TonyK
CibbuanoNo sympathy required: Harvey
June 4th 2008 05:07
FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey is confident his side can turn its season around and snap a seven-game losing streak with a win against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.
The Dockers have never won at the Gabba, but Harvey believes his players are capable of creating a new piece of history.
"Yes we can win and I hope you're listening, Leigh," Harvey said, directing his confidence at Lions coach Leigh Matthews.
"We've been creating history for the wrong reasons lately and perhaps this week might be the chance to change that. They were a great side for a couple of those years and they aren’t that far off that with the way they are playing at the moment."
The Dockers last weekend became the first side in AFL/VFL history to lose five consecutive matches after leading at three-quarter time.
Harvey believes fitness or lack of composure at key moments could be the issue but wants nobody feeling sorry for the players.
He also said it was important for the club to remain positive and for the players to not get down on themselves.
"We don’t want to be patronised, we have to work our way out of this situation. I don’t want us to feel sorry for ourselves and I don’t want anyone else feeling sorry for us," he said.
"It (fitness) can be an issue because different guys haven’t done a full pre-season and others have been out for periods of time and come back too early, so we have to look at all of that. The biggest thing we are looking for is better last-minute stamina in the game."
The Dockers could be bolstered by the return of veteran midfielder Peter Bell from back soreness, while Mark Johnson, ruckman Robert Warnock and Ryan Murphy will all be considered for selection.
Harvey said he was happy with Warnock's performance in the WAFL on the weekend and said the club will consider taking him to Brisbane to back up in-form ruckman Aaron Sandilands.
"There will be a discussion about whether or not Robbie plays this week. Brisbane has got two big strong ruckmen and with Aaron (Sandilands) playing so well forward as well, it would be an indicator that Rob is a good chance," he said.
"I was happier with what Robbie did on the weekend for West Perth and he's on the eve of coming into our side."
The Dockers have never won at the Gabba, but Harvey believes his players are capable of creating a new piece of history.
"Yes we can win and I hope you're listening, Leigh," Harvey said, directing his confidence at Lions coach Leigh Matthews.
"We've been creating history for the wrong reasons lately and perhaps this week might be the chance to change that. They were a great side for a couple of those years and they aren’t that far off that with the way they are playing at the moment."
The Dockers last weekend became the first side in AFL/VFL history to lose five consecutive matches after leading at three-quarter time.
Harvey believes fitness or lack of composure at key moments could be the issue but wants nobody feeling sorry for the players.
He also said it was important for the club to remain positive and for the players to not get down on themselves.
"We don’t want to be patronised, we have to work our way out of this situation. I don’t want us to feel sorry for ourselves and I don’t want anyone else feeling sorry for us," he said.
"It (fitness) can be an issue because different guys haven’t done a full pre-season and others have been out for periods of time and come back too early, so we have to look at all of that. The biggest thing we are looking for is better last-minute stamina in the game."
The Dockers could be bolstered by the return of veteran midfielder Peter Bell from back soreness, while Mark Johnson, ruckman Robert Warnock and Ryan Murphy will all be considered for selection.
"There will be a discussion about whether or not Robbie plays this week. Brisbane has got two big strong ruckmen and with Aaron (Sandilands) playing so well forward as well, it would be an indicator that Rob is a good chance," he said.
"I was happier with what Robbie did on the weekend for West Perth and he's on the eve of coming into our side."
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