Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe will have a chance to get a valuable edge over Carlton’s Patrick Cripps in the Brownlow medal race during Sunday’s AFL clash at Optus Stadium.
Fans have been robbed of what would have been an epic showdown between Fyfe and Cripps after the Carlton skipper had been forced to pull out with a foot injury.
Fyfe and Cripps are rated among the favourites to win this year’s Brownlow medal, along with Geelong’s Tim Kelly and Brisbane’s Lachie Neale.
Cripps has averaged 27.5 possessions and 8.3 clearances per game this season, and his absence is a huge blow to Carlton’s hopes of causing a boilover.
The 24-year-old might miss up to two weeks with the injury, giving Fyfe a great chance to boost his own Brownlow hopes.
The Blues have also lost forward Harry McKay (groin) and speedster David Cuningham (knee soreness).
Fyfe has averaged 30 disposals and eight clearances per game this season, with his standout form helping Fremantle to build a 7-6 record.
The Dockers’ finals hopes have been dented by last week’s 14-point loss to Melbourne, and they can’t afford to lose to the lowly Blues.
Out-of-favour Fremantle forward Cam McCarthy has been recalled to replace Jesse Hogan (foot), while Adam Cerra and Bailey Banfield also come into the side.
Stephen Hill (hamstring) and Taylin Duman (axed) go out.
The Blues welcome back Liam Jones for his first game since the star defender’s concussion in the round-seven loss to North Melbourne.
Matthew Kennedy and Jack Silvagni also return.
Carlton led Fremantle by 13 points at halftime in last year’s clash at Optus Stadium, before the Dockers tore the game apart with a seven-goals-to-nil third term.
The Blues have performed well under caretaker coach David Teague, but Sunday’s clash without Cripps and leading goalkicker McKay will be a huge test of their mettle.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has been impressed by what he’s seen in recent weeks from Carlton.
“The obvious thing is they’re moving the ball a bit quicker,” Lyon said.
“They’re flowing, they’re probably taking a few more risks and their midfield has been really strong.
“They’re playing with a real spirit and determination.”
