Strategy Changes: Round 7 Fremantle Dockers vs Adelaide Crows

[Sturty2Hurty]

Feel bad for Ras but

 

[SLOWNE]

Longmuir trusts his structure, he backs in the structure. Doesn't change the structure when its not working.
He is not a good match day coach lbh

Hey Freo fans! Was having a read through your thread and saw this and had to laugh. You see the exact same thing said about Nicks!

I guess this one is going to come down to the best pre-game strategy then?

Hoping for a good entertaining game tomorrow night, because by god we have seem some absolutely atrocious ones between our clubs in the past.

Good luck!

 

[wakojako]

When Serong gets tagged, our midfield falls to shit. Idk if Young or Jackson will fix this issue but it's one we need to address. With JOM out they need to throw Johno in there.

 

[Farrand]

Inspired changes

 

[Alfonz]

What stand out glimpses of his attributes would have you saying 'yep, there's definitely an AFL quality footballer here, just needs a 12th game"?

I don't know if there is "definitely" an AFL quality footballer there, and need a lot more than another game to find out.

Erasmus has tackling, gut running/endurance, effort, size. These aren't glamorous traits, but players have carved out a role with similar attributes to Erasmus (including the lack of speed and average foot skills). There's a scale from WAFL gun to De Boer to Crowley to Dunkley, but we don't really know where Erasmus falls within this range.

 

[sumavich]

Hey Freo fans! Was having a read through your thread and saw this and had to laugh. You see the exact same thing said about Nicks!

I guess this one is going to come down to the best pre-game strategy then?

Hoping for a good entertaining game tomorrow night, because by god we have seem some absolutely atrocious ones between our clubs in the past.

Good luck!

Should be a good game of Chess then! Just think you'll be harder for longer!

 

[Purple Jesus]

I don't know if there is "definitely" an AFL quality footballer there, and need a lot more than another game to find out.

Erasmus has tackling, gut running/endurance, effort, size. These aren't glamorous traits, but players have carved out a role with similar attributes to Erasmus (including the lack of speed and average foot skills). There's a scale from WAFL gun to De Boer to Crowley to Dunkley, but we don't really know where Erasmus falls within this range.

I don't think he's in that range at all. Gun WAFL player is it.

But then, who knows what a better coach would be able to do with him.

 

[maccamk]

He hasn’t played football in 2 weeks. Can’t possibly play seniors he needs a run in the 2s or risks blowing up and being out of touch. Just inlicky

 

[mike91]

The only one of those that aren't c-grade or garbage is Johnson, and that is only on potential. There have been glimpses.

Everyone else has already hit their ceiling and are

Beg to differ, Johnson is very much a C grader. "He could be anything" nope, he's a protected plodder who's given us zero return on investment with no reward in sight.

But hey, I've only been saying this for 1.5 years now

 

[estibador]

What stand out glimpses of his attributes would have you saying 'yep, there's definitely an AFL quality footballer here, just needs a 12th game"?

See this is the difference between him and Johnson for me.

MJ cops a lot of stick from some on here, and while he isn't progressing at the rate I would have hoped yet, right from day one I could see some AFL attributes.

He's aggressive, he backs his strength to break tackles (too much sometimes, but he is genuinely strong even by AFL standards), he shows composure in traffic with the ball at times, and he's even showed some dash out of the middle like that solo running clearance a few weeks ago.

Most of those strengths have been apparent from day one even if he is nowhere near the finished project. He may never get above B grade at the top level but there's at least something to work with.

But I've just never seen anything like that from Erasmus. His draft highlights package was distinctly underwhelming but I figured I must have been missing something. But then even watching his good games at WAFL league level I just see a good honest accumulator with very little class or creativity.

I think he's possibly the best example of sunk cost fallacy I've ever seen from a supporter base. If he was a rookie draft pick he would have been universally declared delist material two years ago.

 

[Purple Jesus]

See this is the difference between him and Johnson for me.

MJ cops a lot of stick from some on here, and while he isn't progressing at the rate I would have hoped yet, right from day one I could see some AFL attributes.

He's aggressive, he backs his strength to break tackles (too much sometimes, but he is genuinely strong even by AFL standards), he shows composure in traffic with the ball at times, and he's even showed some dash out of the middle like that solo running clearance a few weeks ago.

Most of those strengths have been apparent from day one even if he is nowhere near the finished project. He may never get above B grade at the top level but there's at least something to work with.

But I've just never seen anything like that from Erasmus. His draft highlights package was distinctly underwhelming but I figured I must have been missing something. But then even watching his good games at WAFL league level I just see a good honest accumulator with very little class or creativity.

I think he's possibly the best example of sunk cost fallacy I've ever seen from a supporter base. If he was a rookie draft pick he would have been universally declared delist material two years ago.

Exactly this. I haven't seen any glimpses of potential in Ras, and I've been looking hard. I want to see them, obviously, he was pick 10!

 

[Farrand]

He's aggressive, he backs his strength to break tackles (too much sometimes, but he is genuinely strong even by AFL standards), he shows composure in traffic with the ball at times, and he's even showed some dash out of the middle like that solo running clearance a few weeks ago.

And one day he'll break one!

Do like the kid. He just needs the right coach to light a fire under him.

 

[s_wd6]

See this is the difference between him and Johnson for me.

MJ cops a lot of stick from some on here, and while he isn't progressing at the rate I would have hoped yet, right from day one I could see some AFL attributes.

He's aggressive, he backs his strength to break tackles (too much sometimes, but he is genuinely strong even by AFL standards), he shows composure in traffic with the ball at times, and he's even showed some dash out of the middle like that solo running clearance a few weeks ago.

Most of those strengths have been apparent from day one even if he is nowhere near the finished project. He may never get above B grade at the top level but there's at least something to work with.

But I've just never seen anything like that from Erasmus. His draft highlights package was distinctly underwhelming but I figured I must have been missing something. But then even watching his good games at WAFL league level I just see a good honest accumulator with very little class or creativity.

I think he's possibly the best example of sunk cost fallacy I've ever seen from a supporter base. If he was a rookie draft pick he would have been universally declared delist material two years ago.

Summed up my thoughts exactly

 

[FreoRicci]

Young back to full time midfield now.
Just wish the coaches throw Serong defensive side of the centre bounce, and use it to his advantage. Force his opponent to attack the ball, throw him off.

 

[CaseySibosadoHOF]

I think he's possibly the best example of sunk cost fallacy I've ever seen from a supporter base. If he was a rookie draft pick he would have been universally declared delist material two years ago.

I'm not sure where you're getting this from, at least in this thread. Everyone here that's "pro-Ras" is just saying that he's young, plays well in the WAFL, didn't look like a liability in his 2 AFL games this season, been the holdover emergency twice since being dropped, and that JOM got injured. And that on those bases, he's a bit stiff. I see way more mention of his "top 10 pick" status from those who are "anti-Ras" than "pro-Ras".

When there's a spot in the 22 (and sometimes even if there isn't), everyone wants to see a young player get a go. This revelation isn't exclusive to first rounders. A few weeks ago I saw "play Cooper Simpson in defence" shouts after 1 game of him playing there at WAFL level. That's just insane. And there's a litany more names from past seasons, just that this season Peel have generally sucked so less shouts.

Fwiw, this isn't a Will Brodie situation where 17 clubs think he's cooked. Other clubs are monitoring him:

 

[MadMundy]

Ras can't even get to be named an emergency. But Banfield is...
Bizarro world, feel for Ras, just consigned to the dustbin by JLo.

That said, much as it pains me to lose my 2025 BF Board Buddy James "Jamie" Hhh'AishyHaitch from the team, seeing both JOM and Banfield out of the team far outweighs any sadness on my part.

Equally rapt that OMac has kept his spot and Pearce is fit enough to play after that little impact incident at training.

Will be keen to see how The Narc QNark goes, especially defensively, he has a real opportunity to show chase pressure and tackle hard.

But geez the AFL site named half forward line is surely not right, we're really starting out with 3 short people across the half forward line and three bigs in the full forward line? Our tallest slowest forward pocket players in a while.
I'm sure that ultra clever JLo pre game tactic has the Crows fully fooled...

View attachment 2293756

The listed teams on the website are never how teams actually lineup on the field. Never have. They're more of a general guideline.

 

[FreoRicci]

I don't know if there is "definitely" an AFL quality footballer there, and need a lot more than another game to find out.

Erasmus has tackling, gut running/endurance, effort, size. These aren't glamorous traits, but players have carved out a role with similar attributes to Erasmus (including the lack of speed and average foot skills). There's a scale from WAFL gun to De Boer to Crowley to Dunkley, but we don't really know where Erasmus falls within this range.

Even a De Boer is perfectly okay.

This midfield group is soft as. Very easy to break apart in the centre and once it falls, its flows on. So many games like last week v Melbourne has happen far too often for teams to exploit Serong, Brayshaw and lack of plan B.

Essentially backing Young Seong and Brayshaw without much midfield depth tomorrow to not repeat last week. It’s predicable for Adelaide- stop Serong, force Brayshaw to run all game.

Would love to see Switkowski, Bolton in the centre more often. Just to shake it up. Would be keen to see Narkle even.

 

[freo84]

Young back to full time midfield now.
Just wish the coaches throw Serong defensive side of the centre bounce, and use it to his advantage. Force his opponent to attack the ball, throw him off.

Serong was standing in the defensive corridor last season. We would win the tap, handball backwards to Serong, then he would either opt for a dump kick forward or handball back through to either Brayshaw or Young. It worked well and we were able to clear the ball.

Now he's standing laterally to the contest and being completely nullified by a heavy tag. I'm not sure what we can do to fix it but maybe having the team blocking better would help.

 

[FreoRicci]

Serong was standing in the defensive corridor last season. We would win the tap, handball backwards to Serong, then he would either opt for a dump kick forward or handball back through to either Brayshaw or Young. It worked well and we were able to clear the ball.

Now he's standing laterally to the contest and being completely nullified by a heavy tag. I'm not sure what we can do to fix it but maybe having the team blocking better would help.

Centre clearances seem to be heavily man to man (1on1) this season. Not sure why would change Serong laterally when, if he’s not first touch to the ball, his influence is nullified.

Makes so much more sense to keep him in the defensive corridor. The tagger suddenly has to be the first to attack the ball, which is not what he is supposed to do.

Put him behind the opponent’s ruckman, which they should’ve done last week v Gawn, and force the ruck to tap either behind or middle.

 

[estibador]

I'm not sure where you're getting this from, at least in this thread. Everyone here that's "pro-Ras" is just saying that he's young, plays well in the WAFL, didn't look like a liability in his 2 AFL games this season, been the holdover emergency twice since being dropped, and that JOM got injured. And that on those bases, he's a bit stiff. I see way more mention of his "top 10 pick" status from those who are "anti-Ras" than "pro-Ras".

Yeah I'm talking generally over his career rather than this thread.

It's more subtle than people specifically using 'top 10 pick status' as a defence though. The perfect juxtaposition is probably Worner atm since they've played a similar amount of AFL games and they both chop up in the WAFL.

When Worner makes mistakes it's because he's a low skilled rookie since that's what people expect of him, while Erasmus' mistakes are excused because he's 'surely' a good player who hasn't been given enough time to settle yet. If Erasmus had been drafted where Worner was I think people would have a similar opinion of him.

 

[CaseySibosadoHOF]

Yeah I'm talking generally over his career rather than this thread.

It's more subtle than people specifically using 'top 10 pick status' as a defence though. The perfect juxtaposition is probably Worner atm since they've played a similar amount of AFL games and they both chop up in the WAFL.

When Worner makes mistakes it's because he's a low skilled rookie since that's what people expect of him, while Erasmus' mistakes are excused because he's 'surely' a good player who hasn't been given enough time to settle yet. If Erasmus had been drafted where Worner was I think people would have a similar opinion of him.

I agree that Worner is overhated for sure. Think there's been a gradual turnaround on that (but I keep away from match threads so maybe not).

The pick may be a contributing factor, but I think it's more about position and style of play. Worner's a fairly basic defender and a bit spuddy. Those players just don't get the same allowances. Ethan Stanley got a lot of hype here. Nobody wanted to give up on Conrad Williams. Some wanted us to keep Sebit Kuek.

Meanwhile Hugh Davies probably won't get much respect for the fact he's 1 of the few shining lights in the Peel team this season. His intercept play that was hyped as a draftee is finally translating to WAFL level too.

 

[FreoMatt]

Meanwhile we’ve seen JOM played 40 games for Fremantle.

Players deserve a chance when others have milked theirs.
Switkowski should be next if he continues his form

Mate the way you bang on about JOM is getting tiresome. Eramus hasn’t shown anything to tell us he is even close to OMeara.

 

[E Shed]

I agree that Worner is overhated for sure. Think there's been a gradual turnaround on that (but I keep away from match threads so maybe not).

The pick may be a contributing factor, but I think it's more about position and style of play. Worner's a fairly basic defender and a bit spuddy. Those players just don't get the same allowances. Ethan Stanley got a lot of hype here. Nobody wanted to give up on Conrad Williams. Some wanted us to keep Sebit Kuek.

Meanwhile Hugh Davies probably won't get much respect for the fact he's 1 of the few shining lights in the Peel team this season. His intercept play that was hyped as a draftee is finally translating to WAFL level too.

I’ve been a Worner believer since I had him as best on in the first home game last season right up till he went down. Interestingly I also had O’Mac in our best & he went down shortly after so talk about kiss of death.

I thought MJ played his best ever games against Richmond & the Eagles which may not be a good thing if he only beats up on poor teams.

Freddy has fallen into that basket too unfortunately. He dominates when the pressure is lower but becomes the invisible man when the heat comes.

It’s one thing Reid has shown from day dot. He just keeps rising to the level. He might take a few contests to find the pace then he levels up & starts to get his touches when he can make them count. You can’t teach that shiz.

I like the changes.

 

[kp junior]

I don't know if there is "definitely" an AFL quality footballer there, and need a lot more than another game to find out.

Erasmus has tackling, gut running/endurance, effort, size. These aren't glamorous traits, but players have carved out a role with similar attributes to Erasmus (including the lack of speed and average foot skills). There's a scale from WAFL gun to De Boer to Crowley to Dunkley, but we don't really know where Erasmus falls within this range.

If he showed all this and got a heap of the ball that’s an afl player. Unfortunately in his couple of appearances this year he only got 15-18 ish touches.
Hard average-skilled, endurance athletes that run both ways and are ball magnets- those are good players.
On Johnson - yes he is bigger and quicker but he looks to me to be a poorer tackler and a poorer endurance runner. He also is not a ball magnet at this stage sadly.
I’d keep them both personally. And I would have picked Ras to play in JOM’s role and hope to see him settle in and have a big game.

 

[mightymouse75]

See this is the difference between him and Johnson for me.

MJ cops a lot of stick from some on here, and while he isn't progressing at the rate I would have hoped yet, right from day one I could see some AFL attributes.

He's aggressive, he backs his strength to break tackles (too much sometimes, but he is genuinely strong even by AFL standards), he shows composure in traffic with the ball at times, and he's even showed some dash out of the middle like that solo running clearance a few weeks ago.

Most of those strengths have been apparent from day one even if he is nowhere near the finished project. He may never get above B grade at the top level but there's at least something to work with.

But I've just never seen anything like that from Erasmus. His draft highlights package was distinctly underwhelming but I figured I must have been missing something. But then even watching his good games at WAFL league level I just see a good honest accumulator with very little class or creativity.

I think he's possibly the best example of sunk cost fallacy I've ever seen from a supporter base. If he was a rookie draft pick he would have been universally declared delist material two years ago.

It's been a few years for MJ & all I'm seeing a West Aussie Darcey Trucker