Simple approach can heal Fremantle Dockers’ road blues

Rising Star nominee Brennan Cox is confident Fremantle can end their 2018 travel hoodoo by focusing on key areas that led to Sunday’s stunning triumph over Adelaide.

The Dockers have struggled to perform during their five interstate games this season.

They lost to Port Adelaide by 50 points in round one, followed that with a 31-point loss to Greater Western Sydney and were then smashed by 77 points against Richmond.

Fremantle managed only two goals in three quarters during the 59-point loss to Sydney, then lost to Collingwood by 61 points in round 11.

They meet last-placed Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Cox, who has won only one of his nine games interstate, said the players could take a lot out of Sunday’s win against Adelaide.

“We went in with four things,” Cox said.

“Outnumber at the ball, inside 50s, take one-on-ones and be hard to play against.

“I think if we take those same focuses in, we’ll go a long way in the Carlton game. Obviously we don’t have the home crowd, which is a bit tough, but I think if we take the same focuses that we did into the home game, we’ll put a good effort out.”

Fremantle will be without Michael Walters (suspended) and Alex Pearce (thumb) for Saturday’s clash. Pearce could return in round 16 after having surgery this week.

Veteran Michael Johnson’s hopes of earning a recall ended yesterday when the WAFL Tribunal suspended him for one game for engaging in rough conduct against West Perth’s Jordan Mills.

But captain Nat Fyfe will return from suspension and the Dockers hope ruckman Aaron Sandilands (concussion) will be available. Taylin Duman (back) also faces a fitness test this week and Sean Darcy (knee) could return in the WAFL.

Fremantle won three interstate games last season, including one at Etihad Stadium.

The Blues have lost both of their games at the venue this season, including one against Gold Coast.

“As you get used to them it does become a bit easier,” Brennan said of interstate games.

“You’ve just got to stick to the routine that you have.”