Fremantle utility Matt de Boer is feeling nervous ahead of the biggest AFL game of his life, but he says it’s nothing to worry about.
The Dockers will reach this year’s grand final if they can beat Sydney at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night.
De Boer has played finals football in three of the past four years, but none have been as big as a preliminary final.
The 23-year-old said he was excited and nervous heading into this weekend’s clash.
“I think nerves are healthy – a healthy amount of nerves is fine,” de Boer said.
“Our routine is down pact, so it’s just going to be another game in that sense.
“We haven’t had to re-invent the wheel.
“We have just been focusing on what we do well, and that’s prepare for each week, both mentally and physically.”
The Dockers are refreshed after a week off, and will start as hot favourites against Sydney, who have lost a host of key players due to injury.
Fremantle also have the benefit of home-ground advantage, but de Boer said the Dockers wouldn’t be fooled into complacency.
“You cant write Sydney off – you do that at your own peril,” de Boer said of the defending premiers.
“We will have a strong focus on ourselves and how we go about the game. And once again, it will be all about our effort.”
Fremantle are set to recall All-Australian defender Michael Johnson from a calf injury.
Sydney will welcome back Ben McGlynn from his own calf issue, but Kurt Tippett (knee) and Tom Mitchell (ankle) have been ruled out.