The Dockers coach admits interest in the Demons star, but says the travel factor may become a key stumbling block in getting the deal across the line.
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Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has confirmed he is interested in signing free agent James Frawley after reports emerged the Demons defender flew to Perth last weekend to tour the club’s facilities.
The Dockers are keen to add Frawley to its list to cover for the likely retirement of defender Luke McPharlin.
Fremantle face still competition however, with Geelong coach Chris Scott confirming on the weekend that the Cats will attempt to lure Frawley to the club during the AFL free agency period.
Frawley is expected to command $500-600k per season and it has been rumoured the Dockers will offer a seven-year deal to the 26-year-old.
However, Lyon told Radio 6PR the travel factor that comes with playing for a Western Australian club can be a key stumbling block in trying to lure players to Perth.
“I think you’d be naive to think that the travel factor isn’t a consideration,” Lyon said.
“You have to get on the bird for a minimum of three-and-a-half hours every second week.
“There’s a price that goes with that, a loading if you like, to compete with the eastern clubs.
“We’d love the WA sons to come home, that’s a focus going forward for us. But it is difficult.
“At the end of the day we back our environment and leaders. We are going to have a new $107 million facility which will help us be the club that appeals.
“But our record of growing people on and off the field is even more important than that.”
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