Freo coach warns Heath Black to behave - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Freo coach warns Heath Black to behave

By Justin Chadwick 11/06/2008 04:29:14 PM Comments (0)

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey has issued a warning to dashing defender Heath Black - keep out of trouble or find yourself on the AFL selection scrapheap.

Black's stop-start 2008 campaign received another massive blow on Monday night when he accepted a two-match suspension for striking Brisbane's Troy Selwood behind the play last Sunday.

Harvey said Black, who has already missed five games this season through injury and lack of match fitness, needed to change his ways.

"I've spoken to him about the way he produces himself ... when he finds himself in that situation and what he does," Harvey said.

"He reacts too strongly and he's got to curtail that, so it won't be tolerated from a selection process anymore.

"It's a little bit of him being able to work out how to stop the reaction, stop getting sucked in."

With Josh Carr also copping the wrath of the AFL Tribunal this season, Harvey said it was important for older players to realise the game was being scrutinised more than ever.

"Sometimes these older players are still in the habits of what they would have gotten away with five or six years ago," he said.

Black's absence for Saturday's clash with North Melbourne at Subiaco Oval will be offset by the return of fellow defender Roger Hayden.

Hayden has not played since puncturing his lung in round eight against the Bulldogs but Harvey declared the 27-year-old a certain starter.

Harvey rated Steven Dodd (calf) as a 50-50 chance, while he said forwards Ryan Murphy, Adam Campbell and youngster Marcus Drum were all in line for a senior recall.

Harvey also threw his support behind besieged veteran Shaun McManus as pressure continues to mount on the 32-year-old to retire.

"Obviously he had an ordinary game on the weekend," he said.

"But in all our measurements his competitiveness has been what we've asked (of this season).

"He's been a fabulous player for this footy club and he deserves to make his own decision (about when to retire)."

Harvey said McManus, who is battling a niggling knee injury, may be given the week off to recuperate.

With the Dockers languishing in 15th spot on the ladder following eight consecutive losses, Harvey, who turned 43 on Wednesday, had only one birthday wish: "Just a win on Saturday would be nice," he said.

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