DRAGONS FFC 
So I promised Tonga Bob that I'd look after the first preview that didn't have an author. Here I was thinking that I have a few more weeks. Thanks everyone for stepping up. Really.
Now, to the serious stuff...
TEAMS
We expect Tucker and Pearce to miss, am hopeful on Darcy, think Serong has had to be put down, and are fairly certain that Mundy has had to have a lung transplant. Banfield thought he was playing a preseason match and was good, Acres decided he doesn't like playing at Peel, and have 2 young forwards starting to develop some form at the lower level.
So expect Banfield to come in for Tucker, Hamling for Pearce and Darcy for NOD to make us land of the plodders again.
GWS
From the team that played last week, expect Nick Haynes to miss, with maybe a Leek Aleer or someone called Fleeton to replace him. Unless they decide to go for more run and bring in Callaghan just to rub it in our faces that we couldn't get him. You know, like Adelaide did with Rachele.
MATCH UPS
Freo Defence vs GWS ForwardsOur defensive line should have the edge here, as long as they are not trying to repel a billion entries. Where the bulk of the score is to come from is the GWS midfield, Taranto and Coniglio both love a sausage roll. Plus, there's no Toby Greene. What a... Great guy.
GWS Defence vs Freo Forwards
We should, in theory, have an advantage here. GWS are missing perhaps their best defender, and we have a much... A full strength... Some forwards who can kick g... At the goals. Occasionally it goes through the big sticks too! As long we move it in with speed, and lower the eyes, we should be able to score enough.
The Midfield Battle
This is where the game will be one and lost. If you're comparing the midfields of the two teams, the GWS midfield is the Wiggles franchise, and ours is like the culmination of Hi-5 and the Hooley Dooleys. Each are quality, one is much younger, than the other is lot more established and a lot stronger in the contest.
Let's look at this in a bit more detail.
Preuss vs Meek (Darcy) - Probably even-ish. Tips our way if Darcy plays
Brayshaw vs Ash - Ash tagged Touk miller out of the game last week. So we may have a half-capacity Brayshaw.
Brodie vs Jelly - Hopefully even on the inside. Jelly probably has the edge on the outside
Erasmus vs Cogs - Who would have thought that Both Cogs and Cripps would have had a time machine? Either that, or that's why they were hanging around Fyfe during the off season, our dear ol captain has seemed to have picked up both of their long term issues...
And that's just the beginning. GWS definitley have he edge here, particularly with Serong, Tucker and Fyfe out, Mundy doubtful.
Expectation.
The young brigade squeeze it forward through energy and youthful exuberance, and when they don't, the defence just puts a hand out and says "not today." Tabs kicks 5, we win by 23 points.
Reality
We get killed out of the middle, the defence fights hard before caving in. Everyone gets scared and goes back into their shells. It turns into a scrap and we try and win in the last five minutes. Giants by 10 points.
I'm not going into this one with too much expectation, I want to see the process in play, regardless of the result. Play to win, don't play not to lose.
And for those going to the game, and missing out on the REAL entertainment, here's a nice little tune for you to remind you of what you're missing.
IN ADDITION
This game marks the 20th anniversary of the Purple Haze match and foundation, supporting the Starlight Foundation. Get around the cause and the team.
20 years of something special
Read more about how one of our Club’s proudest off-field traditions was born… The Starlight Purple Haze Game.
There's still some limited edition jumpers available, $50 from the sale goes to starlight
Limited Edition 20 Year Starlight Purple Haze Men's Jumper
teamstore.fremantlefc.com.au
