Bring-Back-Powell

You'd think Tomlinson would be an emergency if May's in doubt, but who knows?? Having only Petty and Lever to take on the three pronged attack of Buddy, McDoanald and Amartey would be fraught with danger if May's out but no cover from Tomlinson.

Clem Michael was an absolute super star for Freo circa 1999. Looks like old mate Juzzy has just realised that Jackson isn't a forward's boot lace and will be playing more midfield minutes this weekend. https://www.afl.com.au/news/892738/in-the-guts-jl-forecasts-big-midfield-move-for-under-fire-recruit (in other news Nic Nat out next week, so at least Grundy will be facing a no name ruck department)

Absolutely fair point, and as posters we sometimes forget that these players that represent our club have families and lives outside of football to worry about. From a selection integrity point of view, Harmes's form has been waning since the mid season rounds of last year to the point where he lost his spot in the 22 late in the season, after a fantastic start to 2022 where he was a 20 possession/1.5 goal a game player. He clearly hasn't reclaimed his form this year, and JJ has taken his spot accordingly.

Possibly, but you’d imagine he’d be dropped regardless.

Is there any truth to Ladhams being out or is it a matter of a DL poster or two getting their wires crossed? I've seen or heard nothing to suggest he's out, so I'd expect him to be playing, as much as it would be handy for Sydney not to have a recognised ruck.

Agree with this. Players with serious points of difference are worth their weight in gold. Last week was the first week with how life could look potentially look without Kozzie and it didn't look great, given we lacked spark in the midfield and inside 50. Kozzie only missed one game over the 2021-2022 seasons and it was the Hawks game last year where half the side had COVOD.

Looking for the current captain to make up for his really poor performance last week. Lever will clearly be vice captain on Sunday, and will most likely captain the club after Max either retires or steps down as skipper.

I heard that they’re also going to land Cadman in addition to King, and also receive both club’s first round draft picks.

That's not a great sign for a club that was supposed to be in contention for a flag this year. (and I don't disagree with you) At this point in time, the only two sets of contending supporters that know what type of team are going to show up are Sydney and Collingwood right now. Sydney lost a GF but have won 11 of their last 12, while Collingwood have won 15 of their last 18. And just as importantly, they put out a product that is successful and predictable to their supporters.

And the week before we broke the North hoodoo (round 3 2018) we played Brisbane at the Gabba at night (round 2 2018) All the planets are aligning.....

Almost their version of Kent Kingsley.

Whilst that does sound like an advantage, they'll be coming off a 7 day break in a laugher of a result. They'll be fine. Hope you're right though.

Hickey and Reid apparently still unavailable according to the AFL website which is at least something. Clarke who shut Salem out of the game in the final as a defensive forward is also supposed to be out. https://www.afl.com.au/news/891822/in-the-mix-r3-who-s-under-the-pump-pushing-for-selection- Putting them aside, they have a pretty full list and are flying. I don't care if they've only beaten GC and Hawthorn, they're a well drilled outfit with highly skilled and talented players.

Jackson played 2 decent games last year and one of them he was as our number 1 ruck when Gawn was out of the side against Brisbane. He's clearly a better ruck than forward and yet Freo are going to play him as a 75/25 forward because Darcy is clearly their number one ruck. Unless Jackson can start taking 1.5 contested clunks a game up forward and kick his 1.5 goals a week, I can't see how he'll be justifying his hefty wage.

He's been on the sidelines all year so hopefully he won't make it to the line this week. Agreed, he always has the better of us and had his way with Tomlinson last year.

Agreed. Even in 1993 and 1994 when they were worse than hopeless and were ok to good, they still upset us. Fast forward to 2019-2020 and they still beat us despite being a bottom 4 rebuilding side. The only time we've gained a bit of ascendancy on them was way back in 2000-2001 when we won 3 in a row against them. I'm curious as to why they've had the wood over us.

We got 51,000 to this corresponding 3:20 game in late 2018 so there’s precedence and potential for an excellent crowd on what’s expected to be a 20 degree sunny afternoon. If we can beat the 1986 Anzac Day crowd of 40,000 between these two sides, then I think the club will be happy.

Clarry was on track for a career worst games and yet still managed a coaches vote. He absolutely controlled the game after the resumption.

Any idea if Hickey will be back for Sydney? Without a recognised second ruckman for us, Sydney could now exploit us in the ruck with Ladhams/Hickey. How things change in the space of a week.

Yep. Even after round 1 moderately sized wins over Freo in 2021 and the Dogs in 2022, we were still top 4 after round 1 and stayed there.

Definitely not the worst MFC player to have changed colours over recent years. I wonder if it was more us wanting him out or the other way around?

I think you’d be looking at about 40,000. 70/30 split to us. Whilst we had more of the crowd in last year’s game, their supporters were definitely louder and more boisterous than ours as the game wore on. Then add in the fact that interstate supporters tend to over celebrate wins at the home of footy due to the rare opportunities of seeing their side playing there.

Fair point. But you can judge losing 8 of our last 9 MCG games to Sydney. Most of them when we’ve become a half competent football side.

Can’t believe we’re currently favourites to win this one.

Wouldn’t mind Sydney having a bruise free 100 point win and feeling comfortable about themselves into next week. Clearly facing a team on the rebound worked against us on Friday.