Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says his team’s underdog status will mean nothing when they confront Hawthorn in next Saturday’s AFL grand final at the MCG.
The Dockers produced a brutally efficient first half to defeat Sydney by 25 points in Saturday night’s preliminary final at Patersons Stadium.
Hawthorn won through to the decider after pipping Geelong by five points on Friday night.
The Hawks have carried premiership favouritism all year, and they’ll start as warm favourites against Fremantle in the decider.
Lyon said Hawthorn, who have only lost three times this season, deserved that tag.
But he said it would count for little once the game gets underway.
“There will be no doubt we will be underdogs,” Lyon said after the 14.15 (99) to 11.8 (74) triumph over Sydney.
“We have to travel.
“They have clearly been the best home and away team for the year, on wins and losses.
“But it’s not about the best home and away team, it’s about the best finals team.
“And we have had two significant performances, in particular against Geelong (in the qualifying final).
“That was really significant cracking it open to create an opportunity, not unlike Sydney did in Adelaide the year before.
“So we go over knowing our best can challenge anyone.”
Lyon is confident All-Australian defenders Michael Johnson (calf) and Luke McPharlin (adductor) will be fit.
The star duo received treatment during the win over Sydney, but Lyon thinks it was only precautionary.
Hawthorn will be without Brendan Whitecross (knee), but star forward Lance Franklin (elbow) and Brent Guerra (shoulder/thigh) are expected to be fit.