Prediction Changes: Round 20 vs West Coast Eagles

[anchor man]

We could have subbed McDonald but I think we went first so the Pies Cox could have stretched us til they subbed him out.

He was my choice. His disposal was very ordinary. Had no idea as to how far he had to kick to a player.Always fell short. But later he did work hard to assist the back line.

 

[ImperialPurple]

Out: Johnno
In: bRIng BaCk dA bROdiE

 

[Alfonz]

The impact of the rucks is often glossed over in these and Ashcroft jnr isnt all that at the moment

I'll back Darcy, Jackson, Young, Serong, Brayshaw, Bolton, JOM, Noddy, Johnson as a midfield package against anyone

They also have Rayner and Bailey who get midfield minutes. Maybe as much as Bolton does for us. Zorko could play there if they wanted him to, and will still find himself between the arcs a lot.

Rucks are on our side, but overall I think there is still a decent gap between the sides on paper. But I still give us a good chance at beating them at Optus.

 

[freo84]

Out: Johnno
In: bRIng BaCk dA bROdiE

 

[Righteo]

Our top 3 mids are elite. I still think depth is an issue. Adding a really good 4th banana or a classy winger would help a lot.


Brisbane with Neale, Ashcroft, Ashcroft, Dunkley, Fletcher are the best midfield in the comp.

Bulldogs are right up there too. Bont/Richards/Libba/Kennedy is an insane quartet, English is like an extra midfielder, and with Treloar/Freijah/Sanders/Davidson it runs as deep as any. Fortunately for us their backs are rubbish. If we're going with just trios then we're formidable for sure, but I don't know that we're clearly better than say Butters/Rozee/JHF and Heeney/Gulden/Warner plus the aforementioned Dogs and Lions.

Jackson gives us a force mutiplier advantage but like you and others say we desperately need MJ, NOD and one other (likely Murphy Reid) to go to the next level to match the sheer depth of our rivals.

 

[freo84]

Bulldogs are right up there too. Bont/Richards/Libba/Kennedy is an insane quartet, English is like an extra midfielder, and with Treloar/Freijah/Sanders/Davidson it runs as deep as any. Fortunately for us their back and fwdlines are rubbish. If we're going with just trios then we're formidable for sure, but I don't know that we're clearly better than say Butters/Rozee/JHF and Heeney/Gulden/Warner plus the aforementioned Dogs and Lions.

Jackson gives us a force mutiplier advantage but like you and others say we desperately need MJ, NOD and one other (likely Murphy Reid) to go to the next level to match the sheer depth of our rivals.

There is nothing wrong with the Doggies forward line...Its that defence that's shaky.

 

[2big2strom]

There is nothing wrong with the Doggies forward line...Its that defence that's shaky.

I will not hear this redemption-arc-Key-Defender-Rory-Lobb slander

 

[freo84]

I will not hear this redemption-arc-Key-Defender-Rory-Lobb slander

He's okayyyyyyy just a misunderstood and poorly coached player.

 

[Docker82]

There is no way that Sharp throws his body into the packs as Johnson does.He is a a runner out side. not a body contact player like Johnno.

Whilst I agree we're also not getting the outside run and/or wing minutes from the inside mids a lot of posters are suggesting we bring in.

Even Young is too slow to replace Johnson. Obviously you still fit Young in if you are confident he can play the whole game.

 

[anchor man]

Whilst I agree we're also not getting the outside run and/or wing minutes from the inside mids a lot of posters are suggesting we bring in.

Even Young is too slow to replace Johnson. Obviously you still fit Young in if you are confident he can play the whole game.

Young is a lock. Only a reoccurence or other injury costs him a place.
Young not reslly slow, reads the ball better and at this stage undersatands the game better. Far better disposal.

 

[Docker82]

Young is a lock. Only a reoccurence or other injury costs him a place.
Young not reslly slow, reads the ball better and at this stage undersatands the game better. Far better disposal.

Not saying don't bring in Young but there's no chance he covers the kms Johnson does. The chances of Young starting on the wing is close to zero yet that's where Johnson was playing almost the entire game.

My main point is you bring in Young, you've still got to find a way to replace Johnson. They won't be able to play each other's roles at this stage.

 

[mattis117]

Not saying don't bring in Young but there's no chance he covers the kms Johnson does. The chances of Young starting on the wing is close to zero yet that's where Johnson was playing almost the entire game.

My main point is you bring in Young, you've still got to find a way to replace Johnson. They won't be able to play each other's roles at this stage.

They never cover one role with one player. Same goes here, the Johnson load (lol) will be shared among a few.

 

[Joose]

Erasmus for MJ. Like for like.

The old Freo docker supporter in me views this sort of game with trepidation. We should win handily but with our flaky history any win would make me happy.

Eagles will bring their A game on Saturday. Kelly only plays 2 decent games a year and both are derbies. Harley looks like he has hit some form.

 

[mightymouse75]

I was considering who would we would rest?
Isn't the whole of last weekends team under 25 except for JOM & Ryan?

 

[FreoRicci]

In: Sharp
Out: Johnson.

Obvious call. Sharp has had a few weeks out. Give him another chance.
Young starts.

 

[Redgum]

We are only looking at a sub replacement, Dudley

 

[332docker]

I was considering who would we would rest?
Isn't the whole of last weekends team under 25 except for JOM & Ryan?

Darcy

Walker to be sub

 

[Righteo]

There is nothing wrong with the Doggies forward line...Its that defence that's shaky.

Both are a lot better on paper than in reality (Sam Darcy aside). I gave Bevo big ups earlier in the year when I was in my most JL-hating mood but honestly they've really underperformed considering the talent they have.

Anyway, back on topic. **** West Coast and **** Fatty Reid the overhyped stager.

 

[dominguez]

They'll go one of 2 ways, Young into the 22 and bring in Walker with Banfield as the sub or Dudley as the sub and Banfield stays in the 22 and Walker misses out.

 

[Cobbler]

There is nothing wrong with the Doggies forward line...Its that defence that's shaky.

I think it’s their system. They are front runners. This leaves their backs exposed.

They can look a million bucks and terrible in the same game.

It has to be their system.

 

[fnerd]

I think it’s their system. They are front runners. This leaves their backs exposed.

They can look a million bucks and terrible in the same game.

It has to be their system.

Oh definitely is .

Hence them being the ultimate flat trackers and proved pretty much conclusively now by their record against all the other top 8 sides

 

[Jezzitizle]

Hypothetical - which West Coast players would make the b22 of a combined freo wc side if it had to play this weekend?

 

[freo84]

Hypothetical - which West Coast players would make the b22 of a combined freo wc side if it had to play this weekend?

Harley Reid would get a gig. He would just about be perfect in our midfield mix.

Struggling to think of anyone else though.

 

[oldgoat]

This board is quite funny. A couple of points can completely flip how they view individual performances. If we had lost the daggers would have been out.

Boggles this tiny mind every week!

 

[oldgoat]

Probably would be my pick especially for this week. Easiest fit, and NOD probably plays better more in the contest anyways. Also imagine Johnno would've been set for a role on Harley like last derby. Surely NOD's the best replacement to take that role.

Johnno on Harley!
That would have.been...Pass the popcorn!