SOUTH Fremantle will have to play better for longer if they are to trump the competition’s best team and earn a direct path into the 2016 WAFL grand final, according to coach Todd Curley.
The Bulldogs easily accounted for West Perth in a qualifying final last weekend to extend its winning run to six matches.
But they take on two-time reigning premiers and top-seeded Subiaco on Sunday at Leederville Oval.
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READ NOWCurley said his team would have to be at their best to get the win.
“I think the big thing for us is to be able to sustain our best for longer. That’s what we haven’t been able to do,” he said.
“It’s one of (Subiaco’s) great strengths. They’re just better for longer.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to have another crack against, clearly, the best team for the last couple of years.”
The Bulldogs will have to battle the current champions without defender Ashton Hams.
Hams will miss one match for striking West Perth’s Dean Munns during the first quarter of the qualifying final on Saturday.
The former West Coast player went on to gather 27 disposals and kick three goals, and is a big out this weekend.
“It’s not ideal but once we saw the evidence it was a pretty easy decision,” Curley said.
“He’s more disappointed than anyone. He knows he’s let his mates down a bit … but he’ll get the opportunity to make up for it and I’m sure he will.”
The Bulldogs tackle Subiaco at Leederville Oval on Sunday at 3.10pm.