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Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is ready to withstand the temptation of shifting star defender Brennan Cox into assault regardless of Matt Taberner being minimize down by a critical again damage.
Taberner underwent microdiscectomy again surgical procedure on Friday, with no precise time-frame set for his return.
Longmuir is optimistic Taberner will have the ability to return later this yr, however his prolonged absence leaves a significant gap in Fremantle’s inexperienced assault.
Teenage ahead Jye Amiss kicked only one purpose from two disposals in Friday night time’s 49-point loss – 17.16 (118) to 10.9 (69) – to the Bulldogs earlier than being subbed out within the third quarter.
Prized recruit Luke Jackson additionally struggled with 1.1 from 9 disposals, whereas Sam Sturt was quiet other than a two-goal spurt within the second time period.
With Nat Fyfe no certainty to return from a plantar fasciitis damage for subsequent week’s conflict with Brisbane on the Gabba, Longmuir faces a battle to assemble a ahead line able to often kicking match-winning scores.
Cox has proven potential as a ahead previously, however his star shows in defence means it is going to be exhausting to maneuver him.
“He is simply such a very good defender for us, and defenders which can be capable of win the ball again like he does are exhausting to seek out,” Longmuir stated.
“I suppose that is an possibility. However him and (Alex) Pearce have been getting the job achieved fairly properly.
“So you do not need to rob Peter to pay Paul.”
Longmuir stated the lack of Taberner was a giant blow.
“We’re in all probability lacking a mature key ahead that may take the very best defender,” Longmuir stated.
“Luke Jackson continues to be discovering his means, Jye continues to be discovering his means.
“We hope Tabs can get again to his greatest and provides us one thing on the back-end of the yr.”
Longmuir is not sure when Fyfe shall be able to return.
“We expect he is getting nearer, however we need to make sure that it is proper so it would not flare up once more and we do not have this example once more,” Longmuir stated.
“Whether or not it is this week or subsequent week or the week after, we’ll should replace in the course of the week.”
Of extra concern to Longmuir proper now could be Fremantle’s lack of ability to win the competition.
The Dockers misplaced the contested possession rely 154-129 towards the Bulldogs, persevering with a pattern that has seen Fremantle droop to a 2-4 report.
“We obtained a little bit of a lesson from a extra skilled midfield tonight,” Longmuir stated.
“Typically within the contest the more durable you attempt the win the competition the extra you get uncovered on the skin.”
Longmuir was additionally nervous by his crew’s lack of ability to maneuver the ball from defence.
“We will not play good groups by getting caught in your again half, as a result of the dam wall will break,” Longmuir stated.
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