Pavlich not worried by heavy loss - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Pavlich not worried by heavy loss

Justin Chadwick 09/05/2011 06:37:42 PM Comments (0)

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich has urged the club's fans not to "jump at shadows" following Saturday's AFL loss to Richmond, claiming the heavy defeat was a mere aberration.

Fremantle (4-2) slid to sixth on the table following the 49-point defeat to the Tigers but Pavlich said the club remained on track for a bright season and would bounce back in Sunday's western derby against arch rivals West Coast.

"Let's not jump at shadows here, we're going OK," Pavlich said on Monday.

"The weekend, we think, is an aberration.

"We need to get back on the horse straight away and there's no better way than playing a derby.

"We understand that it's going to be probably the hardest game of the year that we've played to date, West Coast in their home derby.

"We just need to get back to playing the brand of football that we've been renowned for the past 30 weeks.

"It's vital that we get back on that horse and play the brand we're known for.

"We'll be desperately training hard this week to get that right."

Forward Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) is in some doubt to take on the Eagles, but midfielder Nat Fyfe (shoulder) and forward Kepler Bradley (shin) are expected to play.

Pavlich said former Collingwood forward Jack Anthony, who has been in solid form in the WAFL, would be worthy of selection if given the chance against the Eagles.

"It wouldn't be a risk at all (to select him). Jack's been tremendous in the WAFL," Pavlich said.

"He's been first class since he arrived at the football club in terms of his work ethic and his desire.

"We're confident that if he does get picked he'll fill a role really well."

Fremantle kicked a wayward 14.15 against the Tigers and Pavlich conceded the club's inaccuracy in front of goal needed to be addressed.

"The accuracy (this year) has been an issue," Pavlich said.

"A lot of teams would measure how many forward 50 tackles they get, how much time is spent percentage wise intheir forward half as compared to the opposition.

"You might sacrifice the efficiency and/or the accuracy to ensure that the ball stays inside your half of the ground so you're more chance to score.

"We're certainly getting a lot of supply down there, but it's about being as efficient as we were last year."

And with a handful of key players still out injured, Pavlich said the club's younger brigade needed to consistently stand tall.

"We need to spread the load a lot better," Pavlich said.

"By virtue of the fact that we've got six or seven of our best 18 out we need them standing up week-in, week-out."

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