Fremantle coach and master tactician Ross Lyon has ruled out tagging dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett when his Dockers face the SUNS on Saturday at Domain Stadium.
In years gone by, Ryan Crowley was typically given the job on the Gold Coast captain whenever the two sides met. But given the proven tagger hasn’t played in purple since 2014, it’s a tactic Lyon has since shifted away from and the veteran coach expects a collective effort from his group in order to defeat the SUNS.
“We haven’t tagged for a while, but we’ve had people be accountable,” Lyon said.
“It’s been proven in numerous teams and in numerous games that it’s not all about one player.
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“I’m sure Gary will play well but we hope as a collective that we play well enough to beat him and the Gold Coast SUNS.”
The Dockers lost just twice at Domain Stadium in 2015 and have an imposing record at the venue, while the SUNS have yet to win there after seven attempts.
However Lyon knows this week’s opponent has some real strengths that will challenge his side, highlighted by Gold Coast’s pace right across the ground.
“Clearly they’ve got real speed,” Lyon said.
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“They’re putting on really good forward pressure.
“They’ve a strong midfield, a mobile ruck and are coached by a very astute coach.
“We’ve got some challenges on that front.”