Raising a glass to Action Man

by NEIL BELFORD

IT can be a brittle game the Dockers play, but it looks very good when it works. Actually it is like 80s footy and is a breath of fresh air in the stultifying soccer tactics that are the prevailing fashion among the middle order sides.

parker training

All eyes were on Shane Parker last week, Now he can return to being anonymous. Photo by Les Everett

When the Fremantle lead exceeded 10 goals, there must have been a temptation to switch to the ugly game and just bottle it up.

Not today - the freewheeling plan was maintained until the end, and Carlton managed to make what had been a flogging read like a respectable loss. If Jeff Farmer and Peter Bell been fit and playing though they would probably have stifled the comeback, enthusiasm doesn't replace the sort of experience they bring and Fremantle actually did well to cover their absence.

Matthew Pavlich continued his stellar form, kicking nine beautiful goals, none finer than the one on the final siren from deep in the pocket.

He had help, the best coming from Ryan Crowley and Brett Peake, both outstanding across the half forward line - kicking classy, pressure goals. Heath Black was very good in this game and may yet become a champion, Scotty Thornton kept the backline together, and Justin Longmuir and Aaron Sandilands controlled the ruck.

Longmuir was great around the ground and Fremantle always look a much better and more versatile side when they both play.

With the heat coming on at the selection table for the first time in many weeks youngsters Crowley and Peake are certain to be picked for the Melbourne game on Sunday, but it will be interesting to see who doesn't make the cut.

This game is a season breaker for both teams. Melbourne's finals prospects are also looking bleak given their form and run home, so they will be very dangerous. With the sense of purpose that seems to have settled over the Fremantle team this is set to be a thrilling day at the football.

The last word here though is for Action Man. It is a mighty achievement from Shane Parker to be the first player to 200 Fremantle games - starting with a win against Fitzroy at the Western Oval in 1995 and sealed with a win against Carlton at the all new MCG 10 years later.

I was privileged to join some of his former team mates in Peter Mann, Matthew Burton, Stephen O'Reilly, Jason Norrish, and Luke Toia for a drink in a very hip and happening Melbourne night-spot on Friday night before the game.

They had gathered in Melbourne on the weekend to celebrate the achievement of their old comrade. If they were really like 80s footballers though, Shane would have been there as well.

From the Fremantle Herald.

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