Freo re-sign Ballantyne, wary of Tigers - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Freo re-sign Ballantyne, wary of Tigers

By Justin Chadwick 20/04/2010 07:54:16 PM Comments (0)

Fremantle midfielder David Mundy is adamant the Dockers won't take struggling Richmond lightly in Sunday's twilight AFL fixture at Subiaco Oval as the club announced the re-signing of Hayden Ballantyne.

Dockers' antagonist Ballantyne has signed a new two-year deal, tying him to the club until the end of 2012.

Ballantyne, pick No.21 in the 2008 national draft, played just eight games last season due to a lingering wrist complaint but has quickly established himself as a key part of Fremantle's new-look forward line.

The 22-year-old's intense pressure and smarts around goal have proved crucial in the Dockers' 3-1 start to the year, while his hardness and on-field sledging have made him a favourite amongst Fremantle fans.

The Dockers are flying high in fifth spot on the ladder despite their tight loss to St Kilda on Sunday.

In contrast, the Tigers are without a win after four rounds and sit last on the table with a miserable percentage of 50.8.

Mundy said his team would continue playing the "Fremantle brand" of football and Richmond would be given the same respect as the Saints were afforded.

"I don't think much will change," Mundy said.

"We have our key focus areas that we try and do well in games.

"They will stay the same and it's about getting a consistent message to our players to play the way we want to play and it doesn't matter who we play.

"They've had a big turnover (in their list), a bit like us from last year and the year before.

"They'll be young and a desperate side and I'm sure they'll want to get a win under their belt.

"It's up to us ... to not let them get a win."

The Tigers are set to welcome back Ben Cousins, Dean Polo and Luke McGuane from club-imposed suspensions but skipper Chris Newman is still in some doubt after missing last week's loss to Melbourne with a hamstring complaint.

Mundy said the Dockers were satisfied with their feats over the past four rounds, when they defeated Adelaide, Essendon and Geelong before losing to the Saints.

"We came out of a pretty tough start to the year up so hopefully we can keep that momentum up," he said.

"It was definitely a focus to get a good start to the season.

"To get three wins out of those four games was encouraging."

Midfielder Rhys Palmer will come under strong consideration for selection almost a year after suffering a serious knee injury that required a full reconstruction.

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