Corey Wagner brings discipline as Dockers prepare for Sydney challenge
Corey Wagner is in his first final. He may tag Sydney's Errol Gulden as Fremantle prepares for Friday.
Wagner is 29 years old. He returned to the Dockers after several injuries.
He delivered eight tackles and 20 pressure acts. This defensive work often goes unnoticed but shapes the game.
Coach Justin Longmuir values his discipline and willingness to play any role. This includes tagging Sydney's dangerous forward.
Wagner thrives on putting his team first. Against Geelong, he had just 13 touches.
But he felt he played one of his better games. Wagner laid a crucial tackle on Bailey Smith in the fourth quarter.
It forced the ball out of bounds at a critical moment. He may now shut down Gulden.
Or he may provide defensive cover with Matt Johnson. Either way, his work keeps Fremantle's stars free to shine.
- 29
- Wagner's age
- 71
- Games played before first final
- 8
- Tackles vs Geelong
- 20
- Pressure acts vs Geelong
Why it mattersFinals matches are decided by clean execution and defensive discipline. A player like Wagner excels at unglamorous, team-focused work. This can be the difference between advancing and going home.
AustraliaFremantle plays Sydney in Friday's AFL final in a matchup where role-players' defensive work will determine if the Dockers stay in the September race.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
