Autopsy Freo Lock Away Finals at the Dog House

[Minz]

Honestly, the awkward real answer is that Nat should not be in this team. He looks so slow and cumbersome coming on and is off the pace badly.

Now, I'm more than happy for the club to give him the games anyway but realistically, if allowed to play onball like he is, im pretty sure Johnson or Noddy are providing more.

I hate it, but I agree. And I would pick him every game anyway.

 

[imperial_oz]

View attachment 2405996

They're taking it very well across the road.

First they have the worst season in AFL history and now their better brother is finals bound, bad week to be a West Coast fan, not to mention their captain leaving them

Not the first time their captain's done a runner....

 

[Quay Club]

Always next year for my club no more open training sessions when freo are in town

 

[gungho]

On Fyfie.
This is honestly the first time when I've watched the game and thought he's no longer best 22.
I'm actually not sure what the club does from this point forward.

 

[s_wd6]

I choose to stay delusional and only pay attention to the games this year where he’s come on as sub to good effect.

 

[Andy Brennan]

Love David King on First Crack. Trying to talk about our agression in the first vs second quarter by using direction to goal as an indicator and the numbers are literally identical, with the big difference being time with ball in hand. Unless they got the graphic wrong.

Yeah did not understand that at all. The numbers he kept referring to seemed to be the opposite of what he was saying. They literally showed it was even all 4 quarters?!?

 

[MakeshiftMartyr]

Did anybody catch what some of the boys continued to sing, after the song? Looked like Brayshaw, Cox and some others.

 

[BStaff17]

Just home from Marvel, great game and great win. I felt all week this was set up beautifully for us to ambush them here - even got in on the silly $3.50 pre match odds too for good measure.
One thing we learned this week is that pundits know jack shit over the averaged Joe on the street.

Great for JL to secure 6th place, it’s about par for what should be expected with this list in my opinion and credit to him he’s delivered the finals spot we all craved.
Now it’s about taking those next steps from here.
Positives for me today were Amiss, Reid, Alex Pearce (outstanding on the much hyped Sam Darcy) and also I thought it was Sean Darcy’s best game of the season too. Treacy is one of our safest and most trustworthy players now. Can’t wait to see what he can do in finals.
On the negative side I didn’t like the lack of control we showed in the game in the final quarter, thought for a moment there the Rhys Stanley appreciation thread for spuds pulling out a Worldie against us was going to have to be found again to add Oscar Baker who somehow threatened to tear us to shreds in the last. Anyway we got away with it so onwards to finals!
Also David king can go and eat a big fat dick I bet he’s devastated.

Last Quarter run from the Dogs was always going to happen. They had 30 mins to save there season and through everything at us.

I think we can learn from it anyway and take some lessons from a few moments.

Our 4th Quarters have been our trump card the last 2 months.

So its not a fitness issue.

 

[BStaff17]

The streak of the result determining if we make the finals or not playing the Bulldogs @ marvel continues.

Since 2011 v Dogs @ Marvel
Won - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2025 - Made finals in those 5 seasons
Lost - 2011, 2016, 2019, 2023, 2024 - Missed finals in those 5 seasons

 

[freo84]

Good morning winners.

Hope the day finds you well.

How good does this feel! All that worrying about will they/won't they has been answered.

We're here. We're in finals. We didnt scrape in. We earnt it because we took control of our destiny.

Anything is possible from here. Can't wait for week 1 of finals.

 

[BStaff17]

I think we have had the perfect prep for finals tbh.

Its clear our game plan stands up to most or if not all in the top 8.

We got our stagefright game out of the way last week against Brisbane which will probably do us more good then bad in the long run even if it cost us a top 4 spot.

Though tbh i think the Swans home game was the one that has cost us a top 4 spot.

And with the streak of wins we have had coming into finals a slip up like that a few weeks out isn't the worst thing for mine it can sharpen you up to refocus on the basics and what you actually stand for.

Better having it then instead of an elimination final with no 2nd chances.

Then yesterday was basically a high stakes unofficial final which we stood up on the road. We then get a week off to rest up before a home final.

I think the road to the flag is a bridge too far this year still.

Ill probably be always cautious of travel factor now we are going to have to win 3 straight games on the road though i feel our best chance to the GF is Geelong, Adelaide.

Adelaide from a travel point of view is perfect between 2 x melbourne games.

If we go to Brissy in week 2. I think that will soak up too much by the end of finals if we won up there.

I still think we can get to a prelim final at a minimum though.

 

[go_the_dockers]

I think we have had the perfect prep for finals tbh.

Its clear our game plan stands up to most or if not all in the top 8.

We got our stagefright game out of the way last week against Brisbane which will probably do us more good then bad in the long run even if it cost us a top 4 spot.

Though tbh i think the Swans home game was the one that has cost us a top 4 spot.

And with the streak of wins we have had coming into finals a slip up like that a few weeks out isn't the worst thing for mine it can sharpen you up to refocus on the basics and what you actually stand for.

Better having it then instead of an elimination final with no 2nd chances.

Then yesterday was basically a high stakes unofficial final which we stood up on the road. We then get a week off to rest up before a home final.

I think the road to the flag is a bridge too far this year still.

Ill probably be always cautious of travel factor now we are going to have to win 3 straight games on the road though i feel our best chance to the GF is Geelong, Adelaide.

Adelaide from a travel point of view is perfect between 2 x melbourne games.

If we go to Brissy in week 2. I think that will soak up too much by the end of finals if we won up there.

I still think we can get to a prelim final at a minimum though.

Gold Coast at home
- Winning at home in front of a packed house will be a big step forward for the team.

Then we likely get Geelong or Brisbane away. As long as we turn up, and play four quarters I will be happy.

 

[go_the_dockers]

AFL LIVE LADDER: What Bombers v Suns result will mean

Who will claim the final spot in the right?

www.sen.com.au

Gold Coast win by 30+ points:

• (5) GWS versus (8) Hawthorn @ ENGIE Stadium

• (6) Fremantle versus (7) Gold Coast @ Optus Stadium

Gold Coast win by less than 30 points OR Gold Coast and Essendon draw:

• (5) GWS versus (8) Gold Coast @ ENGIE Stadium

• (6) Fremantle versus (7) Hawthorn @ Optus Stadium

Essendon beat Gold Coast:

• (5) GWS versus (8) Western Bulldogs @ ENGIE Stadium

• (6) Fremantle versus (7) Hawthorn @ Optus Stadium

The top eight will be finalised when Gold Coast take on Essendon at People First Stadium on Wednesday the 27th of August.

 

[freo84]

Gold Coast at home
- Winning at home in front of a packed house will be a big step forward for the team.

Then we likely get Geelong or Brisbane away. As long as we turn up, and play four quarters I will be happy.

We can 100% beat Geelong anywhere.

Not so sure about Brissy.

 

[Daddoo]

First off, it was a great atmosphere in my basement at 8am over donuts and copious amounts of coffee.

A lot of this:

More of this:

And even a little of this:

Here are some general thoughts:

• Our three headed forward line can compete with anyone when they play this good. The dogs defense was their weakest link, but then we should dominate...and we did. We have four players who kicked 30 or more goals this year. Do any of you stat heads know when that happened last?
• I was really nervous during the first quarter, but once that second quarter started we played the best footy we've played all year. To play this brand right before a finals campaign should give the boys the confidence they need to make a push. Now that they've shown they can do it on the road, in a finals-like game, they can lean on that moving forward.
• I don't want to be negative, but what's going on with Brayshaw? Maybe my expectations are too high, but it seems like he's just not having a huge impact on the game. Serong is a man possessed, flying around, and Brayshaw seems to be just a step behind or not hitting the right targets or missing the tackles or just a bit slow. Maybe I'm just crazy? Maybe he's playing a different role? I really hope he lifts his game for our home final. I want to see him run down someone from behind and just crush him to the ground!
• Young played 65% game time. Didn't get hurt. Showed some class. Check, check, check. He'll be firing in two weeks. He'll have two goals in our next final game. Bookmark it.
• I agree with others that Banfield looked both good and bad. Had some crucial spoils and pressures, but he also did what Banners does. I thought his game against the Lions was a wayyy bigger turd. He was the worst defender, but Chappy, Warner, and Clarky were good.
• LOOOOOOOOOVE our small forwards when they're up and firing. Ried, Switta, Freddy, and Bolts. They were able to be the link up between the mids and FFs. I think this is part of what JL wants to be "our brand". When we go straight from our mids to our forwards i50, we tend to bomb it to packs. When we go mids--> HF--> FF, we find space and hit the leading target. Why don't we do it more often? I think they just like to tease us...
• Darcy and Astronaught were held in check. Dogs are the highest scoring team in the comp and were averaging 120 points a game (I think). If you don't think this is a huge win for our defense, then I have a number of a doctor you might like to see. Ya' crazy.
• We dodged a bullet when Clark when down into the changing rooms. I don't know what happened, but we NEEED him for finals. So glad he wasn't hurt. Also, I'm glad Swisskowski, I mean, Swittokowski, I mean, Switta just got a knee knock. I feel bad for Wags, but that's footy. Next man up.
• Our Darcy was very strong against a very good ruckman. He is going to be very important to a successful finals campaign.
• JL and his coaching staff should take a bow. They righted this ship after the St. Kilda loss and never looked back. Stick to the process. Play your role. One game at a time. This boring "coachspeak" and philosophy is what helped us get into finals. Will I have to read less "JL doesn't have it" or "we're going no where with JL" posts on here? Probably not. But I like it when the loonies identify themselves for me. Same way I like it when people post political signs and flags and wear stupid red hats. Let's me know who's a few cards short of a full deck.
• Just give Ried the Rising Star award now FFS. Seriously. Don't overthink it. When I think what this kid could become in the next four years, my nether regions get all tingly...
• I can't criticize the ****wad Vic media for doubting us because I honestly wasn't super confident (David King is still a w***er). I gave us more of a chance than most, but I'd be lying if I said I was 100% confident. I believe this is our club's first win in a "win-and-you're-in" type game. This is just the beginning, purple army. Whether we play one or two games or go all the way, let's enjoy the ride.

This team is just getting started!!

My celebratory bourbon!

 

[Lach72]

First off, it was a great atmosphere in my basement at 8am over donuts and copious amounts of coffee.

A lot of this:

More of this:

And even a little of this:

Here are some general thoughts:

• Our three headed forward line can compete with anyone when they play this good. The dogs defense was their weakest link, but then we should dominate...and we did. We have four players who kicked 30 or more goals this year. Do any of you stat heads know when that happened last?
• I was really nervous during the first quarter, but once that second quarter started we played the best footy we've played all year. To play this brand right before a finals campaign should give the boys the confidence they need to make a push. Now that they've shown they can do it on the road, in a finals-like game, they can lean on that moving forward.
• I don't want to be negative, but what's going on with Brayshaw? Maybe my expectations are too high, but it seems like he's just not having a huge impact on the game. Serong is a man possessed, flying around, and Brayshaw seems to be just a step behind or not hitting the right targets or missing the tackles or just a bit slow. Maybe I'm just crazy? Maybe he's playing a different role? I really hope he lifts his game for our home final. I want to see him run down someone from behind and just crush him to the ground!
• Young played 65% game time. Didn't get hurt. Showed some class. Check, check, check. He'll be firing in two weeks. He'll have two goals in our next final game. Bookmark it.
• I agree with others that Banfield looked both good and bad. Had some crucial spoils and pressures, but he also did what Banners does. I thought his game against the Lions was a wayyy bigger turd. He was the worst defender, but Chappy, Warner, and Clarky were good.
• LOOOOOOOOOVE our small forwards when they're up and firing. Ried, Switta, Freddy, and Bolts. They were able to be the link up between the mids and FFs. I think this is part of what JL wants to be "our brand". When we go straight from our mids to our forwards i50, we tend to bomb it to packs. When we go mids--> HF--> FF, we find space and hit the leading target. Why don't we do it more often? I think they just like to tease us...
• Darcy and Astronaught were held in check. Dogs are the highest scoring team in the comp and were averaging 120 points a game (I think). If you don't think this is a huge win for our defense, then I have a number of a doctor you might like to see. Ya' crazy.
• We dodged a bullet when Clark when down into the changing rooms. I don't know what happened, but we NEEED him for finals. So glad he wasn't hurt. Also, I'm glad Swisskowski, I mean, Swittokowski, I mean, Switta just got a knee knock. I feel bad for Wags, but that's footy. Next man up.
• Our Darcy was very strong against a very good ruckman. He is going to be very important to a successful finals campaign.
• JL and his coaching staff should take a bow. They righted this ship after the St. Kilda loss and never looked back. Stick to the process. Play your role. One game at a time. This boring "coachspeak" and philosophy is what helped us get into finals. Will I have to read less "JL doesn't have it" or "we're going no where with JL" posts on here? Probably not. But I like it when the loonies identify themselves for me. Same way I like it when people post political signs and flags and wear stupid red hats. Let's me know who's a few cards short of a full deck.
• Just give Ried the Rising Star award now FFS. Seriously. Don't overthink it. When I think what this kid could become in the next four years, my nether regions get all tingly...
• I can't criticize the ****wad Vic media for doubting us because I honestly wasn't super confident (David King is still a w***er). I gave us more of a chance than most, but I'd be lying if I said I was 100% confident. I believe this is our club's first win in a "win-and-you're-in" type game. This is just the beginning, purple army. Whether we play one or two games or go all the way, let's enjoy the ride.

This team is just getting started!!

My celebratory bourbon!

View attachment 2406467

Just stick a bit of ice and dry ginger ale in there and away you go

 

[Dale147]

 

[ImperialPurple]

Don't get me started on David King......

 

[Bender571]

• Our three headed forward line can compete with anyone when they play this good. The dogs defense was their weakest link, but then we should dominate...and we did. We have four players who kicked 30 or more goals this year. Do any of you stat heads know when that happened last?

I can't see it happening before, but there have been some close seasons with one less game.

 

[oldgoat]

Ultimately agree but I recognise and accept that he’s a legacy pick.

Need him for the aura he will provide.

Impossible to quantify.
.... reminds me of a quote, often attributed to Albert Einstein: “Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.”

 

[King Huskii]

Bloody hell Huskii, I know you don’t like JL and Banfield…
But jeez mate, JL and the coaches did a job on Bevo today and Banners was better than average….
Give credit where credit is due or I’ll come to training and ram a Culleys vanilla slice so far up ya - you’ll be coughing custard…

Shout out to my boy Murph …..
Rising Star has gotta be his

I do like JLO. What gave you the impression that I don't?

 

[oldgoat]

He's Darcy without the hitouts.

yeah...but more than that.

 

[oldgoat]

Murphy Reid an absolute lock for the Rising Star…

Whatever, Anyway...future Superstar, Brownlow and Hall of Famer!

 

[oldgoat]

View attachment 2406416

Shet just got serious...

 

[Hamann188]