It's not for the faint-hearted, but Fremantle utility Tendai Mzungu says he's prepared to put his body on the line by standing in front of Sydney's monster forwards in Saturday's qualifying final at ANZ Stadium.
Fremantle's premiership hopes were dealt a cruel injury blow this week when star defender Michael Johnson was ruled out for the entire AFL finals series due to a back problem.
Johnson's injury, combined with the absence of Luke McPharlin (calf), leaves Fremantle light on for defensive manpower against a Sydney attack set to boast Lance Franklin (198cm), Kurt Tippett (201cm), Sam Reid (196cm) and Adam Goodes (191cm).
One way to limit their influence will be to drop a player back to block their running space.
That could result in some crunching hits for whichever Docker draws the short straw, but Mzungu says it's a sacrifice he's more than happy to make if it helps his side snare a win.
"It just comes with the territory. You just go when it's your turn," Mzungu said on Wednesday.
"That's been a strength of the group.
"No doubt I'll be put in that position, and I'm happy to do that all the time for the boys."
Mzungu is well aware that Sydney's star-studded forward line isn't their only strength.
The ladder-leading Swans finished the home-and-away season as the No.1 ranked defensive side, while their midfield also boasts an array of talent capable of producing match-winning performances.
"They're a super hard running team," Mzungu said.
"And they're a clearance king, led by Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker.
"It's won and lost in the midfield, so that will be our aim on the weekend."
The Dockers will be bolstered by the return of Nat Fyfe, who is free to play after serving a two-match ban for striking.
"He's really tough at the contest and he's got (a great) aerial presence," Mzungu said.
"He's been hungry to be back out there with the boys. We expect a really strong performance from Nat."
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