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7 wins, 5 losses and a slightly better percentage than the reigning premiers and just one win behind them. Who would have predicted that at the beginning of the season? This is the way I see it. I have been confident about or goal to goal line strength and depth and that showed on the weekend after losing Taberner, then Pearce, then Lobb, we were able to bring in Cox, Griffen and Darcy who all performed well and we still have the likes of McCarthy, Meek, Jones and Dixon as next cab off the rank though then lack of experience comes into play with the exception of McCarthy.

For me our midfield stacks up well as long as everyone is fit and available and in recent weeks we've seen Blakely and Stephen Hill come into the side. Blakely I think has made a big difference and Hill showed his class on the weekend and will be better for the run. But the big three keys for me are Fyfe, Mundy and Walters. If any one or two of those goes down we will be seriously tested. All sides need a bit of luck and those are the three we cannot afford to lose.

Bonuses if they are fit and can play will be Harley Bennell and Aaron Sandilands. Throw those two in and we become a different beast and things really get exciting.

DD...I think if Freo had Lobb, Taberner and Pearce all fit and firing then they'd be a chance to go deep into September. Without those three then I think they'll struggle against other teams in the eight when the intensity goes up a notch at finals time.

They obviously have developed a strong belief that they can win any game after getting up in a number of close ones despite having key players out, but a number of top 8 teams are struggling with injury, in particular Richmond and the Pies so once those 2 get back to somewhere near full strength they will be a vastly different proposition. that being said Freo should make the finals, 3 of their next 4 games are very winnable only the Derby would see them as underdogs.

DD your spot on regarding the effect injuries could have if to key players, Walters is close to the form player in the comp and rises when the pressure is on so should shine come finals time, if any of Walters, Fyfe or Monday go down for any length of time or during finals, they will struggle, but if they stay on the paddock they could go deep into September.

Darcy is also a key, can he stay fit because if he gets injured, then Scott Jones is next cab off the rank.

Never been a fan of Darcy but he was terrific against Ports 2 big blokes, his fitness is amazing for such a big fella. He now needs to give Freo consistent performances at that level, as you say after him the cupboard is bare.

BC I think Hogan is benefiting from Taberner's absence so I think I have said this previously, I think it has been a blessing in disguise for Hogan and I think long term he is our No 1 tall target. I think other clubs will circle some of our talls who aren't getting a regular game. Simply put Taberner, Cox, McCarthy, Hogan and Lobb can't all play forward and when Lobb is fit again (prob next year) and if Darcy is fit then Lobb will spend more time forward. The only one I can see who has the flexibility to play down back is Cox but if Pearce, Hamling, Ryan and Logue are all fit I can't see where he fits in.

If i was a recruiting officer at another club I would be making a play for either Cox or Taberner. I just can't see how they all fit in without causing a great imbalance. I think right now we've got the right balance in the forward line with Hogan deep, Cox providing another tall option and the likes of Matera, Switowski, Walters, Bewley etc.. as the small forwards.


Tiger ruckman Lloyd Meek was named as an emergency last week, maybe Jones was injured. We also have Hugh Dixon as another tall forward. Gee Fremantle got great coverage on all the footy shows this week. AFL 360, On the Couch, Talking Footy and Footy Classified and all the eastern states commentators are talking us up, Johno Brown even ruffling a few feathers (pardon the pun) suggesting Fremantle are the No 1 team in Perth atm. What have you got to say about that Tugger? Are you going to argue with Johnno Brown? Lol

DD...if all were available I reckon Darcy would ruck and Lobb play in the square with Hogan and Taberner as hit up forwards. I can't see a place for Cox or McCarthy but in saying that, there was an interesting piece written last week suggesting Darcy could be used as trade bait for Tim Kelly if he's still keen to come home at seasons end. Darcy is from Geelong and could be traded along with a couple of draft picks. WCE couldn't fit Kelly in their salary cap you'd think so that would leave Freo in the running. But I guess it's all hypothetical at this stage but what we do know is that Tabs, Pearce and Lobb are all out although Freo have a good run home fixture wise. If they do play finals they could give some cheek but will struggle against the strong clubs with those 3 missing.

Was at the game against Port (for the WA vs SA 18s) and I thought Griff Logue played very well for his first afl game since 2017, hasnt had much mention but 24 disposals 8 marks (yes made a couple of errors off the boot) but a nice return to offset the loss of Pearce.
Other SD boys Walters (B.O.G) and Blakely were also colossal for the Dorks and Hughes is having a good consistent season just a pity Lobb is injured and Tobe is playing at Peelmantle as would have been good to see a full contingent of Swans boys playing.

BC wrote: DD...if all were available I reckon Darcy would ruck and Lobb play in the square with Hogan and Taberner as hit up forwards. I can't see a place for Cox or McCarthy but in saying that, there was an interesting piece written last week suggesting Darcy could be used as trade bait for Tim Kelly if he's still keen to come home at seasons end. Darcy is from Geelong and could be traded along with a couple of draft picks. WCE couldn't fit Kelly in their salary cap you'd think so that would leave Freo in the running. But I guess it's all hypothetical at this stage but what we do know is that Tabs, Pearce and Lobb are all out although Freo have a good run home fixture wise. If they do play finals they could give some cheek but will struggle against the strong clubs with those 3 missing.

That's interesting about Darcy/Kelly trade BC. I missed that article. I think Darcy is potentially a ruckman who can carry our ruck for the next 10 years. Sandilands will hang up the boots at the end of the year, obviously we have Lobb but I don't see him as a full time ruckman and nor does he so I think it's a big risk to trade Darcy away even if it means getting Kelly. How old will Kelly be next year, 26? Darcy's stocks just went up on the weekend the way he dominated Lycett and Ryder in the last qtr.

Beasley Hutton wrote: Was at the game against Port (for the WA vs SA 18s) and I thought Griff Logue played very well for his first afl game since 2017, hasnt had much mention but 24 disposals 8 marks (yes made a couple of errors off the boot) but a nice return to offset the loss of Pearce.
Other SD boys Walters (B.O.G) and Blakely were also colossal for the Dorks and Hughes is having a good consistent season just a pity Lobb is injured and Tobe is playing at Peelmantle as would have been good to see a full contingent of Swans boys playing.

Yes I mentioned Blakely has made a big difference since coming in BH as did Griffen Logue coming in for Pearce. Fremantle showed a lot of faith in him taking him with pick 8 a few years ago so he is due to start repaying the faith. Son son, well his performances speak for themselves. I saw him make his debut for Fremantle as a sub if my memory serves me correctly and his skill stood out like dogs balls from the get go. There were about 4 players i reckon dragged us back into the 2013 GF after half time, those being Sandi, Mundy, Pav and Walters and he was one of those that looked like he could get us over the line.
He is an absolute super star of the highest ilk and I think he will go on to be a great role model for his people long after he finishes playing football.

Hughes as you said has been playing very consistent football and probably filling the role previously played by Garrick Ibbotson. I really rate him.