Chris played the past two matches with the Royals in a bid to prove a nagging injury would not restrict him while also regaining some form across the half forward line. In his two appearances for East Perth Chris averaged more than 17 possessions, eight marks and two goals per game.
“I think he’s been a little bit frustrated playing back in the WAFL knowing he has the ability to play WAFL,” Dean said of Chris today prior to the team’s departure to Melbourne.
“He gets his chance and hopefully he can prove why we selected him. Hopefully it can all click together on Sunday and he can get back to his best form.”
Young gun Andrew Foster’s form with East Fremantle in recent weeks saw him recalled to the senior line up for his first match of the year this weekend. After impressing in the latter stages of 2007, Andrew was named on the bench for the Demons clash and will be looking to perform strongly enough to keep putting his name in front of the selectors. It is expected he will spend time on the wing and on the ball.
“He has played a few games back in the WAFL and has been really competitive and shown what he can do so we’ll get him in there,” Dean said of Andrew.
“Hopefully he can hold his spot and there’s a position there for him if he plays well.”
Following on from the team’s promising performance in their loss to Geelong last weekend, Dean said the club was expecting nothing less than replicated efforts on a weekly basis moving forward.
“If we play like that in most of our games this year we’ll be very competitive,” Dean said.
“It’s a standard that we’ve set so we can’t tolerate anything other than that.
“Hopefully the boys come with their A-grade game and dish it up to Melbourne on the weekend.”
The team for Sunday's match was today finalised with Des Headland, Mark Johnson, and Brock O'Brien all confirmed starters for Sunday's match along with Chris and Andrew. Making way for the group are Antoni Grover (quad), Roger Hayden (hamstring), Josh Carr (suspension), Daniel Gilmore and Clayton Hinkley.
Round 7 – Sunday 4 May
Fremantle vs. Melbourne
MCG - Bouncedown at 12.10pm (WST)
Fremantle Team – Round 7 v Melbourne
B: Dodd, McPharlin, Thornton
HB: Drum, Mi Johnson, O'Brien
C: Mundy, Palmer, Crowley
HF: Ibbotson, Tarrant, Solomon
F: Murphy, Pavlich, Farmer
FOLL: Sandilands, Headland, Bell
I/C: Ma Johnson, McManus, Schammer, Foster
Emerg: Duffield, Warnock, Gilmore
In: Chris Tarrant, Des Headland, Andrew Foster, Brock O’Brien, Mark Johnson
Out: Antoni Grover (inj), Roger Hayden (inj), Josh Carr (susp), Daniel Gilmore, Clayton Hinkley (omit)
MILESTONES
Aaron Sandilands – 100 Games
Aaron will play his 100th AFL/FFC game this Sunday against Melbourne.
Originally drafted from East Fremantle as a rookie, he was promoted from the club's rookie list prior to the start of the 2003 season and he made his debut in the opening game of the season against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
