Fremantle to finish ahead of West Coast

[Pav for AA]

Having witnessed the drama filled offseason at West Coast and the lack of imagination of there coach it would be fair to say that with such a tough draw straight up 2 losses from two starts is probable.

This is sure to breed negativity and a lack of confidence. Jw's stuborness is sure to handicap a side, with the league best midfield and solid defence from truly reaching their full potential, which, to all football lovers, is a shame.

Down Freo way, things are looking fantanstic. The emergence of Brett Peake and Aaron Sandilands will be a major boost for the club which also boast arguably the most Potent Foward Line with Pav, Macpharlin and the Longmuir to stretch a defence, and the undeniable talents of Farmer and Medhurst.
Another exciting prospect is the return of Hadrill and Hayden, 2 major factors in Freo finishing 6 in 2004.

The gulf in gameplans was revealed during the NAB cup, a more direct brand of football led to a dominant display by the Freo boys, which I feel will be mirrored throughout the 2006 season.

West Coast overperformed last year and Im sure will slide this year. Freo on the way up :thumbsu:

[crowm dome]

Having witnessed the drama filled offseason at West Coast and the lack of imagination of there coach it would be fair to say that with such a tough draw straight up 2 losses from two starts is probable.

This is sure to breed negativity and a lack of confidence. Jw's stuborness is sure to handicap a side, with the league best midfield and solid defence from truly reaching their full potential, which, to all football lovers, is a shame.

Down Freo way, things are looking fantanstic. The emergence of Brett Peake and Aaron Sandilands will be a major boost for the club which also boast arguably the most Potent Foward Line with Pav, Macpharlin and the Longmuir to stretch a defence, and the undeniable talents of Farmer and Medhurst.
Another exciting prospect is the return of Hadrill and Hayden, 2 major factors in Freo finishing 6 in 2004.

The gulf in gameplans was revealed during the NAB cup, a more direct brand of football led to a dominant display by the Freo boys, which I feel will be mirrored throughout the 2006 season.

West Coast overperformed last year and Im sure will slide this year. Freo on the way up :thumbsu:

hmmm, seems to me someone is trying to fish for a few west coast supporters....anyone keen to take his bait ??

IMHO freo are yet to prove they are capable of doing anything more than last year, i hope im wrong as it would be good to see some of the teams that have struggled to make finals consistantly ( doggies, dockers, richmond ) have a real impact in september !!

[djcolbung]

Hahaha, this topic is sure to stir up some bad blood between the 2 teams. I still think the Dockers midfield isn't quite good enough yet, but it is more promising than previous years.

I do agree though that the Eagles overperformed last year, and got very lucky in the finals. But hey, that's the way it goes. I think the Dockers and the Eagles may be closer to each other on the final ladder than many would imagine. Could be worth a bet at the TAB. Anyone know what the Dockers are paying to finish above Eagles is?

[JuddyisGod]

I'm not biting. I look forward to this becoming 18 pages of Freo v WCE argument, which no doubt will quote the historyofdockers website 36 times. Let's just let this one slide.

[sdb4884]

We would have won the thing if Woosha used more imagination in fixing our forward line problem.

[JuddyisGod]

We would have won the thing if Whoosha used more imagination in fixing our forward line problem.
I trust you watched On The Couch last night and took advice from Robert Walls.

[Nightwolf]

But start as 0-1...

[Pav for AA]

West Coast are 1.18 to make the eight, Fremantle 1.60.

If any eagles fan can seriously say how they expect their side to function any better than their end of year form please, inform us.
I honestly cant see West Coast performing against the flood tactic, not with JW at the Helm.

[Kapow!!!]

Just one word is needed - Idiot

[djcolbung]

Is there a bet open where you can bet Head To Head on which of West Coast and Fremantle will end up higher on the ladder? I'm sure there was one last year?

On the comment "we would have won the thing last year".... You probably shouldn't have been in it in the first place. That umpiring blunder against I can't remember which team in the semi final was an absolute disgrace.

I recall the umpire coming out and saying "I apologise, I made the wrong call which cost TEAM X the game and a crack at the GF". Might have been Adelaide, don't recall cos I don't care enough. But Eagles were very lucky to make the GF last year. Although they did get themselves into a close position, so good on them.

[sammyg77]

We would have won the thing if Woosha used more imagination in fixing our forward line problem.

Our forward line problems are a total exagerration........We were the third highest scoring team last year and nobody said a thing about our scoring ability by the end of the home and away season.

We faced the two strongest defensive teams in the comp in the finals and even with the amount of flooding and pushing back of players which Adelaide and Sydney did we still performed admirably.............Even in the Prelim Adelaide went inside 50 a dozen times more than us but still lost the game by three goals.........Sydney had the biggest flood ever witnessed "Robert Walls quote during the game" so we did well against the tactics employed....Any strong leading forward would have struggled against both those teams the way they flooded back all the time.

We share our goal kicking duties instead of relying on one player and our midfielders score so many goals because they run forward and kick over the flood rather than to a leading target.

[Pav for AA]

Just one word is needed - Idiot

How bout you post something contructive, I dont know maybe why you think Im an idiot, and how you think West Coast will finish ahead of freo based on their preaseason form, injuries and rigid foward structure?

Dont know, up to you I suppose.
:thumbsu:
Is that post too big for you?

[Punt_Road_Roar]

Are you feeling unloved in a two team town again Pav for AA ?

:p

[Mutant]

Pav for AA, give you a hint, focus on finishing above all teams, obsession with West Coast is a little silly. If they finish 16th Freo finish 15th = great season dockers?

Doesn't really matter where you finish and who you finish above, as per hundreds of posts Oct to now, apparently 2nd to 16th equal crap season, only the Premiers have had a good one. So until freo have an AFL cup in the cabinet you are where you have always been. No where

[sammyg77]

Is there a bet open where you can bet Head To Head on which of West Coast and Fremantle will end up higher on the ladder? I'm sure there was one last year?

On the comment "we would have won the thing last year".... You probably shouldn't have been in it in the first place. That umpiring blunder against I can't remember which team in the semi final was an absolute disgrace.

I recall the umpire coming out and saying "I apologise, I made the wrong call which cost TEAM X the game and a crack at the GF". Might have been Adelaide, don't recall cos I don't care enough. But Eagles were very lucky to make the GF last year. Although they did get themselves into a close position, so good on them.

Its probably best not to drink whilst on medication!!!...........Not sure what game you watched but the umpiring in the Prelim against Adelaide was pretty good..............Cant recall any umpire coming out saying such things and there was certainly no errors to justify a lucky win against the Crows.

[JuddyisGod]

Its probably best not to drink whilst on medication!!!...........Not sure what game you watched but the umpiring in the Prelim against Adelaide was pretty good..............Cant recall any umpire coming out saying such things and there was certainly no errors to justify a lucky win against the Crows.
he meant the game against Sydney.

[Kapow!!!]

How bout you post something contructive, I dont know maybe why you think Im an idiot, and how you think West Coast will finish ahead of freo based on their preaseason form, injuries and rigid foward structure?

Dont know, up to you I suppose.
:thumbsu:
Is that post too big for you?

No I just never go tipping my team who didn't make finals last season to finish above the team that played in the Grand Final the previous season until at least Round 7 and results favour that hypothesis

[PAFC2004]

A huh....

[Pav for AA]

No I just never go tipping my team who didn't make finals last season to finish above the team that played in the Grand Final the previous season until at least Round 7 and results favour that hypothesis


Im sorry, I thought things change, except for West Coasts Foward line, I thought maybe, after our clubs most impressive preaseason, the emergence of two significant talents and the imminent return of two key factors that catapulted Freo into the Finals in 2004 would be a good thing?

And we all know that West Coast should never have played in the preliminary final after the qualifier against the Swans, which was a disgrace, so they were lucky to be their in the First place, so are you telling me you honestly think West Coast will finish ahead of the Dockers this year?

[JuddyisGod]

Im sorry, I thought things change, except for West Coasts Foward line, I thought maybe, after our clubs most impressive preaseason, the emergence of two significant talents and the imminent return of two key factors that catapulted Freo into the Finals in 2004 would be a good thing?

And we all know that West Coast should never have played in the preliminary final after the qualifier against the Swans, which was a disgrace, so they were lucky to be their in the First place, so are you telling me you honestly think West Coast will finish ahead of the Dockers this year?
He's telling you not to make outlandish statements that make all Freo fans look bad when your over-optimistic pre-season predictions don't come true.

He's trying to err on the side of caution, so as to avoid ridicule if/when your statement is wrong.

[Bestbird]

Having witnessed the drama filled offseason at West Coast and the lack of imagination of there coach it would be fair to say that with such a tough draw straight up 2 losses from two starts is probable.

This is sure to breed negativity and a lack of confidence. Jw's stuborness is sure to handicap a side, with the league best midfield and solid defence from truly reaching their full potential, which, to all football lovers, is a shame.

Down Freo way, things are looking fantanstic. The emergence of Brett Peake and Aaron Sandilands will be a major boost for the club which also boast arguably the most Potent Foward Line with Pav, Macpharlin and the Longmuir to stretch a defence, and the undeniable talents of Farmer and Medhurst.
Another exciting prospect is the return of Hadrill and Hayden, 2 major factors in Freo finishing 6 in 2004.

The gulf in gameplans was revealed during the NAB cup, a more direct brand of football led to a dominant display by the Freo boys, which I feel will be mirrored throughout the 2006 season.

West Coast overperformed last year and Im sure will slide this year. Freo on the way up :thumbsu:

A small proportion of Dockers supporters seem to be getting very very excited about each of the WA's teams form in February and March.

FWIW, i doubt WCE will have a flyer early in the season like last year but that is probably a positive.

The reason is that in the last couple of years both the Saints and Eagles were clearly the dominant teams early in there respective seasons before tappering off slightly at the business end

[Pav for AA]

He's telling you not to make outlandish statements that make all Freo fans look bad when your over-optimistic pre-season predictions don't come true.

He's trying to err on the side of caution, so as to avoid ridicule if/when your statement is wrong.

Was I Talking to you? Im not sure that I was. But thankyou anyway I dont think I would have been able to pick that up :thumbsu:

Cretin.

Speak when spoken to

[RustyG]

Umm.
NO.
Hang on,let me think about it.
Hmmm.
Still NO.
Wait a minute.
Nah,definately NO.

[JuddyisGod]

Was I Talking to you? Im not sure that I was. But thankyou anyway I dont think I would have been able to pick that up :thumbsu:

Cretin.

Speak when spoken to
Clearly you didn't pick it up - hence the "are you telling me you honestly think West Coast will finish ahead of the Dockers this year?"

I was just stating the bleeding obvious, which you obviously seem to be having a hard time seeing.

[PAFC2004]

Even if they do... freo have a lot of catching up to do if they are to have anything on WC.

[kahuna71]

...if you turn the ladder upside down they will.

[Mojo_]

Dr Livingston was walking through the jungle and came across a clearing with a huge Hippopotamus lying dead in the middle of it.
On top of the Hippo was a pygmy. Dr Livingston approached the pygmy and asked, "Did you kill that?"
The pygmy replied "Yes I did."
Dr Livingston is surprised by this and continues by asking, "How did you kill it?"
"With my club" replies the pygmy.
Dr Livingston asks, "How big is your club?"
"Oh, there's about twenty of us," says the pygmy

This was the funniest thing I have heard all day, untill I came to this thread...

[Pav for AA]

Dr Livingston was walking through the jungle and came across a clearing with a huge Hippopotamus lying dead in the middle of it.
On top of the Hippo was a pygmy. Dr Livingston approached the pygmy and asked, "Did you kill that?"
The pygmy replied "Yes I did."
Dr Livingston is surprised by this and continues by asking, "How did you kill it?"
"With my club" replies the pygmy.
Dr Livingston asks, "How big is your club?"
"Oh, there's about twenty of us," says the pygmy

This was the funniest thing I have heard all day, untill I came to this thread...


********, you must have a pretty sad life :thumbsu:

[Pav for AA]

Even if they do... freo have a lot of catching up to do if they are to have anything on WC.

Just like Port have alot of catching up to have anything on Adelaide huh?:thumbsu:

Seriously, the West Coast fans are very sure of themselves, I wouldnt be very confident considering the current state of affairs at the club.

[JuddyisGod]

We'll return to this thread in 6 months time.

[JuddyisGod]

Dr Livingston was walking through the jungle and came across a clearing with a huge Hippopotamus lying dead in the middle of it.
On top of the Hippo was a pygmy. Dr Livingston approached the pygmy and asked, "Did you kill that?"
The pygmy replied "Yes I did."
Dr Livingston is surprised by this and continues by asking, "How did you kill it?"
"With my club" replies the pygmy.
Dr Livingston asks, "How big is your club?"
"Oh, there's about twenty of us," says the pygmy

This was the funniest thing I have heard all day, untill I came to this thread...

this is the funniest thing i've seen all day...

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/C:\Documents and Settings\Juddy1\My Documents\My Pictures\pic0415.jpg

ah fek, i dunno how to put up pics.

[Pav for AA]

We'll return to this thread in 6 months time.

5 months for you :thumbsu:

[jorel6669]

Im sorry, I thought things change, except for West Coasts Foward line, I thought maybe, after our clubs most impressive preaseason, the emergence of two significant talents and the imminent return of two key factors that catapulted Freo into the Finals in 2004would be a good thing?

Are you sure you're a Fremantle supporter? Surely your one and only finals series in 2003 can't be that hard to remember? Or did you dream this one up? :D

[JuddyisGod]

5 months for you :thumbsu:

The season finishes in September...

clever though :thumbsd:

[Mojo_]

********, you must have a pretty sad life :thumbsu:
Coming from the person who is arguing on a "Fremantle to finish ahead of West Coast thread" :rolleyes:

[Pav for AA]

Coming from the person who is arguing on a "Fremantle to finish ahead of West Coast thread" :rolleyes:

Exactly :thumbsu:

[Tredders66]

West Coast are 1.18 to make the eight, Fremantle 1.60.

If any eagles fan can seriously say how they expect their side to function any better than their end of year form please, inform us.
I honestly cant see West Coast performing against the flood tactic, not with JW at the Helm.

Wer'nt you guys around that last year and the year before??? you guys are so unpredictable so who knows! All we know for sure is if Chris Connoly says '' This is a important game for us'' it's a guaranteed loss. Goodluck though but i think West Coast will definately finish higher.

[stylor]

We'll return to this thread in 6 months time.

Exactly what I was thinking, no point talking it up now based on preseason form, we should all have defintely learnt that lesson from the Blues last year!

Either way, I don't care where WC finish, as long as Freo make the finals!

[JuddyisGod]

Exactly what I was thinking, no point talking it up now based on preseason form, we should all have defintely learnt that lesson from the Blues last year!

Either way, I don't care where WC finish, as long as Freo make the finals!
good point. Why do you care about west coast so much. How about you focus on making the finals first.

[collo21]

Exactly what I was thinking, no point talking it up now based on preseason form, we should all have defintely learnt that lesson from the Blues last year!

Either way, I don't care where WC finish, as long as Freo make the finals!


here here pav just shut the ****** up you make these stupid comments everytime just to finish with egg on your face... why for once can we not just keep our cards to close to our chest:confused:

[Pav for AA]

here here pav just shut the ****** up you make these stupid comments everytime just to finish with egg on your face... why for once can we not just keep our cards to close to our chest:confused:


Right, who are you, a nobody thats who, can say whatever I want. We will strom into the finals, :thumbsu:

[Docker_Brat]

Bookmark this one.

[The Magenius]

That's nice dear.

[spitlizard]

Love ya work Pav for AA.

You set the bait trolled the lure behind the boat and whamo, here they all come snapping at it.

Lets see how big a groper we can catch hey:p

[SouthSwans]

I tend to agree, West Coast still don't have a key forward, and with Phil Matera retiring there's another HUGE hole to be filled. I think some people are underestimating the value he had to their side. Hansen, Lynch, McDougall, Sampi, Staker/Hunter and a ruckman doesn't look much. Compare that with Freo's forward line: Pavlich, Longmuir, McPharlin, Medhurst, Farmer and Schammer. Both sides have a gun midfield, and both sides have a decent defence. Freo should finish in the top 4, but you never know with them...

[rgauci]

I'll back ya on this one. I've bookmarked it. Though we are a very long way from September here in March.

[Ripper]

I don't know why Pav for AA went to the trouble to start a thread that states the obvious so much.

[JuddyisGod]

Right, who are you, a nobody thats who, can say whatever I want. We will strom into the finals, :thumbsu:
You're a nobody as well. An idiotic nobody at that.

[JuddyisGod]

Having witnessed the drama filled offseason at West Coast and the lack of imagination of there coach it would be fair to say that with such a tough draw straight up 2 losses from two starts is probable.

This is sure to breed negativity and a lack of confidence. Jw's stuborness is sure to handicap a side, with the league best midfield and solid defence from truly reaching their full potential, which, to all football lovers, is a shame.

Down Freo way, things are looking fantanstic. The emergence of Brett Peake and Aaron Sandilands will be a major boost for the club which also boast arguably the most Potent Foward Line with Pav, Macpharlin and the Longmuir to stretch a defence, and the undeniable talents of Farmer and Medhurst.
Another exciting prospect is the return of Hadrill and Hayden, 2 major factors in Freo finishing 6 in 2004.

The gulf in gameplans was revealed during the NAB cup, a more direct brand of football led to a dominant display by the Freo boys, which I feel will be mirrored throughout the 2006 season.

West Coast overperformed last year and Im sure will slide this year. Freo on the way up :thumbsu:

Bear in mind this thread was started by a man who last year said...

When archibald said he'd never heard of David Mundy:
You will by the end of the year, David Mundy 05 NAB Rising Star Award winner

On Freo and Mundy's chances:
I'll use this post when Freo are in the 8 after round 22 and the tigs are not and Mundy has the NAB award in his pocket. If you want to give an award on flashes of brilliance than Deledio or franklin would be in the hunt, but for consistently good performances none come close to Mundy.

On Deledio's chance of winning the NAB rising star:
consistently not good enough to hsve any chance of winning the rising star award, you can't win the award without gettin the ball? or can you.... no. Mundy has done work all over the ground and he has done it well, he gets more of the ball and disposes of it at a similar level and perhaps even higher.
therefore
Mundy> Deledio
Silvia> Deledio
Mundy> Silvia > Deledio > No one > Laycock

On the Eagles (still in 2005):
Your end is near, we will play you in this years Finals series and we will beat you..... convincingly, you may laugh, but we are the only side that can beat you at Subi and everybody knows we have the stock up foward to beat you, it will happen and it will be sweet.

Towards the end of 2005:
Make the finals pfffffffttttttt we are already there, Richmond amd Weagles in the next couple of weeks, two teams without a CHB capable of closing down the Pav. If Clement can't, no one can, he'll kick 15 in the next 2 weeks, two wins off Pav's boot.

On who will win the 2005 premiership
Genuinely believe that the premiers will be amongst the lower half, most probably Melbourne, Freo or Geelong.

i rest my case.

[8 ball]

You lot have it all wrong. Pav for AA is just saying Freo's season will finish ahead of West Coast's. Which of course it always does.

[theGav56]

Even if they do... freo have a lot of catching up to do if they are to have anything on WC.

Do you think so? Since the Dockers came into the AFL the Eagles have played a couple of finals for limited success (though did well last year). While we have done nothing the gap is not that great.

When the Dockers came in the Eagles were a strong if not dominant force with a stranglehold on membership, sponsorship etc. I think that the catching up is pretty well on course, and a good year for us will have most people placing the clubs fairly equally. Yes they have two trophies in the cabinet, but it is generally acknowledged that they had far and away the most generous entry into the AFL who were keen to make interstate football a success. Good luck to them; they still had to do it. And so do the Dockers.

[sydney eagle]

Judgeing from the way they played in the Preseason the Dockers could surprise. As an Eagles supporter I would like to think that the Eagles will finish ahead of them during the season however.

[Cameron_K]

I am convined Pav AA is an eagle supporter trying to make Freo fans look stupid. Nothing else could explain some of the idiotic threads he posts.

[back pocket]

I am convined Pav AA is an eagle supporter trying to make Freo fans look stupid. Nothing else could explain some of the idiotic threads he posts.

Or he could be a Freo fan who shows a little confidence in his team.

[RogerMellie]

I am convined Pav AA is an eagle supporter trying to make Freo fans look stupid. Nothing else could explain some of the idiotic threads he posts.

Who are you apologising to? Nothing he says makes you look stupid. It's just a prediction. And he's right. Fremantle are a better football team and will finish above West Coast in 2006.

[Bestbird]

[QUOTE=theGav56] Since the Dockers came into the AFL the Eagles have played a couple of finals for limited success (though did well last year). While we have done nothing the gap is not that great.

QUOTE]

Or you could say the Eagles have consistantly made the finals since Freo joined the AFL bar a couple of rebuilding years and went within a whisker of winning a GF last year ;)

[- PC -]

I had a bet at work with a Freo supporter 6 weeks ago that WC would finish higher... now I am starting to doubt myself. I know preseason form shouldnt be looked at , but in the context of their offield issues its starting to look like my $50 is shaky.

WC 10th Fremantle 9th :D


hahha troll ya both

[JuddyisGod]

Do you think so? Since the Dockers came into the AFL the Eagles have played a couple of finals for limited success (though did well last year). While we have done nothing the gap is not that great.

When the Dockers came in the Eagles were a strong if not dominant force with a stranglehold on membership, sponsorship etc. I think that the catching up is pretty well on course, and a good year for us will have most people placing the clubs fairly equally. Yes they have two trophies in the cabinet, but it is generally acknowledged that they had far and away the most generous entry into the AFL who were keen to make interstate football a success. Good luck to them; they still had to do it. And so do the Dockers.

The most generous entry in the AFL!? you can't be serious.

The Eagles had to pay a $4 million dollar licence fee up front (after the idea of paying it in installments was rejected) not the best way to start a team that is lacking in money. The Eagles played with a squad of 35 players when most other clubs had access to 52 players. Not to mention the draw.

We didn't have a club base, we had insufficent training facilities, and insignificant support from within the WA football industry.

The eagles even had to train at a local college, with make-shift changerooms where the equipment for every session was carried to and from the ground in the back of a delivery van.

As far as the 'game' of football itself was concerned the newly formed club had just 6 months to assemble a squad of players capable of holding its own in the VFL

Then in 1988 anyone suggesting the idea of a non-Victorian club hosting a final would have been accused of sacrilege, so the Eagles had to travel to VFL Park for their elimination final, despite finishing above them.

The Eagles entry into the VFL was never made easy, a lot of people in the WA football industry as well as most Victorians wanted to see the club fail.

[Ripper]

The most generous entry in the AFL!? you can't be serious.

The Eagles had to pay a $4 million dollar licence fee up front - not the best way to start a team that is lacking in money, with little to no support from the WAFL. The Eagles played with a squad of 35 players when most other clubs had access to 52 players. Not to mention the draw.

We didn't have a club base, we had insufficent training facility, and insignificant support from within the WA football industry.

The eagles even had to train at a local college, with make-shift changerooms where the equipment for every session was carried to and from the ground in the back of a delivery van.

The Eagles entry into the VFL was never made easy, a lot of WAFL clubs and members as well as most Victorians wanted to see the club fail.

No other startup team was able to pick 4 current AA's from the previous season from their local Comp.

[JuddyisGod]

No other startup team was able to pick 4 current AA's from the previous season from their local Comp.
It's what happens when you assemble a team. You recruit from your own state.

[Mutant]

It's what happens when you assemble a team. You recruit from your own state.

Rubbish you recruit from Claremont

[theGav56]

[QUOTE=theGav56] Since the Dockers came into the AFL the Eagles have played a couple of finals for limited success (though did well last year). While we have done nothing the gap is not that great.

QUOTE]

Or you could say the Eagles have consistantly made the finals since Freo joined the AFL bar a couple of rebuilding years and went within a whisker of winning a GF last year ;)

Yes could say that, and would have no problems with putting it that way. Pretty fast exit from making the finals, but good on them for getting there. In the end though a marginally better performance apart from last year. I don't have problems with acknowleding what they have done since the Dockers came in, I just don't think the gap that we "have to make up" in terms of achievement is that great.

And in terms of making up that gap, there are signs that the Dockers have moved forward for this season with the strengthening of their coaching staff, and some clear improvement from some of our playing list who can impacy our weaknesses, particularly the development of Sandilands, Peake, Crowley, Johnson and Mundy. Clearances should be improved, as should speed through the midfield. Hopefully we should show a more hardened approach as they did during the pre-season.

On the other hand, there has been nothing to suggest that the Eagles have addressed their weaknesses, nor that they will be a better team this year. In fact the opposite looks quite possible.

I know that we aren't happy with the Dockers achievements (how could we be!), but I think some Eagles supporters think they are doing okay, and holding onto their now distant glory years; what are they celebrating this year? Some anniversary?

[JuddyisGod]

Rubbish you recruit from Claremont
Do you know what you're talking about? Obviously not. We're talking about The Eagles not the Dockers!

The Dockers are the ones that recruited from Claremont, 20 of their original squad came from there!

Get a clue mate.

[Mutant]

Do you know what you're talking about? Obviously not. We're talking about The Eagles not the Dockers!

The Dockers are the ones that recruited from Claremont, 20 of their original squad came from there!

Get a clue mate.


That was the point I was trying to make! obviously not well.

[JuddyisGod]

That was the point I was trying to make! obviously not well.
obviously not seeing as you quoted me talking about the Eagles recruiting their original squad from WA, and then said 'Rubbish you recruit from Claremont'

[Eagle87]

Yes could say that, and would have no problems with putting it that way. Pretty fast exit from making the finals, but good on them for getting there. In the end though a marginally better performance apart from last year. I don't have problems with acknowleding what they have done since the Dockers came in, I just don't think the gap that we "have to make up" in terms of achievement is that great.

And in terms of making up that gap, there are signs that the Dockers have moved forward for this season with the strengthening of their coaching staff, and some clear improvement from some of our playing list who can impacy our weaknesses, particularly the development of Sandilands, Peake, Crowley, Johnson and Mundy. Clearances should be improved, as should speed through the midfield. Hopefully we should show a more hardened approach as they did during the pre-season.

On the other hand, there has been nothing to suggest that the Eagles have addressed their weaknesses, nor that they will be a better team this year. In fact the opposite looks quite possible.

I know that we aren't happy with the Dockers achievements (how could we be!), but I think some Eagles supporters think they are doing okay, and holding onto their now distant glory years; what are they celebrating this year? Some anniversary?

On the other hand one could suggest that these players impacting on your weaknesses is just speculation and as yet unproven. As with most things Dockers talking the talk rather than walking the walk has been a stock in trade. Perhaps you will accept that its put up or shut up time?

Similarly, another way of looking at the Eagles would be that given the age of the majority of the squad improvement is likely from within, I mean Judd & Kerr are still 22 and tall players like Lynch, Seaby, Staker, McDougall and Hansen are all 23 or under - so improvement from within is a reasonable expectation. This may suggest improvement (contrary to your view) and while "the opposite is possible", this again is mere speculation. I mean its possible that Bell really does get on with Cuddles - anything is possible.

I think its interesting that the off-field issues at West Coast have gained much coverage but Freo's off season off-field issues have been much lower profile. I would have thought that the WAFC concerns about Freo's ability to "meet its future obligations" and the on-going issues between "senior players" and the "coaching staff" have much greater scope for negative impact than the misdemenours of a few individual players.

As for our distant glories, I guess it has been 12 years and we do need to win another. Some would argue that you win one by putting yourself in position often enough and then eventually your time comes (ala Port from 2001-2004). The Eagles are certainly working on this approach and last years effort was encouraging in that regard. Freo seem to have a different plan based on not making the finals (even though most agree they should) and then simply talking it up the following year only to fail again. Interesting approach.

For the record:

Since Freo joined the key records are as follows:

Number of seasons making the finals - Freo 1 of 11: West Coast 9 of 11
Total Finals Played - Freo 1: West Coast 15
Home & Away Win-Loss percentage - Freo 38%: West Coast 54% (+ 3 draws)

The Eagles also have more members (and a 5000 waiting list), more sponsorship, more total revenue, more profit (x3 in 2005 at $4.5m) and we make this profit despite a much larger contribution to the WAFC. This anomaly is being progressively removed and the Dockers will be on an equal footing within a couple of years (as regards their required payments), hence the WAFC's concerns on Dockers spending!

But hey, you guys are great, we are crap and the gap between our clubs since 1995 is small. Your definition of marginal would be interesting given the statement that we have been "marginally better" than the Dockers since their inception.

By the way, we had an even better win-loss record before 1995 and a couple of flags - but thats the "glory days" so I wont go there - when were the Dockers glory days? The Neesham era, The Drum era or is the Cuddles era really your golden age?

Cheers :)

[sabre_ac]

Gotta love how the eagle supporters cant help but harp on freo's history despite a thread about the coming season.....Keep up the good work guys.

As it stands after watching the pre seasons (Yes I realise its only the pre season), you would be hard pressed to find a chink in the freo armor. Can the same be said about the eagles?

Whether or not freo finish ahead of the eagles this season will come down to a number of factors:

1. Eagles ability to find a goal scorer
2. Freos ability to stand up and be counted when the pressure is on

(Injuries aside)

Thats it guys.

Any talk of club history, culture, profits or membership numbers means nothing.

[Eagle87]

Gotta love how the eagle supporters cant help but harp on freo's history despite a thread about the coming season.....Keep up the good work guys.

As it stands after watching the pre seasons (Yes I realise its only the pre season), you would be hard pressed to find a chink in the freo armor. Can the same be said about the eagles?

Whether or not freo finish ahead of the eagles this season will come down to a number of factors:

1. Eagles ability to find a goal scorer
2. Freos ability to stand up and be counted when the pressure is on

(Injuries aside)

Thats it guys.

Any talk of club history, culture, profits or membership numbers means nothing.

Mate if a bloke suggests that the Freo Dockers have performed only marginally worse than us historically and I respond to that pointing out the error of his assertion and also point out the error in his views (and apparently yours) on the upcoming season then I have addressed both the topic of the thread AND the issue raised (by thegav56).

This is how chat works. Perhaps as a Mod one should know this.

A MUCH better issue for you to raise would be the obsession some Dockers fans have with us. Check out the number of threads they have started referencing the Eagles.

As to your point regarding "chinks in the armour", you didnt see the last quarter of Freo v Geelong did you? If you did, you may have noticed the insipid roll-over which was indicative of Dockers in key moments in years past. Of course, its only the pre-season so it means little.

Cheers

[Bestbird]

[
Yes could say that, and would have no problems with putting it that way. Pretty fast exit from making the finals, but good on them for getting there. In the end though a marginally better performance apart from last year. I don't have problems with acknowleding what they have done since the Dockers came in, I just don't think the gap that we "have to make up" in terms of achievement is that great.

And in terms of making up that gap, there are signs that the Dockers have moved forward for this season with the strengthening of their coaching staff, and some clear improvement from some of our playing list who can impacy our weaknesses, particularly the development of Sandilands, Peake, Crowley, Johnson and Mundy. Clearances should be improved, as should speed through the midfield. Hopefully we should show a more hardened approach as they did during the pre-season.

On the other hand, there has been nothing to suggest that the Eagles have addressed their weaknesses, nor that they will be a better team this year. In fact the opposite looks quite possible.

I know that we aren't happy with the Dockers achievements (how could we be!), but I think some Eagles supporters think they are doing okay, and holding onto their now distant glory years; what are they celebrating this year? Some anniversary?



Some interesting points you are making but i think you maybe reading to much into pre-season form. After all the three worst performed teams were Sydney West Coast and the Saints.

As for Freo, they have looked the goods so far this season but then again that has been the case for several years now and it really is time they started to move from potential to actually fullfilling it and converting it into results. Otherwise this period (02 to 06) in the Dockers history will go down as a severly wasted opportunity IMO considering the talent at hand.

Late last year was a good example of unrealised potential

Freo got on a roll after the mid season break but the last 3 games were always going to be the key when they faced quality opposition in crunch games. 2 wins from those games would have seen the Dockers play finals

And what happened

Versus WCE they got smashed in Round 20, they then had a fairly lucky but non the less exciting win over the Saints in Round 21 and after leading against Port at half time in Round 22 capitulated to yet again miss out on the finals.

Fast forward to the Semi Final of the NAB cup this year and they blew a lead in the last quarter and got run over by Geelong. Thus yet again being tagged as soft when it really matters by some in the general public and Media alike

Not great signs for the year ahead in regards to playing in the "big" games but then again every season has heaps of suprising results and maybe, just maybe 06 is the Dockers year to have a break out season

[Mojo_]

Gotta love how the eagle supporters cant help but harp on freo's history despite a thread about the coming season.....Keep up the good work guys.

As it stands after watching the pre seasons (Yes I realise its only the pre season), you would be hard pressed to find a chink in the freo armor. Can the same be said about the eagles?
Whether or not freo finish ahead of the eagles this season will come down to a number of factors:

1. Eagles ability to find a goal scorer
2. Freos ability to stand up and be counted when the pressure is on

(Injuries aside)

Thats it guys.

Any talk of club history, culture, profits or membership numbers means nothing.
pfft...

Freo win a few pre season games, and now they think they have the premiership in the bag.

At the end of the day, while Cuddles is still in charge im not worried one bit that Freo will finish over the Eagles, because like most of the football community I cant see it happening.

[lazy]

What is it about these small town Perth people and their outlandish statements. Chip on shoulder?

[sabre_ac]

A MUCH better issue for you to raise would be the obsession some Dockers fans have with us. Check out the number of threads they have started referencing the Eagles.



The exact same can be said for eagle supporters starting threads on freo. While I am at it I should also point out that the freo board has a far bigger problem with eagle supporters starting trouble than the reverse.
Could this be down to a few bad apples? Perhaps.


As to your point regarding "chinks in the armour", you didnt see the last quarter of Freo v Geelong did you? If you did, you may have noticed the insipid roll-over which was indicative of Dockers in key moments in years past. Of course, its only the pre-season so it means little.



Refer to my comment about freo's ability to stand up and be counted when the pressure is on.

[Eagle87]

What is it about these small town Perth people and their outlandish statements. Chip on shoulder?

You mean as opposed to you "big city" sophisticates who are apparently fonts of all knowledge and wisdom?

Feel free to crawl out of your own orifice and have a look at the world around you sometime Lazy - you might be surprised by how its changing.

Cheers.

[sabre_ac]

pfft...

Freo win a few pre season games, and now they think they have the premiership in the bag.



Finishing above the eagles means we will win the premireship?

Now who is getting ahead of themselves...

pfft...

At the end of the day, while Cuddles is still in charge im not worried one bit that Freo will finish over the Eagles, because like most of the football community I cant see it happening.

I like the idea of the "football community" having that opinion...as would the freo coaching staff

[Eagle87]

The exact same can be said for eagle supporters starting threads on freo. While I am at it I should also point out that the freo board has a far bigger problem with eagle supporters starting trouble than the reverse.
Could this be down to a few bad apples? Perhaps.



Refer to my comment about freo's ability to stand up and be counted when the pressure is on.

Fair enough.

Just didnt believe criticism of my "history lesson" was warranted in context of the post to which I was responding.

Cheers.

[Mojo_]

Finishing above the eagles means we will win the premireship?

Now who is getting ahead of themselves...



I like the idea of the "football" community having that opinion...as would the freo coaching staff
Well if that is the case, show me anywhere that proves my point wrong.

[lazy]

double post

[lazy]

You mean as opposed to you "big city" sophisticates who are apparently fonts of all knowledge and wisdom?

Feel free to crawl out of your own orifice and have a look at the world around you sometime Lazy - you might be surprised by how its changing.

Cheers.

haha.. Gotta love Perth people - theyre like Kiwis in our own country but still further away.

[Eagle87]

haha.. Gotta love Perth people - theyre like Kiwis in our own country but still further away.

Wow that hurts .... :rolleyes:

Define a Perth person .... I mean if I run a business in Sydney & Melbourne, spend lots of time in the US and have a house in one of those places + Perth, am I a "Perth person"?

Even better define a 'Sydney person'?... surely its not some anal retentive clown who derives some sort of intellectual superiority complex from the place of his abode - which lets be honest, in your case is probably a suburb about as far from downtown Sydney as it is from Perth....

Cheers...

(lets try something better than your usual passive aggressive smugness shall we?)

[sabre_ac]

Well if that is the case, show me anywhere that proves my point wrong.

How would I prove that?

Unless I got in some time machine and travelled to seasons end..Then perhaps I would have the proof.

[sabre_ac]

Just didnt believe criticism of my "history lesson" was warranted in context of the post to which I was responding.



Perhaps.

But all too often when discussing freo's fortunes for the future, reference is made to their past.

[WA ROO]

Well done Pav for AA fantastic impersonation of Unit/Gunnar Longshanks/T_P
As for the topic,both teams will make the top 8
One top 4 the other 5-8
Which team is which? I am not sure,but I will be at Subiaco rnd 6 hoping for a Dockers win;)

[Eagle87]

Perhaps.

But all too often when discussing freo's fortunes for the future, reference is made to their past.

Wow we must be the only people on Earth who use historical performance and trends to assess the likely outcomes going forward.

Imagine thinking that Freo's performance in 2006 may in any way at all be informed by their performance in the past.

I mean using your logic, Q Lynch has as much chance as say Barry Hall of winning this years goal kicking. Unless of course you look at past performance which suggests that Lynchy isnt fit to wash Halls jocks.

But the past is irrelevant....

Based on past performance, one could anticpate Freo underperforming relative to their talent and blowing key games. Ignoring that (as you suggest), heck they will win the next 5 premierships....

Cheers

[Reveler]

I want to see how the eagles go in the first few rounds.. if they were "bluffing" and tanking in the preseason like suggested on the west coast board then I can't see them finishing any lower than 4th.

[sabre_ac]

Wow we must be the only people on Earth who use historical performance and trends to assess the likely outcomes going forward.

Imagine thinking that Freo's performance in 2006 may in any way at all be informed by their performance in the past.

I mean using your logic, Q Lynch has as much chance as say Barry Hall of winning this years goal kicking. Unless of course you look at past performance which suggests that Lynchy isnt fit to wash Halls jocks.

But the past is irrelevant....

Based on past performance, one could anticpate Freo underperforming relative to their talent and blowing key games. Ignoring that (as you suggest), heck they will win the next 5 premierships....

Cheers

Short term history is one thing...

But to make reference to the Neesham years when much of the player group from then has moved on is a pointless.

When have I suggested we will win the next 5 Premireships?

[Mojo_]

Short term history is one thing...

But to make reference to the Neesham years when much of the player group from then has moved on is a pointless.

When have I suggested we will win the next 5 Premireships?

It was a figure of speech..

[Ripper]

Well is seems that some impartial footy experts agree.

Dockers may be best from west (http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,18651982-23211,00.html)

Obvious really ;)

[Eagle87]

Well is seems that some impartial footy experts agree.

Dockers may be best from west (http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,18651982-23211,00.html)

Obvious really ;)

Thats almost a "bump" Ripper ....

;)

[sedders]

seems some other experts disagree...


http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=feature&spg=display&articleid=253341

;)

[Ripper]

seems some other experts disagree...


http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=feature&spg=display&articleid=253341

;)

Scraping the bottom of the barrel there sedders, calling afl.com "experts". ;)

[Bestbird]

Having witnessed the drama filled offseason at West Coast and the lack of imagination of there coach it would be fair to say that with such a tough draw straight up 2 losses from two starts is probable.

This is sure to breed negativity and a lack of confidence. Jw's stuborness is sure to handicap a side, with the league best midfield and solid defence from truly reaching their full potential, which, to all football lovers, is a shame.

Down Freo way, things are looking fantanstic. The emergence of Brett Peake and Aaron Sandilands will be a major boost for the club which also boast arguably the most Potent Foward Line with Pav, Macpharlin and the Longmuir to stretch a defence, and the undeniable talents of Farmer and Medhurst.
Another exciting prospect is the return of Hadrill and Hayden, 2 major factors in Freo finishing 6 in 2004.

The gulf in gameplans was revealed during the NAB cup, a more direct brand of football led to a dominant display by the Freo boys, which I feel will be mirrored throughout the 2006 season.

West Coast overperformed last year and Im sure will slide this year. Freo on the way up :thumbsu:


Bump

Well Pav AA



A week is a long time in footy:p .

[collo21]

once again pav is a ************ nice work smart ass:thumbsd:
just shut your fkin mouth next time u ******** r

[Arcadion]

This thread shouldn't be bumped just yet. It's only Round 1!
However, so much for our 2 straight losses.

[Arcadion]

Having witnessed the drama filled offseason at West Coast and the lack of imagination of there coach it would be fair to say that with such a tough draw straight up 2 losses from two starts is probable.

2 Straight losses?

[section8]

2-0

Saints
Crows

Booyah

[RoosterLad]

no chance
while Adelaide were poor today, West Coast are a very impresside side, they will be right up there this year
their midfield is awesome and they constantly put us under pressure

[jod23]

Werent we supposed to lose our first two games??? Where is Pav now? I love it :D

[section8]

Werent we supposed to lose our first two games??? Where is Pav now? I love it :D

Not surprisingly, all quiet on the scumbag front.

[Baxter Stockman]

Bump

Freo with an excellent away from home win are back on track!!!!!!

[Eagle87]

Bump

Freo with an excellent away from home win are back on track!!!!!!

Not sure who this result says more about..

Everyone knows that beating Freo requires you to stop them running from half back forward with uncontested possession. Did Port try and stop them doing this at any stage today????

Good result for Freo but I suspect it is an indication of where Port are at more than anything else.

I guess Freo's back on track status will be better determined after next weeks home game v Crows...