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Fremantle pull surprise tactic, send Griffin Logue forward to mark Melbourne defensive ace Steven May

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Aaron KirbyThe West Australian
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Griffin Logue has started forward against Melbourne.
Camera IconGriffin Logue has started forward against Melbourne. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Fremantle have started the tactical battles early against the reigning premiers, with a surprise face heading into the forward 50.

Griffin Logue found himself at the opposite end of the field as the first siren sounded, but his task remained the same and just as big as he picked up Melbourne defensive gun Steven May.

May is averaging career highs in disposals and marks in 2022 as the Demons have continued their scarily good form, which led to their drought-breaking 2021 premiership, to a 10-0 start.

Dockers coach Justin Longmuir revealed the cunning plan just moments before bounce down.

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“We want to engage their defenders and send Griffin Logue forward to try and be a little bit taller up front and give him the job on May, so he doesn’t roll off and become lose and really engage their deeper backs,” he told Fox Footy.

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“We want to bring our small forwards into the game as well, so that’s the plan.”

May countered by attempting to get to Fremantle forward Matt Taberner, who passed a late fitness test to play.

Logue has only kicked one goal in his AFL career and looked out of place as Fremantle struggled to adapt to the new forward structure.

His negating role also seemed to be failing, with May having six kicks in the first 15 minutes even after being floored by teammate Jake Lever, which left the big defender gasping for air on his back for several moments.

He got up and continued playing before being taken into the Demon’s rooms for a concussion test ten minutes out from quarter time.

Logue remained forward while May was off the field and got his first touch with a big clunk 15 metres out from goal.

His good work was undone though with the ball slipping off his left boot and through the behinds, one of six kicked by Fremantle in the first term.

May was subbed at quarter time.

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