Fremantle's hopes of beating Adelaide on Saturday night have been dealt a massive blow after ruckman Aaron Sandilands was ruled out of the AFL clash with a hamstring injury.
Dockers coach Ross Lyon said Sandilands experienced hamstring tightness following last week's win over Carlton and wouldn't be risked against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
Former Crow Jon Griffin will replace Sandilands.
Lyon is hopeful Sandilands will miss only one week with the injury.
"He's just tightened up in the hammy," Lyon said on Wednesday.
"It's just a bit weaker than we would have liked. The scan was clear, but it was a bit weaker. We need to get him strong again."
Griffin hasn't played since the 89-point loss to Port Adelaide in round two.
The 31-year-old has been forced to play second fiddle to Sandilands during his seven-year career at the Dockers.
Griffin has often struggled to play in tandem with Sandilands when given the chance.
But the 92-game veteran has performed solidly when entrusted with the role as the No.1 ruckman whenever Sandilands has been injured.
Lyon said he expects Griffin to put in a strong display against Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs.
"Jon plays with a real passion and he's carried the No.1 ruck spot many years ago for us when Aaron's been out, and done really well," Lyon said.
"So we don't expect any different."
Fremantle will make at least two changes after Ed Langdon was ruled out with a knee injury.
Langdon has been carrying the injury in recent weeks, and Lyon said it was time to give the 21-year-old a rest.
Fremantle have defied all expectations to surge into fifth spot on the back of six wins from their past seven games.
But the clash with the ladder-leading Crows will give them the best indication yet of where they sit.
Limiting the damage of Crows forward Eddie Betts and Brownlow medal fancy Rory Sloane are two of Fremantle's biggest challenges.
Lee Spurr has played on Betts in the past, and Lyon said it would be a team effort to stop the mercurial forward.
"He's become an absolute pro and the leader of their football club," Lyon said of Betts, who has booted 28.9 this season.
"And he's a real measuring stick - when he's up and about, he sort of inspires his team.
"So it's important as a team we give him the respect he deserves and try to stop him. But we know it's going to be about supply and pressure."
Share
