Making the 8

[Cicjose]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/145723/default.aspx

It was Fremantle's first win without Pavlich since round 22, 2008, snapping a run of six losses, and also the first time in its history it has beaten the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium.

Souring the win was the loss of big man Kepler Bradley, who was subbed off at half-time after receiving a heavy knock to the head during the first quarter.

The sizeable final margin moved Fremantle (112.36 percent) ahead of North Melbourne (111.58) on percentage, giving it the chance to earn a home final if it beats Melbourne next week and Geelong loses to the Sydney Swans.

[valkorum]

FREO!!!!

[roo boys!]

Well done Freo, just wanted it more than we did in the end. Their gamestyle worked beautifully, stopping our overlap and run and carry, there was constantly pressure on the ball carrier which is something we're not used to. Would be interesting to see our efficiency stats as at the game it seemed we could hardly hit a target.

Makes for an interesting last round, Freo, Geelong and North could all finish anywhere from 6th through to 8th, and if Sydney beat Geelong then it seems likely they could drop to 8th. It just comes down to who wins by more, Freo vs Melb or North vs GWS. Of course Freo would love a home final but wouldn't they rather finish 8th not 7th so they don't have to travel? (assuming West Coast lose to Hawks)

[valkorum]

To be honest Roo I dont think it matters - we have proven that we can win on the road under the Ross Lyon game plan. 

[Cicjose]

http://www.fremantlefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7009/newsid/145805/default.aspx

Defence wins matches

While Freo scored 20 goals, it was the club’s vaunted defence that again laid the foundations for the win. The Kangaroos were the second-highest scoring team in the AFL going into Sunday’s game, but the Freo back six were simply brilliant, holding them to just 79 points. Leading the way was Luke McPharlin, who kept Drew Petrie goalless in a performance that screamed All-Australian full-back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akKb8pNREGo

[roo boys!]

To be honest Roo I dont think it matters - we have proven that we can win on the road under the Ross Lyon game plan.

You can't say you wouldn't rather play at Patersons though?

[valkorum]

To be honest Roo I dont think it matters - we have proven that we can win on the road under the Ross Lyon game plan.

You can't say you wouldn't rather play at Patersons though?

I think we are undefeated at Etihad this season

[meow meow]

Thanks Dockers. I had a decent sized wager on you at $2 to make the finals and you have come through for me, with a game to spare.

[roo boys!]

To be honest Roo I dont think it matters - we have proven that we can win on the road under the Ross Lyon game plan.

You can't say you wouldn't rather play at Patersons though?

I think we are undefeated at Etihad this season

Yeah, but only one of those wins has come against a top 8 side (us) and hopefully that game was just a once off thing..hopefully.

[Cicjose]

http://www.bigpondsport.com/nightmare-finals-scenarios/tabid/91/newsid/94313/default.aspx

Fremantle

Nightmare scenario: Seventh

The Dockers play last out of all the top-eight clubs and so have been afforded the ability to manipulate their draw (not unlike some badminton players at the 2012 Olympics). They could lock in eighth place and take on West Coast on their own turf, or rack up a big enough score to push to sixth and host their own final.

The worst case scenario for Fremantle would be to end up somewhere in-between. If North, Geelong and Fremantle all win by similar margins, the Dockers would find themselves on the road to the Cats (or Collingwood, if they lose) in week one.

While Melbourne has proved no bogey town for Ross Lyon's side in 2012, it would be a near-impossible task to come up against a seasoned finals side in unfamiliar territory.

How to avoid it: There are numerous ways. If the Eagles lose, Fremantle can tank it in against the Demons and slide to eighth for a "home" elimination final. If the Eagles win, Fremantle can do the maths and rack up enough of a score to leapfrog Geelong into sixth.

[Nails]

http://www.bigpondsport.com/nightmare-finals-scenarios/tabid/91/newsid/94313/default.aspx

Fremantle

Nightmare scenario: Seventh

The Dockers play last out of all the top-eight clubs and so have been afforded the ability to manipulate their draw (not unlike some badminton players at the 2012 Olympics). They could lock in eighth place and take on West Coast on their own turf, or rack up a big enough score to push to sixth and host their own final.

The worst case scenario for Fremantle would be to end up somewhere in-between. If North, Geelong and Fremantle all win by similar margins, the Dockers would find themselves on the road to the Cats (or Collingwood, if they lose) in week one.

While Melbourne has proved no bogey town for Ross Lyon's side in 2012, it would be a near-impossible task to come up against a seasoned finals side in unfamiliar territory.

How to avoid it: There are numerous ways. If the Eagles lose, Fremantle can tank it in against the Demons and slide to eighth for a "home" elimination final. If the Eagles win, Fremantle can do the maths and rack up enough of a score to leapfrog Geelong into sixth.

Might result in AFL's first ever nil-all draw.