Fremantle’s Tactical Shuffle: Double-Teaming Pickett and a Debutant on the Horizon
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is reportedly exploring an unconventional strategy for Saturday’s clash, considering a dual tagging approach to nullify the potent threat of Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett. This tactical consideration stems directly from Pickett’s dominant performance in their previous encounter, where he wreaked havoc on the Dockers’ defence, amassing five goals from 24 disposals at the MCG. The livewire forward’s ability to seamlessly transition between forward lines and midfield zones presents a unique challenge, making the prospect of a single player consistently shadowing him a complex proposition.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is toying with tasking two of his players with the Kysaiah Pickett tagging role in Saturday’s clash.
The primary difficulty, as highlighted by Longmuir, lies in the seamless transition of defensive responsibilities when play moves from centre bounces or stoppages. “The tricky thing if you have two players looking after him is getting that transition piece right post centre bounce or post stoppage,” he explained. “Then you need the athletic traits to keep up with him and stop him.”
Potential Pickett Tagging Options
The Fremantle camp appears to have identified a couple of key candidates for this demanding role. Corey Wagner and Brandon Walker are considered the most likely options due to their inherent speed and versatility, attributes crucial for matching Pickett’s evasiveness. Wagner, in particular, has prior experience with more dedicated tagging assignments, suggesting a readiness for such a task.
Longmuir acknowledged the impact Pickett had in their last meeting but also pointed to areas where the team could have provided better support. “Clearly, last time we played them, he had an impact, but I don’t think we helped the players who played on him up the ground,” he stated. “The ball moved too quickly, and he’s pretty dangerous to anyone if they do that.” This suggests a renewed focus on collective defensive pressure and support to prevent Pickett from finding open space and exploiting mismatches.
Forced Changes and Midfield Replacements
Beyond the strategic considerations for Pickett, the Dockers will be compelled to make at least one enforced change to their lineup. Hayden Young sustained a hamstring injury during the recent loss to Geelong, an unfortunate setback that will sideline him for the upcoming fixture. While Longmuir expressed hope for a swift recovery, labelling the injury as “tricky” due to Young’s ability to complete the previous match and undertake some running earlier in the week, it’s clear his absence will be felt.
In Young’s stead, the Dockers are looking at several players to step up and fill the void in the midfield. Murphy Reid and Shai Bolton are anticipated to shoulder increased midfield responsibilities. Furthermore, Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson are also being touted as potential replacements, offering fresh legs and different skill sets to the engine room.
A Debutant’s Journey and Other Selection Dilemmas
Adding another layer of interest to Fremantle’s lineup is the impending debut of SSP recruit Christopher Scerri. His inclusion comes just a month after committing to the club, a testament to his rapid integration and impressive performances. Scerri previously garnered attention during his VFL stint with the Northern Bullants in 2025, where he was recognised with the Best First Year Player award.
“It’s been a crazy two months,” Scerri commented on his whirlwind journey. “Things can happen really quickly, and you just gotta get up to it.” His arrival signals an opportunity for a new face to make an impact at the senior level.
Adding to the selection intrigue, former Collingwood big man Mason Cox is also reportedly under consideration for a spot in the side. This consideration arises following Sean Darcy’s relatively subdued performance in the previous week’s game, suggesting that Longmuir might be exploring different ruck configurations or personnel to bolster the team’s presence in the key positions. The potential inclusion of Cox, known for his aerial presence and physicality, could offer a different dimension to Fremantle’s forward structure and contested marking capabilities.
