Toast Welcome to Freo, Brandon Matera!

[mightymouse75]

When ballas was younger and having a blinder he would drag the team up with his tackling and running. Without that speed he has lost the edge. He will always be 1 of my favourite docker all stars from his early years.

 

[Carson Dial]

And what kind of player do you think Ballas will be in 2018?

A slightly older, slower version.

 

[wayToGo_]

Ballas is still very good on the ground. Unfortunately he rarely has the ball near him when doing his ground work these days though.

 

[SHill Shall]

I’m OK with Matera taking Ballas spot but also think rumours of Ballas death have been greatly exaggerated.

 

[TheInjuryFactory]

https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy...2=24&type=A&pid1=3127&pid2=3616&fid1=O&fid2=O

It's a little harsh on Ballas I reckon. Shame they don't track "time on the ground".

When you play 85% TOG but spend 85% of the time literally on the ground, he actually goes pretty good.

 

[couldhavebeen]

Wow, way to blow a poster's ( couldhavebeen ) incorrect assertion straight out the window......Well done.

If Matera is so blood good why did Gold Coast let him go so cheap . They couldn't keep him on the park . 10 games out of 22 folks . He was going to be delisted if a new home wasn't found . Yes Ballas is 30 and not getting any younger but his defensive pressure , run down tackling and taking one for the team has never changed , if it had changed he like so many others would have been gone . He not only plays as a defensive forward but has been used through the midfield . How many times has he been our only forward in the forward line , been out numbered and against bigger defenders and still competed without fear. When and if Matera does those things he will have my respect and gratitude. Stats only give you one side of a player the rest how is effective is he on the outcome of games .

 

[G Mus]

Last time Ballantyne went into midfield he chose to bump the ball carrier instead of tackle and was easily beaten

Copped a massive bake from the commentators too

Matera won't do anything in the middle either, he'd blow up

 

[mike91]

If Matera is so blood good why did Gold Coast let him go so cheap . They couldn't keep him on the park . 10 games out of 22 folks . He was going to be delisted if a new home wasn't found . Yes Ballas is 30 and not getting any younger but his defensive pressure , run down tackling and taking one for the team has never changed , if it had changed he like so many others would have been gone . He not only plays as a defensive forward but has been used through the midfield . How many times has he been our only forward in the forward line , been out numbered and against bigger defenders and still competed without fear. When and if Matera does those things he will have my respect and gratitude. Stats only give you one side of a player the rest how is effective is he on the outcome of games .

Whipping boy for 2018 confirmed for you.

 

[Carson Dial]

Whipping boy for 2018 confirmed for you.

Kersten likes this

 

[Arcassius]

Whipping boy for 2018 confirmed for you.

I didn't think coulda had a whipping boy

 

[Nickos66]

I didn't think coulda had a whipping boy

I thought it was Aemon Sullivan?

 

[mightymouse75]

Whipping boy and a matera. Can't be good

 

[wayToGo_]

I thought it was Aemon Sullivan?

Bad experience at Bib & Tucker?

 

[Arcassius]

Bad experience at Bib & Tucker?

Their Vanilla Slice wasn't up to scratch

 

[ydraw]

Yes Ballas is 30 and not getting any younger but his defensive pressure , run down tackling and taking one for the team has never changed

Ballas has been dead set ordinary for 2 years and is only going to get worse. Lucky to get a game this year, will be even luckier if he gets a game next year.

 

[Admiral Byng]

I see Matera and Ballas playing together as small forwards, releasing Walters to play more mid or "high HF" role.

 

[ydraw]

I see Matera and Ballas playing together as small forwards, releasing Walters to play more mid or "high HF" role.

And Bennell?

I can't see both Matera and Ballantyne playing in the same team to be honest. It will be 1 or the other.

 

[Admiral Byng]

And Bennell?

I can't see both Matera and Ballantyne playing in the same team to be honest. It will be 1 or the other.

Bennell HF too.

If there is one to be dropped out of Matera and Ballas it will be Ballas.

 

[Nickos66]

Bennell HF too.

If there is one to be dropped out of Matera and Ballas it will be Ballas.

Also of note: Neither of those 3 names are known for their durability.

 

[Admiral Byng]

Also of note: Neither of those 3 names are known for their durability.

It might be a case of two out of three ain't bad.

 

[Joao]

And Bennell?

I can't see both Matera and Ballantyne playing in the same team to be honest. It will be 1 or the other.

Really? I would put good money on both being in the team if fit.

 

[Clems Knee]

And Bennell?

I can't see both Matera and Ballantyne playing in the same team to be honest. It will be 1 or the other.

Welcome back.

 

[Dirty_banchez]

Matera still hasn't done any media for Freo yet. Is Matera regretting his decision to join Freo?

 

[Carson Dial]

Matera still hasn't done any media for Freo yet. Is Matera regretting his decision to join Freo?

Nah I think he’s waiting for the right moment...Nathan Wilson would be a hard act to follow.

 

[wayToGo_]

Nah I think he’s waiting for the right moment...Nathan Wilson would be a hard act to follow.

True. He's just been waiting for the right time to say: "You're either Freo or West Coast. And I'm Freo. Even my dad Wally, and my uncles Peter and Phil can't stand that other mob anymore". Wirra, WC supporters and The West will get all offended about it, and we'll once again get to smile at their overreaction to some banter.