Hayden Ballantyne says a crazy tackler and Fremantle's 45-year-old forward have played key roles in the club's sizzling start to the AFL season.
The Dockers are the outright favourites to win this year's premiership after moving two games clear on top of the table.
Fremantle will be aiming to make it seven wins on the trot when they take on the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Although the Dockers' star-studded midfield and stingy defence have received most of the plaudits this season, Ballantyne says the efforts of the forward line shouldn't be forgotten.
In particular, skipper Matthew Pavlich and medium forward Chris Mayne have been influential in piling on the pressure and goals.
Pavlich has kicked 13 goals and is averaging more than five marks per game this season, while Chris Mayne has laid 20 tackles in the past two weeks.
Ballantyne said Pavlich's presence has been a major influence in the team's strong form.
"He's going all right for a 45-year-old isn't he?" Ballantyne joked.
"He's killing it. He's kicking goals and running around really well.
"He (Pavlich) has taken some really good clunks and given us a really good target up forward.
"It is a credit to him - the way he prepares for games. He and Luke McPharlin are the most elite preparers at the club, so it's no surprise how well they're playing."
Mayne kicked just 13 goals in 23 games last year.
But already he has 10 majors to his name this season, with his tackling ferocity at an all-time high.
"Mayney is back to being that crazy tackling forward again," Ballantyne said.
"He's had more in the last two weeks than I've had for the year, so he's going really well."
Ballantyne's season has been disrupted by injury and suspension, but the 27-year-old feels like he's close to hitting his straps.
The Bulldogs sit in seventh spot following their 4-2 start to the season.
But they were left kicking themselves last week after coughing up a 55-point lead in their loss to St Kilda.
Ballantyne has been impressed by the Bulldogs' rebound from defence, and said there would be an emphasis on stopping veteran Robert Murphy this week.
Share
