It’s the stuff of Hollywood – milestone man Matthew Pavlich lining up alongside luckless teammate Anthony Morabito in a night of celebration for Fremantle.
But whether that fairytale eventuates in real life remains to be seen as coach Ross Lyon weighs up his options for Saturday night’s crunch AFL clash with Geelong at Patersons Stadium.
Dockers fans will go into overdrive this week as they celebrate Pavlich’s impending 300-game milestone.
Pavlich has been at the Dockers through thick and thin over the past 15 years, and he’ll become the first WA-based player to reach the magical 300-game mark.
But the occasion will be made even more special if Morabito is named to make a dream AFL return.
Morabito hasn’t played for the Dockers since his breakout rookie campaign in 2010, with three subsequent knee reconstructions threatening to prematurely end his career.
However, the 22-year-old is now on the verge of a recall after a string of impressive displays in the WAFL.
Morabito has averaged 22 possessions and booted five goals in six appearances for Peel Thunder this season and the 189cm wingman is now a chance to wear the substitute’s green vest against Geelong.
Goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne is in doubt for the match as he awaits scans on his injured jaw, but defenders Luke McPharlin (quad) and Zac Dawson (ankle) are strong chances to return.
Midfielder Stephen Hill is another player who’ll have to prove his fitness this week after injuring his knee in Saturday’s 18-point loss to Port Adelaide.
Morabito has become one of the most popular figures at Fremantle in recent years.
The maturity he has displayed while dealing with his numerous setbacks has earned him high praise from his teammates, while fans have been quick to pass on their well wishes at each obstacle he’s faced.
Morabito, the No.4 pick from the 2009 national draft, emerged as a star in the making in 2010.
His explosive runs along the wing and booming goals on the run became his trademark. A long and illustrious career seemed a formality.
Fans have been patiently waiting for his AFL return, and they’re hoping the wait will be over come Saturday night.
