Preview Changes & Pre-match Discussion - Round 9 vs. FREM - Optus Stadium, Sun 02/08 @ 6:10pm AEST

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After this evening's embarrassing loss to WCE, it feels as though we're right back to where we were after the GWS game. We're 4-1-3 and once again it feels as though we're only a mid-table side, despite some promising games this season thus far.

Well, this game is the end of our Perth stint. At least for now. Not sure on what to make of Sunday night footy, but it's about to get even weirder, so we'll take what we get!

It's no secret that the Dockers have been struggling this year. Despite having a good win against St Kilda and the fact they should've beaten Essendon earlier in the year, they're currently sitting 2-5 on the ladder. The Dockers are likely to go into this game on 2-6 after their game against Geelong tomorrow (Monday) night, keeping them entrenched within the bottom four.

The boys will be keen to get one over former defensive coach Justin Longmuir, whom seemingly left the club last year on very good terms. Longmuir may well know exactly how we play, or what we're trying to do, but one would hope that knowledge can only get you so far when restricted in the way of manpower.

This game will finally see the return of Sidebottom after his four-game COVID suspension, which is welcome news in light of some of the recent injuries we've had to key players.



LAST TIME THEY MET

Last year we went into the Round 11 encounter on 8-2, up against Fremantle who were mid table on 5-5. Given the ladder at the time, prior form and the fact that this game was at the MCG, this game seemed unlosable to some. The Dockers had shown in the pre-season competition that they could put the clamps on and restrict our ball movement, and this game was no different. The Dockers went on to win 11.13.79 to 11.9.75.

This game was made somewhat controversial by Michael Walters being given the all clear for a goal in the third quarter, despite Chris Mayne clearly touching the ball off his boot. The score review took a look at Sidebottom's attempt at touching the ball on the goal line rather than the kick itself. Nonetheless, it wasn't this decision (or lack thereof) which cost us, it was our own inability to hit the scoreboard and move the ball throughout the day.

Despite dominating the ruck, we were matched (and narrowly beaten) in the clearances, which was impacted by the absence of Taylor Adams.

Nat Fyfe and Brad Hill were two of Fremantle's best players in this game, with 32 and 29 touches respectively. Brad Hill seemingly had a paddock all day and also finished with two goals.

Aside from Pendlebury's 29 touches and 2 goals, Jordan DeGoey kicking 3 goals and Brodie Grundy's dominance over Rory Lobb (Darcy didn't play this game), we were short on top performers.

Fremantle had multiple other top contributors on the day including Reece Conca, Ed Langdon and Nathan Wilson.

We're fortunate that we won't have to worry about Hill this year following his departure to St Kilda, nor Ed Langdon (Melbourne). Nat Fyfe has been facing some injury troubles recently and could be at less than 100% this time around, if he plays.



MATCH UPS

Usually I'd try and pick a well-suited match up for all 6 or 7 of our defenders. Fremantle have some role-players like Schultz (14-15 games), Colyer and Banfield in their forward line, which I believe is their weakest part of the ground. The likes of Crisp, Noble, Scharenberg and/or Quaynor are seemingly well suited to handle this challenge.

Our biggest concerns are Rory Lobb, Matt Tabener and Michael Walters. Rory Lobb is obviously quite tall and decent overhead and quite often uses his contested marking ability to kick a goal or two against us. We will require Moore (or even Roughead) to be on their game for this match up.

Moore vs. Rory Lobb
Roughead vs. Matt Tabener
Maynard vs. Michael Walters





CHANGES

I don't think we need to make too many drastic changes yet, or have to consider resting anyone, particularly after the ten-day lead in to the WCE game.

Varcoe wasn't featuring in many BigFooty poster's "Best 22" posts earlier this year, and his game against Hawthorn probably reaffirmed that. Just a week later he bounced back with a strong performance against his former side in Geelong. Varcoe would've kept his spot in the side if it wasn't for a rib injury keeping him out against the Eagles. Does he automatically come back in?

Sidebottom returns.

IN: Varcoe, Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Sier
OUT: Bosenavulagi, Thomas, Brown, Wills



TIP

Fremantle restricted our ball movement last season and were on the right side of momentum at the end of the day. However, coupling the absence of Brad Hill and co. and their recent form, I would be surprised (and very disappointed!) if we don't get the job done on Saturday.

Collingwood by 1.
 
In: Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Varcoe, Murphy
Out: Mayne, Wills, Atu, Scharenberg
 
season is not over, Sidebottom and Pendles are back next week. Grow up

Well where nothing Short of Disgusting tonight.

There is a Ignore Button there to be Used
 

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Bring Keane in , Schaz way too slow . Not sure how Murphy is tracking but he would also be a good replacment . Wills Brown JT and Atu out. Anyone that can play football in. Congrats to IQ today , great game!!
 
In: Pendles, Sidebottom ,Varcoe, Sier
out: Wills, Brown, Atu, Shaz

Ah yes I forgot Varcoe.

OUT: Wills, Atu, Brown, Thomas
IN: Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Sier, Varcoe

Our bottom 6-8 were really, really poor today. Well, the whole team was poor, but those in particular.

Other than Quaynor, Adams and Noble... abysmal.
 
After this evening's embarrassing loss to WCE, it feels as though we're right back to where we were after the GWS game. We're 4-1-3 and once again it feels as though we're only a mid-table side, despite some promising games this season thus far.

Well, this game is the end of our Perth stint. At least for now. Not sure on what to make of Sunday night footy, but it's about to get even weirder, so we'll take what we get!

It's no secret that the Dockers have been struggling this year. Despite having a good win against St Kilda and the fact they should've beaten Essendon earlier in the year, they're currently sitting 2-5 on the ladder. The Dockers are likely to go into this game on 2-6 after their game against Geelong tomorrow (Monday) night, keeping them entrenched within the bottom four.

The boys will be keen to get one over former defensive coach Justin Longmuir, whom seemingly left the club last year on very good terms. Longmuir may well know exactly how we play, or what we're trying to do, but one would hope that knowledge can only get you so far when restricted in the way of manpower.

This game will finally see the return of Sidebottom after his four-game COVID suspension, which is welcome news in light of some of the recent injuries we've had to key players.



LAST TIME THEY MET

Last year we went into the Round 11 encounter on 8-2, up against Fremantle who were mid table on 5-5. Given the ladder at the time, prior form and the fact that this game was at the MCG, this game seemed unlosable to some. The Dockers had shown in the pre-season competition that they could put the clamps on and restrict our ball movement, and this game was no different. The Dockers went on to win 11.13.79 to 11.9.75.

This game was made somewhat controversial by Michael Walters being given the all clear for a goal in the third quarter, despite Chris Mayne clearly touching the ball off his boot. The score review took a look at Sidebottom's attempt at touching the ball on the goal line rather than the kick itself. Nonetheless, it wasn't this decision (or lack thereof) which cost us, it was our own inability to hit the scoreboard and move the ball throughout the day.

Despite dominating the ruck, we were matched (and narrowly beaten) in the clearances, which was impacted by the absence of Taylor Adams.

Nat Fyfe and Brad Hill were two of Fremantle's best players in this game, with 32 and 29 touches respectively. Brad Hill seemingly had a paddock all day and also finished with two goals.

Aside from Pendlebury's 29 touches and 2 goals, Jordan DeGoey kicking 3 goals and Brodie Grundy's dominance over Rory Lobb (Darcy didn't play this game), we were short on top performers.

Fremantle had multiple other top contributors on the day including Reece Conca, Ed Langdon and Nathan Wilson.

We're fortunate that we won't have to worry about Hill this year following his departure to St Kilda, nor Ed Langdon (Melbourne). Nat Fyfe has been facing some injury troubles recently and could be at less than 100% this time around, if he plays.



MATCH UPS

Usually I'd try and pick a well-suited match up for all 6 or 7 of our defenders. Fremantle have some role-players like Schultz (14-15 games), Colyer and Banfield in their forward line, which I believe is their weakest part of the ground. The likes of Crisp, Noble, Scharenberg and/or Quaynor are seemingly well suited to handle this challenge.

Our biggest concerns are Rory Lobb, Matt Tabener and Michael Walters. Rory Lobb is obviously quite tall and decent overhead and quite often uses his contested marking ability to kick a goal or two against us. We will require Moore (or even Roughead) to be on their game for this match up.

Moore vs. Rory Lobb
Roughead vs. Matt Tabener
Maynard vs. Michael Walters





CHANGES

I don't think we need to make too many drastic changes yet, or have to consider resting anyone, particularly after the ten-day lead in to the WCE game.

Varcoe wasn't featuring in many BigFooty poster's "Best 22" posts earlier this year, and his game against Hawthorn probably reaffirmed that. Just a week later he bounced back with a strong performance against his former side in Geelong. Varcoe would've kept his spot in the side if it wasn't for a rib injury keeping him out against the Eagles. Does he automatically come back in?

Sidebottom returns.

IN: Varcoe, Sidebottom, Pendlebury, Sier
OUT: Bosenavulagi, Thomas, Brown, Wills



TIP

Fremantle restricted our ball movement last season and were on the right side of momentum at the end of the day. However, coupling the absence of Brad Hill and co. and their recent form, I would be surprised (and very disappointed!) if we don't get the job done on Saturday.

Collingwood by 1.

Great analysis and i think these changes are spot on.

Poor performance tonight but we need to put that behind us right away and look forward to next week, and the opportunity to build some form back in the next 4 games.

Pissed off to no end... but Go Pies!
 

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