Freo reveals Gulden plan as defensive duo push for prelim return

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has put Sydney star Errol Gulden firmly in the Dockers’ sights ahead of Friday night’s Preliminary Final at the SCG.

Gulden has been in blistering form since returning from injury and looms as one of Sydney’s biggest weapons, particularly with several key Swans missing.

Longmuir said Fremantle would not allow the midfielder to dictate terms.

“Can’t let him run around doing what he wants.”

Gulden has racked up 41, 34, 39, 47, 41 and 34 disposals across his past six games, making him an obvious focus for the Dockers.

Matthew Johnson could again be handed a defensive role after his job on Geelong’s Ollie Dempsey, but Longmuir was keeping his cards close to his chest.

“We’ll see,” he said.

Fremantle could also receive a major boost in defence, with Brennan Cox and Brandon Walker both pushing to return.

Cox is working his way back from a calf injury, while Walker is recovering from the leg injury he suffered against Hawthorn.

Longmuir confirmed both will need to get through main training before being considered for selection.

Their availability could prove crucial against a Sydney forward line featuring Charlie Curnow, Logan McDonald and Tom Papley.

Longmuir was also full of praise for Patrick Voss after the forward deliberately used his full set-shot time late in the win over Geelong.

He described Voss’ decision as mature game awareness under pressure.

The Dockers now head to Sydney one win away from their first Grand Final appearance since 2013.