GEELONG star Steve Johnson may have escaped suspension this week but he won't escape the attention of Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley on Saturday night.

 

Dockers coach Ross Lyon confirmed on Wednesday that Crowley would be sent to Johnson in the critical clash that has significant ramifications for September.

 

Crowley did a brilliant job on Johnson in last year's qualifying final at Simonds Stadium. He initially went to Matthew Stokes, but after Johnson dominated the opening term with 11 touches and two goals, Crowley was moved onto the dangerous Cat.

 

Johnson had just eight disposals thereafter as the Dockers turned a 13-point quarter-time deficit into a stunning 15-point win. 

 

Lyon said the Fremantle match committee had debated the choice between running with Johnson or Joel Selwood.

 

"They are both good players," Lyon said.

 

"We'll make it a good week for Stevie. I think he'll go to Stevie."

 

Crowley was sent to Carlton captain Marc Murphy last Thursday and the Blues were intent on making Crowley's job difficult by physically engaging the tagger at every opportunity.

 

Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands believes it is important his teammates support Crowley as much as possible.

 

"Ryan does a fantastic job for us," Sandilands said.

 

"It's really important for us to help him out when he is getting targeted by other sides, because he is such a crucial player to us and he does a great job in shutting down the best players in the opposition."

 

The Dockers have beaten Geelong in four of their last five encounters including a comfortable 32-point win in round nine at Patersons Stadium.

 

Lyon wished the past few results would give his side a distinct advantage but he conceded they mean nothing.

 

"It's a long time ago," Lyon said.

 

"I'd like to say it counts, and I wish it did, but unfortunately it doesn't.

 

"We both start equal. We've won nine of our last 10. I know we've had some slight hiccups along the way, but winning form is good form.

 

"(Geelong) played a very good team last week in North Melbourne and got over the line. It certainly wasn't a perfect performance by them.

 

"We played Carlton, it wasn't perfect. But it was a hard-edged performance, and a great deal of willpower to get across the line.

 

"Carlton beat North quite convincingly. So I think we've played some opposition that stack up.

 

"We've proven we can do it. We just need to do it again. Our footy character will be tested."