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Brisbane will beat them imho if their list is fit enough. They have the troops to take it up to their midfield physically, and have the dirty edge to swing the game that way if they need to. But Freo won't have a better chance - two home finals already all but locked in, almost a fully fit list. The 'fairytale' aspect shouldn't be discounted either - we saw what that could do in 2016, and its clear the media is right in on it - only need to listen to the collect wank sessions in the commentary boxes tonight to see it. This freo team is far better than the dogs were in 2016.
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"You get the feeling that like Monty Python's Black Knight, the Swans would regard amputation as merely a flesh wound." -
"You get the feeling that like Monty Python's Black Knight, the Swans would regard amputation as merely a flesh wound."Comment
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Shame it turned to @@@@ in the last quarter, as I thought it was a strong effort for much of the game. Hopefully it won't be too demoralising.
Fremantle have had an excellent run with injuries, with Young being their only current significant injury, while we've been constantly destabilised. So, if Fremantle's luck changes, they might come back to the field. Whereas, we should be improved next week with McDonald coming in for Hamling and possibly Campbell for Cleary. Then in a few weeks, Wicks and McInerney should be welcome inclusions.
I'd also be tempted to try another young player or two. Unfortunately, I thought Rampe was the weakest link in our defence tonight, so maybe it's time to for Snell to come in for a long overdue debut. Maybe Phillipou or Dattoli could come in to give a bit more attacking spark, though I'd be more keen if they both showed a bit more defensive grunt.Comment
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Can anyone explain to me how a team can lay 8 tackles in the first quarter in the forward 50 and only 2 F50 tackles in second half?Comment
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Cleary laid 4 tackles, probably buy him another month. Can't stay on his feet, can't stick a tackle, can't pick it up off the ground, ive seen enough, no other team is playing him, no top 4 team is listing him and I haven't even talked about him kicking a @@@@ing goal, God forbid
Hamling may as well run water
He played one good game as a defensive fwd last year on Taylor, it worked once, Cox and Co have already embarrassed themselves last year by persisting to play him as a defensive fwd.
I think Curnow kicks 5 if I play alongside him. If Hamling was an actual threat Curnow probably kicks 8.
You can't enter any game, let alone a game on the road against Freo, with guys like Hamling and Cleary who offer nothing.Comment
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I can see what they see in Hamling down back. But up forward at AFL level, as you point out, he just isn't in the conversation.
As for Cleary - I maintain a position that I can see why they like his effort. But there is just too much sloppiness in his play - he gives away a stupid free or two every week, fumbles it too much at critical points. I think he has been badly hampered by some bizarre expectation he can play as an effective small forward, and if he is going to be picked, I think he has to be in the midfield group.
I think he has enough talent to be a decent AFL footballer, if played in his best position. I don't think he is a good 'fill the gaps' player however, and imho he has to either be in there because he has earnt his stripes and demanded selection as a pure midfielder, or not selected.
He isn't the only one however we aren't helping by trying to have them fill a role not well suited to their best attributes however. A bit of 'keep it stupid simple' wouldn't go astray at the moment. End a few experiments that aren't working against the best teams and get back to picking our best squad with as many round pegs in round holes would be a good starting point."You get the feeling that like Monty Python's Black Knight, the Swans would regard amputation as merely a flesh wound."Comment
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