FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has guaranteed Anthony Morabito a hug this week, but he couldn't guarantee him a game.
The 22-year-old midfielder has been in red-hot form in the WAFL. He gathered 28 disposals and kicked two goals in Peel Thunder's win over Perth on Saturday at a waterlogged Rushton Park in Mandurah.
There have been rumours of frustration seeping out from the Morabito camp about his failure to win a fairy-tale recall to the Fremantle line-up after three knee reconstructions had ruined his last three seasons.
Lyon refused to give those rumours oxygen on Tuesday and said he is continuing to support Morabito in his bid to return to senior football.
"All I know is we've got our arms wrapped firmly around Anthony," Lyon said.
"I'll just put them around him and squeeze him a little tighter and support him a little bit more.
"He's a great person, it's been an incredible challenge and it's fantastic we're talking about it."
But Lyon was firm in saying that he couldn't guarantee Morabito a game simply because of the form of his team at present.
The Dockers have won five consecutive matches and although they have suffered some injuries to Michael Walters, Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, and Matt de Boer, the Fremantle midfield is playing very well.
"He's playing some good football now and he's up for selection," Lyon said.
"We're a handy team, we go OK, and the blokes in the team go OK. As I always say, not too many are walking into my office to say, 'Anthony have my spot', so he has to fight for his spot like everyone else.
"There is no one who wants to pick Anthony more than me, beyond Anthony and his parents I would imagine, and his manager.
"But from there, my obligation is to the club and the team.
"We've worked really hard to get where we are and if I think Anthony will give us the best opportunity to help win the game, he'll play. But I think if there are others who will do that, they'll play.
"It's a pretty simple equation. It's unemotional for me."
