FREMANTLE champion Matthew Pavlich will skip this week’s clash with Gold Coast, setting up a 350th AFL game in front of his home fans at Subiaco Oval.
The former Dockers skipper revealed today that he would miss the trip to Metricon Stadium to be fresh for the match with Sydney on July 31.
“I certainly find some of those longer trips a bit more challenging these days,” he said.
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READ NOW“So no trip to the Gold Coast (this week) and then … play 350 against the Swans.”
The six time All-Australian said playing the milestone at home was the ideal scenario, adding it was unlikely he will play interstate again.
“There’s been speculation about the 350th and a few other things,” he said.
“The intention is to play 350 and then play out the season.”
Pavlich admitted he had considered pulling the pin after Fremantle’s poor start to the season.
A chat between himself, coach Ross Lyon and football manager Chris Bond convinced him he was still needed.
“It’s certainly not in my character to step out and check out but I said to them ‘is it time for some other younger kids to play and if that’s the case let’s shake hands and walk away’,” he said.
“Among us all we committed to a plan and we’re going to stick to that and that’s certainly to see the season out.”
Pavlich said he wanted his side to play the football it “was capable of” and build towards a return to the top half of the table in 2017.
“If I can help in any way shape or form, that’s my role really from now on, teaching, getting the guys to absorb as much information as they can but realistically performing at a high level so we can really launch into 2017.”