are all nursing season-ending injuries, while Brennan Cox (hip) is still sidelined.
In last week’s shock 34-point AFL win over Geelong, Fremantle fielded perhaps the least intimidating forward line ever seen in the club’s history.
Mundy started in the goalsquare, with ruckman Sean Darcy, Lachie Schultz, Sam Switkowski, Bailey Banfield, and Mitch Crowden joining him inside the attacking 50m arc.
By halftime, Mundy had just one possession to his name, raising questions about whether he should be moved to his preferred position in the midfield.
But the 34-year-old’s class shone through when the game was on the line in the second half, and he finished with two goals from eight disposals playing as a forward.
“He sacrificed his desire to be in the midfield for the greater good of the team and the club, and that’s what great people do for you,” Lyon said.
“He was critical with his leadership.
“When you’ve been a midfielder, you always want to run around and get touches. It’s easier to get a kick. David was leading and working really hard, but the ball hadn’t really come his way.
“We did discuss it in the box, ‘Look he’s up our sleeve in the midfield, do we work him in?’
“And (assistant coach) Anthony Rock was super, he said, ‘No, the midfield’s going well, let’s keep him forward’. He kept working hard and duly delivered.”
Mundy is in line to lead Fremantle’s forward line again in Sunday’s crunch clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
The Dockers (9-10) need to win that match to keep their finals hopes alive.