If we don't beat Freo without Pavlich, the spotlight must be put directly onto Ratten. Its his job to set the game plan and get the players minds right.
Pavlich hasnt been on fire this year and also done all that much damage to us in recent games regardless. IIRC he has actually been well held.
Sandilands and Haselby have been far more dangerous. Big ask of Hammer and Krueze to go up against Sandi. Look for 'second man up' ruck tactics. Also expect AJ to wear Haselby like a cheap suit.
Freo arent a complete basket case, they pushed Geelong at home a few weeks ago.
Plus Subiaco is a cauldron. You need to experience it personally to understand. Home games are worth 5-6 goals for the WA teams due to the crowd factor alone.
That said, Freo are far from imposing. If we are serious about top 8 claims, this is a game we should be putting away without too much difficulty.
Dont expect Juddy to have another quiet one either.
If Yarran gets a start I hope he shows us why he was picked ahead of Rich. He is playing at home and has no exuse.
Dont expect him to turn it on... yet. I hope (and expect) him to play well, but its fairly clear to me watching him that he looks a year or two and a full preseason away from showing his amazing potential (and have a few in here eating crow). He still looks a little off from where he was at last year in the WAFL.
From an outsiders perspective, he looks like he still hasnt built up the endurance base after an injury interrupted pre season. Also appears to be having difficulty in adjusting from relying on his amazing talent alone to playing according to a more structured/ game plan/ team role demanded at AFL level. Honestly I'd almost prefer it if he was plonked in the forward line and just told to play his natural game. Again, this is just opinion.
I do know that his 'uncle' who is a mate of mine and a few of his other relatives are going to the game (Im still trying to find out if he is actually playing on sunday or remaining an emergency... still unsure but looks likely).
And FFS, will someone please protect Murph from that sniper Schammer
If JR gets a gig, he may be the one to just that.