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Fremantle to make changes for derby

Greg Buckle 08/05/2011 02:22:25 PM Comments (0)

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey is challenging his younger AFL players to show more mental strength on the road.

The Dockers are without a victory in their past eight trips to the MCG after Richmond's 23.10 (148) to 14.15 (99) win in Saturday's round-seven clash.

Leading by two points at half-time, the Dockers lacked run after the main break, turning the ball over up forward and watching the pacy Tigers power their way to a 14-goal second half.

Fremantle lacked the discipline and skill of their 4-1 start to the season before having the bye last weekend.

"We must have had memory loss during the break, that's all I know," Harvey said.

"I would say that we're getting carried by too few at the moment.

"I made a big point of making sure that we share the load in that area. Unfortunately we're not.

"We couldn't control the ball enough when we had it either."

Richmond won the uncontested possessions 252 to 144.

"When you give them the uncontested possession too easily, structure goes out the window," Harvey sighed.

The coach singled out on-ballers David Mundy and Matthew Pavlich (33 possessions), ruckman Aaron Sandilands and four-goal forward Kepler Bradley for praise.

"Apart from that, we had either a couple of cameos or guys who are getting caught," Harvey said.

"I reckon the real test for our younger players is their ability to be able to play well on the road, both physically and mentally, and what they do when they get it."

Harvey said Ryan Crowley and Jack Anthony would come under consideration for promotion for next Sunday's derby against West Coast, while it was too early to make a call on the fitness of livewire small forward Hayden Ballantyne.

"Ballantyne's sore behind his knee. We haven't got an exact diagnosis yet," Harvey said.

"I don't think it's a hamstring. He seems to think he's okay.

"I'd say we'll be making some changes. Players have to understand that's not acceptable.

"Physically we were in the game until halftime. But once again I think it's too few.

"I could blame a lot of things. Young players have to understand the brutal part of the game better."

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