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Soprano wrote: I think Fremantle can cover those losses, yes it will be tough as they are awesome players, but they can do it.

I would bring in Sylvia (for Fyfe) also, his experience is a huge plus for him. These players tend to stand up in big games and his pre season form wouldn't worry me.

Also would bring in Lachie Neale for Barlow, obvious reasons their and probably the easiest choice to slot into the midfield in Barlow's absence.

Ibbotson for Dawson. Same as above to slot into the defense.

Still has Clarke waiting in the wings as well, so Fremantle does have good depth, and it is being tested early.

my thoughts exactly Soprano in relation to replacements...Neale, Sylvia and Ibbotson...or maybe Clancy Pearce for Dawson.

Agree with Anchor, Sylvias game for Peel, till he went off, was pretty good. He is a class player and will rise to the occassion.

Oh well I guess it's back to the drawing board for freo after last night.

If there is a worry ( imho) it is that if Ross's game plan which in reality hasnt changed much since his days at the Saints, isnt working, what other plan/s does he have to fall back on?. Last night the Hawks didnt play the game that Freo "expect". They went backwards out the pack at stoppages,then ran in a charge at Freo movng the ball quickly, always having another link in the chain. I think it put the defensive play of Freo is a bit of disarray

I agree it worked last year, in a softer draw and without the radar of attention it will attract this year. Once his defensive plan gets opened up and a blow out is on the cards it's pretty much game over. You just know a Lyon tema will never ever kick enough goals to win the game. Apart from that the stats were damning last night they got smashed in every department. It wasn't all that diff to the pre season game v the weagles,

They will have a job and a half on their hands v the bombers next week, already losing players , it's crusts is pretty skinny at the best of times ,,

Also wtf is the story with Ballantyne ? He has been crap since gf day?

Crowley sorts sums up Freo and Ross's philosphy in a basic way. When he plays his part well, Freo look solid and good. However IF Crowley is ineffective in the role he plays, he is a very limited footballer. Last year Crowley was very good at what he did.

Bazza wrote: I agree it worked last year, in a softer draw and without the radar of attention it will attract this year. Once his defensive plan gets opened up and a blow out is on the cards it's pretty much game over. You just know a Lyon tema will never ever kick enough goals to win the game. Apart from that the stats were damning last night they got smashed in every department. It wasn't all that diff to the pre season game v the weagles,

They will have a job and a half on their hands v the bombers next week, already losing players , it's crusts is pretty skinny at the best of times ,,

Also wtf is the story with Ballantyne ? He has been crap since gf day?

You are what you are.

Remove the best 2 midfielders out of any team in the comp and they are going to struggle let alone against Hawthorn at the moment. One A grader down in the midfield can be covered but lose 2 and any team will lose a gear. If I was a Freo fan I wouldn't be too concerned

Dirty Weekender wrote: Remove the best 2 midfielders out of any team in the comp and they are going to struggle let alone against Hawthorn at the moment. One A grader down in the midfield can be covered but lose 2 and any team will lose a gear. If I was a Freo fan I wouldn't be too concerned

You are only as good as your Reserves DW and well we smashed these frauds Ressies today!!
The nurses at the Cockburn retirement village would be wanting to keep a close eye on old Anchorman after his beloved Fremantle and their Reserves were blown out of the water this weekend!!

Dirty Weekender wrote: Remove the best 2 midfielders out of any team in the comp and they are going to struggle let alone against Hawthorn at the moment. One A grader down in the midfield can be covered but lose 2 and any team will lose a gear. If I was a Freo fan I wouldn't be too concerned

That hold some water,,maybe, apart from the fact that the hawks had some huge outs, far more than freo,,sound more like a piss weak excuse to me.