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Kangaroos are no AFL mugs: Dockers' Lyon

Fremantle are aiming for three AFL victories in a row, but coach Ross Lyon predicts it will be a tough battle against the winless North Melbourne.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has warned his team against complacency ahead of Saturday night's AFL clash with North Melbourne, saying the Kangaroos are no mugs despite their lowly ladder position.

North Melbourne are second last on the table after their 0-4 start to the season.

It's in stark contrast to last year, when the Kangaroos won their first nine games.

They embarked on a huge list cleanout at the end of last season, with veterans Brent Harvey, Nick Dal Santo, Michael Firrito, Drew Petrie and Daniel Wells all leaving the club.

Although the Kangaroos are yet to win a game this season, all four games have been against top-four contenders. And, they came within a kick of beating Geelong and the Western Bulldogs.

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"The ledger says 0-4, but we know they've played some very good footy," Lyon said.

"We understand we're playing a formidable opponent who has their backs to the wall.

"We're not playing mugs here.

"Lindsay Thomas kicked to win the game (against the Bulldogs last week), and they played some pretty good football against the Cats."

Lyon was a man under pressure a fortnight ago after his team suffered big losses to Geelong and Port Adelaide in the opening two rounds.

But surprise wins against the Bulldogs and Melbourne have lifted spirits at the club, and given them hope of snaring an unlikely finals berth.

Star players such as Nat Fyfe, Aaron Sandilands, Lachie Neale, Stephen Hill and David Mundy have been critical in Fremantle's turnaround.

But the inclusion of a host of emerging players also played a key part, with their youthful energy revitalising the side.

"We like confidence, but everyone misuses it and misunderstands it. It's built off action and firming up belief in what you're doing," Lyon said.

"On the back of the last two weeks, it fuels our belief in ourselves and what we're doing."

The Dockers have made just one change this week, with Darcy Tucker coming in for the injured Harley Balic (hip).

North Melbourne recalled Mason Wood and Ed Vickers-Willis for Nathan Hrovat (dropped) and ruckman Braydon Preuss (rested).

The Kangaroos have lost nine of their past 11 matches in Perth, including the three most-recent clashes.


3 min read

Published

Source: AAP


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