Walyalup (Fremantle) Dockers find ‘better balance’ in back six mix ahead of Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) clash

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Walyalup (Fremantle) Dockers find ‘better balance’ in back six mix ahead of Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) clash

Walyalup (Fremantle) coach Justin Longmuir believes his side has struck a “better balance” in defence, as they prepare to face one of the most dangerous small forwards in the competition.

The inclusion of Cooper Simpson has created a more dynamic mix in the back six for the Dockers, evident in the club’s win over Greater Western Sydney last week.

Longmuir said the four-gamer would retain his spot against Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.

“I think it’s a better balance (in defence),” Longmuir said. “We tried something earlier in the year with a bit more height, but we’ve still got that flexibility.

“(Luke) Ryan can play taller, Chappy (Heath Chapman) can play taller. So I still feel like we’ve got the height bit covered.

“And Coops has come in and played his role really well defensively against the smalls, but provides a little bit of bit more offence for us and a little bit more run offensively. He’s added to the mix, and we feel least this week that’s going to be the way we go.”

Chapman did not train on Wednesday due to illness but is expected to play.

Camera IconWillie Rioli of the Power kicks from the boundary. Credit: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Power star ******* Rioli will return to Perth for his milestone 100th game, having started his career with Waalitj Marawar (West Coast).

“He’s dangerous. One thing about *******, he can have maximum impact with limited possessions,” Longmuir said.

“He’s part of their pressuring forwards as well, which is really up and about when they win.

“(We will look to) get the right match up and stop the supply, and all the usual things you try and do with the good small forwards..”

Longmuir said the Dockers would consider tagging one of the Power’s game-makers, but conceded “there’s probably four or five” players that could demand a run-with role.

While midfielder Zak Butters and the injured Jason Horne-Francis (hamstring) usually get the most attention from the opposition, Longmuir teased captain Connor Rozee could be another target.

Defender Corey Wagner has taken on the role as tagger this season, with Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos among his scalps.

“Whether we go to a mid or half back, we haven’t really worked through yet,” Longmuir said.

“But yeah, we feel like they worked for us. It doesn’t work every week. It hasn’t worked every week for us, but it’s an option for us.

“So we’ll talk about that at strategy and selection later.”

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