Docker Taberner in for the long AFL haul

Monday, 18 February 2019:

MATT TABERNER of the Dockers marks the ball against MATTHEW SUCKLING of the Bulldogs during the AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.
MATT TABERNER of the Dockers marks the ball against MATTHEW SUCKLING of the Bulldogs during the AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.


Fremantle forward Matt Taberner is confident there's room for him in a three-pronged big-man attack, saying the AFL club can't pin all their hopes on just one star spearhead.

The Dockers enter this season with a glut of options up forward after the recruitment of Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb.

Former GWS forward Cam McCarthy faces a fight to earn game time, while Taberner can't afford a drop in form either.

Taberner penned a two-year contract extension on Monday, tying him to the club until the end of 2021.

The 25-year-old said he didn't hesitate in re-signing despite the arrival of Hogan and Lobb.

"There's no one saviour. It's good to share the load," Taberner said.

"It takes a bit of pressure off. It might be Jesse kicking goals one week and Rory kicking goals the next.

"I don't think we're heavily reliant on just one person up there.

"There's no limit on how many tall guys you play, At my best, I'm good enough to play in the team."

Hogan is still working his way back to full fitness from a serious foot injury suffered late last season.

The Dockers hope the 24-year-old will be fit for their March 24 round-one clash with North Melbourne, but will hold him back if they think it's too risky.

Taberner had been on the verge of being delisted at the end of 2017 before some hot form in the WAFL saved his career.

The 199cm forward was in strong form early last season before his campaign was curtailed by a foot injury.

Now he has the chance to establish himself in a powerful forward line that has the potential to kick big scores.

Fremantle's midfield has been given a licence to be more direct this year to try to give the forwards more one-on-one opportunities.

Taberner said he, Lobb and Hogan wouldn't necessarily have fixed roles up forward.

"The beauty of that is we're all pretty flexible and Jesse has got a great tank and gets up the ground, and Rory is very athletic as well and he can play in the ruck," said Taberner, who can also pinch-hit in the ruck.

"I think it's one of my strengths, my endurance, and I definitely like to get up the ground.

"I think you'll see us all rotate during a match."






AAP