Fremantle 2010
Fremantle (updated 23 Mar 2010)
Review (added 27 Jan 2011)
6th (before finals) and 13 wins. Analysis was reasonable, but far better than most experts who had them bottom four. The higher rating led to Freo being tipped to win some early matches in 2010.
Time poor summary
Freo trimmed their list significantly at the end of 2008 and are now ready to begin a rise up the ladder. They seem more unified this year and look for approx 9 wins and 10th. See possible R1 team selections at the bottom of this page.
More detailed Analysis
NAB Cup form needs to be analysed properly. After disposing of Melbourne comfortably at home in round 1, the Dockers beat North in Melbourne in the second week. This raised Freo’s profile as the Kangas had disposed of the reigning premiers the week prior. Then Fremantle had to come back to Melbourne for a second week running (with a 6 day break) and play the Saints. With such a travel schedule, they were never going to be a chance. The win against North shows that they are capable of winning maybe a game or two away against bottom eight teams in 2010. Add to this a few home wins and an improved year lies ahead.
The admin / coaching area is rumoured to be better this year. It is noted that Rick Hart has been replaced as Chairman by Steve Harris. The coaches have also got together and worked things out. One or both of these events seems to have Freo heading in a better direction. With the big clean out of players before the 2009 season, many youngsters have been blooded. And they have the best group of rookies of any team.
Although they are a few years off peaking, they should improve from last year’s lowly position and register 9.2 wins + / – 2 ½ and 10th.
Players to buy: Mature aged rookie Barlow has just been elevated and looks sure to play round one (at a bargain price). Mayne and Ballantyne are ready to improve but have to overcome niggles to play round 1.
Don’t expect too much from: Palmer and Thornton start their years late due to injury. And Solomon, wisely, has retired.
Possible Round 1 team:
Certs
Broughton, Greg
Duffield, Paul
Hasleby, Paul
Hayden, Roger
Headland, Des *
Hill, Stephen
Ibbotson, Garrick
Johnson, Michael
McPharlin, Luke
Mayne, Chris
Mundy, Davidf
Pavlich, Matthew
Sandilands, Aaron
Schammer, Byron
Tarrant, Chris
* = injuries pre season
Likely
Bradley, Kepler
Dodd, Steven
McPhee, Adam
Morabito, Anthony
Murphy, Ryan
Suban, Nick
Barlow, Michael (elevated from rookie list)
* = injuries pre season
Fringe
Hinkley, Clayton
O’Brien, Brock
Pearce, Clancee
Silvagni, Alex
Missing Injured
Ballantyne, Hayden (small chance to play)
Crowley, Ryan
Grover, Antoni
Palmer, Rhys
Thornton, Scott