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Looking forward to a more even contest next year with West Coast. The last two years have been less than pleasurable as Freo rebuild. West Coast have now started their rebuild and I think the difference betwen the two will be quite a bit less than the recent past. Don't think either team will make the eight however and think Freo will win about the same amount of games as this year. Can't see West Coast doing any better than that. Of course there is usually one team that jumps from nowhere each year and exceeds all predictions. I think next year that will be Port. Freo fans would be hoping to see continued improvement, especially with regards to best and worst results being a lot closer than this year because without that won't be able to advance to become a good side again. Freo have a pretty good list of young players, not stars, but good. West coast still have a very good backline and forward line but need to sort out a very average midfield and add some pace and skill in that area. NIc Nats form next year will be most important also.

Good summation JB. The person for which 2018 will be critical is Ross Lyon imo. If Freo don't improve substantially next year he'll come under pressure for sure notwithstanding he's contracted for another couple of years. I'm of the view the game has just about passed him by and if I was a dyed in the wool Freo supporter I'd be getting impatient without runs on the board.

Like your stuff JB, well thought out. I do think however, that Freo are slightly ahead of the West Coast. You guys have young talent with games under their belts, plus you have and will this year, recruit very well. The Coasters have their good established players, but may have to compromise in the midfield till their younger brigade gets a bit of experience and step up. Could be a good contest between teams that are not expected to make the 8.

I think I'll wait till after the draft and lists are finalised before declaring who will be the better team in 2018.

As it stands the Eagles have a weaker midfield that will be bolstered by Nics return but will lack genuine clearance players in the guts but imo have better forward line and backline to the Dockers.
So I think until lists are finalised it's probably to early to call eg. Are Freos picks 2 and 5 going to be league ready?

Think thats a pretty fair call. It's unlikely Freos 2 and 5 will be ready this year, it's not often that that occurs.
So leaving them out of the debate, it will be very even. Freo still have a few iffs, Bennell, McCarthy and Tabener. If they all get up and going then I think Freo will hold the edge. I agree too early to call but will be more of a contest in 2018 for sure.