Haven't seen any of Freo this year, and I don't want to be a campaigner by asking on their board, so will do so here: what's the relative importance of factors in terms of them falling off a cliff? Sandi / rule changes / general decline? Is Rossball failing with less stoppages? Is their fitness lacking? Are their mids getting smashed because Sandi isn't there? Mundy out and Barlow dropping off? All of the above?
McPharlin has retired, leaving the main post to Dawson.
Johnson is at the end of the line.
Pav has gone on one too many years.
Sandi has been their most important player for years, their other ruck options are complete rubbish.
Fyfe benefited a heap from Sandi.
Barlow has gone backwards in a big way, as has Mundy who is now out injured.
Mayne has gone from one of the best kicks in the league to close to the worst.
Lyon tried to change his game plan but just has nfi how to play an attacking style, now he's tried to wind back the clock but the players just look burnt out like the Saints did after years under manic Lyon pressure.
Their youth is very ordinary.
Their boom recruit is still in the sheds.
Ballantyne can't stay on the park.
Other reasons.
They are cooked.