Match Day Thread Rnd 4 V Fremantle

[Ludwig]

Interesting how last year's grand finalists were both slaughtered in the first half of their respective games only to make gallant comebacks in the second half which just fell short.

Fair enough to blame the umps, but we were awful in all aspects of the game in the first half and didn't deserve to win. We were lethargic, our skill were terrible and we gave away too many free kicks (that were properly called).

At least we showed we can play well when we want to. There were some notable performances as well. Best game that Reid has played for a long time. Lloyd just continues to get better with each game. He was definitely in our best 3 tonight. Rohan also shows that he can make a big impact on games and could be our big improver for the year along with Lloyd.

I think it was a more important game for Freo than for us. We should go on to win our next 3 before facing Hawthorn in what should be a real test for us.

[Steve]

We deserved to lose after that first half.

But something has to be done about these goal decisions. Boundary umpires giving an opinion when they have no idea (well covered by the Fox Footy post game review - multiple posts in the way yet they somehow know best).

Worst of all though the spineless goal umpire who changed his mind with the Bird one as soon as an alternate opinion was provided. He was either unsure and rushed his decision to initially say he thought it was a goal, or just has no conviction in his own decision-making and felt the pressure to defer to a boundary umpire when he changed his mind.

Either way it's unacceptable. At least the guy down the other end just made his own decision and ignored his boundary umpire charging in.

[bennyfabulous]

My girlfriend normally doesn't agree with me regarding umpiring. Tonight however she agreed that there were a plethora of suspect decisions, even before any of those ridiculous goal umpiring decisions. Something really should be done. Swans were gallant, bit of work to do. Still positive tho.

[Ampersand]

Main positive for me was that, unlike Hawthorn, we came away injury free (fingers crossed for Heeney).

Lyon really has Longmire's number. Our forward structures in the first half were woeful once again. Didn't even give us a chance. Sandilands totally unmarked and unaccountable.

Lloyd was BOG for me.

[liz]

Main positive for me was that, unlike Hawthorn, we came away injury free (fingers crossed for Heeney).

Lyon really has Longmire's number. Our forward structures in the first half were woeful once again. Didn't even give us a chance. Sandilands totally unmarked and unaccountable.

Lloyd was BOG for me.

Not sure how you conclude that. We've beaten Freo the last couple of times we've played (in Sydney). They've now won the last two in Perth. Nothing too unusual about teams having a home ground advantage, especially given the very different sizes of the two grounds and the difference in games styles that teams get used to as a result.

There was nothing wrong with our forward structures once the team starting winning contested ball, running to provide an option, defending space, cutting off the Dockers' exits from defence, kicking truly, and exerting pressure on the ball carrier.

[Ampersand]

Not sure how you conclude that. We've beaten Freo the last couple of times we've played (in Sydney). They've now won the last two in Perth. Nothing too unusual about teams having a home ground advantage, especially given the very different sizes of the two grounds and the difference in games styles that teams get used to as a result.

There was nothing wrong with our forward structures once the team starting winning contested ball, running to provide an option, defending space, cutting off the Dockers' exits from defence, kicking truly, and exerting pressure on the ball carrier.

We dealt with the same loose man back in the finals last year and our forwards were badly neutralised in 2-on-1s early and it nearly cost us then and it definitely cost us tonight. Hawthorn are fantastic at beating the flood because they'd always rather go lateral or find a man 40-50m out than bomb it to the top of the goal square, especially with a 211cm giant standing there unmarked.

[Mug Punter]

I'm over honorable defeats. That first half was woeful. The reason we gave away so many frees is because we were second to the ball the whole first half. The one positive for me was Sam Reid. He's set the benchmark and I expect that sort of performance from him every week now.

Here hear re Sam Reid, that is the type of performance we have been waiting for. I just hope he can kick on now because as frustrating as he has been for us I really really want to see this kid succeed for us

[Ampersand]

Have to add a +1 to the praise for Reid. What was most pleasing was his contested work when the ball hit the deck, which has always been my biggest concern about his game. Great leap, great spoil, great mark but when he's fighting hard for the 50/50 ball at ground level that's when I'm most happy with his performance.

[liz]

We dealt with the same loose man back in the finals last year and our forwards were badly neutralised in 2-on-1s early and it nearly cost us then and it definitely cost us tonight. Hawthorn are fantastic at beating the flood because they'd always rather go lateral or find a man 40-50m out than bomb it to the top of the goal square, especially with a 211cm giant standing there unmarked.

I think that was less about structure and more because every ball in the first half was being bombed in under pressure. And I think that came about because players weren't working hard enough to make space and provide an option so that they could find a man under less pressure to deliver forward. Once they started working harder, their delivery forward improved immeasurably.

I don't see that as Lyon having Longmire's number, and recent results don't support that. I can't believe Longmire instructed them to play that way in the first half. They were just plain ordinary.

[Meg]

I think that was less about structure and more because every ball in the first half was being bombed in under pressure. .................
...........I can't believe Longmire instructed them to play that way in the first half. They were just plain ordinary.

Interesting listening to Longmire's post-match press conference that he made the very same criticism. He actually refers to the need to shorten the forward passes and "lower the eyes". The very same comments that have often been made on RWO. So I think you are right Liz.

[Ampersand]

In 3 of our last 5 games we've been absolutely blown out of the water in the first half. In my opinion, if players are panicking under pressure or not lowering the eyes then it's up to the coaching staff to provide a circuit breaker and arrest the slide. Play Tippett in ruck, put Buddy in the midfield, plunk Pyke in the goal square and let them put two players on him, clear out the forward 50, make players run and find short targets.

If you guys watch the game again check out how much space and ball Buddy ends up with around CHB in the second half. Wish we'd tried it before the game was lost.

[lwjoyner]

Our passing to team mates is deplorable how many turnovers were there last night. Hanners in the last qrt (his one error though so you might forgive him) I have been saying it for along time Grundy does it in every game pathetic. Rampe is getting as bad. But overall a awesome comeback and if you believe Kingy and Gerard W on fox after the game we was robbed 15 points (3 goals - 3 pts) for overrules.

[Hotpotato]

Fab, so we won by a point.
Now I'm happy again.

[troyjones2525]

Our passing to team mates is deplorable how many turnovers were there last night. Hanners in the last qrt (his one error though so you might forgive him) I have been saying it for along time Grundy does it in every game pathetic. Rampe is getting as bad. But overall a awesome comeback and if you believe Kingy and Gerard W on fox after the game we was robbed 15 points (3 goals - 3 pts) for overrules.

I have to agree here. Our skill level is well below the others in the so called big 4. It just goes to show how hard we must work to be as good as we are! Geez if we had 22 players who kicked the ball and made decisions like say Jake Lloyd like the Hawks and Power do then imagine how good we would be!

Unfortunately we usually draft players to suit our game plan which is built around hardness and pressure so we'll always lack in the pure skills department until we change that. Hopefully it doesn't kill us again on the big stage against the other quality sides!

[mcs]

Here hear re Sam Reid, that is the type of performance we have been waiting for. I just hope he can kick on now because as frustrating as he has been for us I really really want to see this kid succeed for us

Great to see him have a really good game last night. Lets hope its just the sort of performance that will see him kick on from here. We all know that a superb player is lurking in there somewhere, just hasn't quite made it out yet.