Pessimistic about Freo?

Cruiseon · February 17, 2011, 01:17:29 PM

Valk & Barlow I know you are not going to like this but I have an increasingly growing feeling that Freo could be the big slippers on 2011.

Following up from a break out year is always tough as the opposition are that much more prepared to begin with but combined with the increasing injury list and the loss of Scott to Geelong, I beginning to think Freo will finish 6th-10th. I would expect Coll, St,Killda, Geelong & Hawthorn all to be ahead of the Dockers with the Swans, Adelaide, Carlton & North pressing.

NAB Cup form is largely irrelevant but it wasn't ideal the other night.

I don't want to rain on the pre-season sunshine but do you think I am being too pessimistic?

Cicjose · February 17, 2011, 02:26:29 PM

I agree with you there cruise

The injuries are huge and i dont know what has been happening but Jason Weber has to take the blame for this
as the head of sport science and performance at the club

valkorum · February 17, 2011, 02:33:59 PM

Absolutely I think you are being too pessimistic. I do feel that we will finish between 4th - 8th. I wouldn't look at our performance on the weekend as what we are doing. General consensus amongst Freo fans is we held a lot back (players, structure and game plan). We also had about 12 players from our best 22 who didn't play. Our injury list definitely isn't long (6) but 5 key players currently unavailable is what hurts.

I think the top 4 will be Collingwood, St Kilda, Geelong & Western Bulldogs. I think if we can manage our injury list, continue to win our games at home and pick up an extra win away we can definitely push for that 4th spot (along with Bulldogs & Hawks).

Jason Weber has been fantastic for the club. I think before him we haven't anyone who can push our players to limits they need to be at for an AFL player. I keep saying that our window wont open until next year. This year is another year to build on what we achieved last year and get a lot of our players in to that 50 game bracket.

Injury List

Hayden Ballantyne (foot) - TBA
Michael Barlow (broken leg) - 6-8 weeks
Roger Hayden (foot) - 5 months
Joel Houghton (broken arm) - 6-8 weeks
Anthony Morabito (knee) - season
Garrick Ibbotson (ankle) - 6 - 8 weeks

Cicjose · February 17, 2011, 02:42:36 PM

our injuries to all except Houghton are for walk up starters in our team

Cruiseon · February 17, 2011, 02:59:59 PM

It's interesting I forgot to even mention the Bulldogs in the mix. I just think it might be tougher than some Docker fan's think.

ossie85 · February 17, 2011, 04:15:46 PM

As always with the WA teams, the travel factor will probably decide it! I imagine Freo will still be particularly hard to beat in WA, but a couple of big Victorian scalps in Victoria will be the test.

*checks draw*

Of the 5 Big Victorian teams (Pies, Cats, Saints, Dogs, Hawks), the Dockers only play Hawthorn, St. Kilda and the Dogs in Victoria. Pretty good draw really.

Cicjose · February 17, 2011, 04:46:37 PM

probably need to win at least one if not 2 of those to consider a meaningful challenge for the finals

valkorum · February 17, 2011, 06:40:05 PM

Quote from: Cruiseon on February 17, 2011, 02:59:59 PM

It's interesting I forgot to even mention the Bulldogs in the mix. I just think it might be tougher than some Docker fan's think.

I have no doubt that it will be tough - but that is what will make or break our team. I am sure Harves will keep the team in reality and working hard to win every game we can.

Cruiseon · February 17, 2011, 06:49:51 PM

Quote from: valkorum on February 17, 2011, 06:40:05 PM
Quote from: Cruiseon on February 17, 2011, 02:59:59 PM

I have no doubt that it will be tough - but that is what will make or break our team. I am sure Harves will keep the team in reality and working hard to win every game we can.

Geez Valk, you are even beginning to sound like a coach. No danger of a misquote or sensationist headline from your press conference. That media training is evident.

valkorum · February 17, 2011, 07:13:28 PM

I was a coach for a few years plus my role at work means my communication skills need to be up to scratch or my words (written or verbal) will be mis-interpreted.

Barlow 21 · February 17, 2011, 07:59:10 PM

Quote from: valkorum on February 17, 2011, 07:13:28 PM
I was a coach for a few years plus my role at work means my communication skills need to be up to scratch or my words (written or verbal) will be mis-interpreted.

Well you can tell valk. :D

valkorum · February 17, 2011, 08:03:01 PM

I will take that as a compliment Barlow :P

Cruiseon · May 09, 2011, 03:37:08 PM

I don't usually drag up old thread's but with the loss on the weekend many of us are wondering what to expect in 2011 from Freo.

Let's make no mistake, it was a very bad loss on the weekend as I for one don't think Richmond are as reborn as some are suggesting. BUT - Freo had such a solid start to the season, covered some important injuries and now sit 6th which probably feels about right. Makes for a huge game against the Weagles this weekend then with Port and St.Kilda after that we might just know if Freo are top 4, top 8 or elsewhere.

Thoughts?

ossie85 · May 09, 2011, 03:43:39 PM

Must be frustrating for Freo fans. The whole competition know the Dockers have the talent, they've just got to get their bodies rights.

valkorum · May 09, 2011, 09:47:42 PM

I think we can consider this game as just one of those games where no-one was switched (well except for Sandi).

Harvey will get through the review of the game and then get the boys ready for the derby. The Dockers will bounce back with a win over the E-Girls

Don't ask me for much info about the teams this week as I won't hear much while over in Melb.

Pessimistic about Freo?

ossie85

ossie85