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I think the inclement weather will make it less of a running game which will suit the Dockers game plan. Minimising Watsons influence will be a key. I assume it would be Crowley to go to him. Last year at Subi I seem to remember that Essendon got away early and that Hurley and Crameri were influential players, so a good start is crucial. Also Ryder seems to be in good form at the moment, so Griffin and Bradley need to play their part. Good to see the Dockers playing well without huge contributions from Pav, their midfield is starting to stack up well with the best in the comp. Mundy, Barlow, Suban, Hill, Fyfe and of course Mr Ballantyne is back. What a pick up Daniel Pearce has been as well, just another classy midfielder for the opposition to worry about and takes some of the heat off the others. Freo can't afford to get carried away but I think a win over the Bombers tonight will be another milestone along the way to a potential top 4 spot.

The classic game of two halves. Bombers showed a lot of guts and determination to fight back. That is the problem with Lyons game plan and it was the same at St Kilda. Even though they dominated the first half the Dockers didn't put the goals on the board that their play deserved. Then when they tired in the 2nd half, Essendon got a sniff and some momentum. Still Mayne should have won it after all that in the last minute, probably a bit unlucky but I think he should have dummied around the Essendon defender. McPharlins absence was also significant as the match went on. Both sides could take a lot out of that game, it was a real arm wrestle. The only thing I would say about Fremantle is that they seem to lack a key forward who can kick a 3-4 goals. Pav is injured, out of form or both and they seem to lack that dimension of having someone like Mitch Clark who is really hard to match up on

Gutsy win by the Bombers...well done!!!

Still not sure how we let Essendon back into the game?

McPharlin going down meant Dawson had to step up...unfortunately he didn't. McPharlin is the most important player Freo has IMO.

Hill worries me now. He just can’t seem to shrug that tag.

Pav terribly out of form. I think he needs a run in the WAFL.

Sumich looked confused in the coach’s box. Is he really that good that we had to poach him from WC?

Heard that Freo supporters were on the radio bagging the umpires. They must have missed the 2 terrible decisions in the last qtr that went against Essendon. One was the deliberate out of bounds and the other was the block against Fyfe going up for the ruck. 2 decisions that sent Freo back into attack.

Either way an entertaining game which Freo will be spewing they didn't finish Essendon off. A Freo team that should have been 3-0...and without Pav firing a shot is an ominous sign.

TheRock wrote: Gutsy win by the Bombers...well done!!!

Still not sure how we let Essendon back into the game?

McPharlin going down meant Dawson had to step up...unfortunately he didn't. McPharlin is the most important player Freo has IMO.

Hill worries me now. He just can’t seem to shrug that tag.

Pav terribly out of form. I think he needs a run in the WAFL.

Sumich looked confused in the coach’s box. Is he really that good that we had to poach him from WC?

Heard that Freo supporters were on the radio bagging the umpires. They must have missed the 2 terrible decisions in the last qtr that went against Essendon. One was the deliberate out of bounds and the other was the block against Fyfe going up for the ruck. 2 decisions that sent Freo back into attack.

Either way an entertaining game which Freo will be spewing they didn't finish Essendon off. A Freo team that should have been 3-0...and without Pav firing a shot is an ominous sign.

N ice one Mr Rock, as always an astute observer of the game. The umpires just love being in the limelight...just a joke,just let the game flow FFS. They were awful for both side last night, and you are quite correct re the 2 against the bombers late in the last quarter. Correct about Hill too, went missinga bit when the comeback was happening. You already know my thoughts on Dawson,....at best a poor mans prestigiacomo.