Over the weekend, a friend approached me in a favourite Adelaide pub. His first words were “You must be rapt!” I was understandably confused, having just watched my beloved Crows get a taste of reality from the stone-hard Swans.
Did he mean the SANFL? My team North Adelaide had achieved a great win over the Central Districts. “No, not that!” was his reply.
Did he mean Collingwood losing the previous night? “No mate, I mean Fremantle getting up!”
This took me aback. Not only do I not support the Dockers, but I have treated them with a kind of benign contempt over the years – or so I thought at the time.
My ever astute friend (who has a very strong memory for things said and things sporty) proceeded to remind me of my fascination with Freo and their playing finals football.
Seemingly every year, I predict a Fremantle resurgence in a little competition my mates and I have, in which we give our predictions for that year’s AFL Ladder in exact order, the eventual premiers, wooden spooners, Coleman Medallist and Rising Star.
It’s become something of a yearly joke, when I put Fremantle in the eight for some unjustified reason.
I’ve written on this site how I believe Freo are future giants in the league, another statement that resulted in me copping a bit of flak. And now, all of a sudden, my predictions are coming true – yet I don’t feel like gloating, nor the usual pride in getting such a long-sighted tip right.
All I feel is a sense of dull disbelief, topped up with a healthy dose of cynicism.
Fremantle under Ross Lyon has nearly taken half the season to fully work to the ‘Lyon Cage’ game plan, emphasising the defensive lockdown of teams, but it looks as though they’ve perfected it at the right time of year.
Their win against Geelong should be considered the best finals win to date, and unless some other upset occurs between now and Hawthorn lifting the Cup at September’s end, it will remain just that.
Taking out Geelong in Melbourne is a hard ask, but is made even harder when you a) have to cross the continent to do so, and b) do it at the Cats’ favourite time of year, when everything else is forgotten and all that matters is winning the crucial matches.
Fremantle did this and did it emphatically. The game players have clicked to the game plan, the captain is finally leading like we’ve all wanted him to for years, the ruthlessness lacking from previous Dockers teams is very much in evident, and that poxy red, green and anchor combo is gone!
So why do I still not feel comfortable in this rise I apparently predicted?
Well, because it’s Freo.
They’re like the AFL finals equivalent of dark matter – we know they’re there, we can see them, but damned if we understand what they’re doing there. If they move past Adelaide on Friday night, it will mark two fantastic finals achievements in as many weeks, defeating a sore and sorry Adelaide keen for redemption on their home deck.
But past that, who knows? Called they make the grand final? Based on current form I can’t see why not. Can they push for the top four next year? Well, again, I can’t see why not.
So why am I struggling to get on the bandwagon? Well, until Freo prove themselves worthy, they’ll remain un-tippable.
That is, until my yearly pre-season predictions are sent in.
Crowmania
Guest
Didnt quite turn out that way, but I guess the sentiment is a good one.
Walt
Guest
Meh, haters gonna hate - and we all know what the world needs now is another hater. Critics Choice - two thumbs down.
johno
Guest
I can understand the authors opinion. It's hard to believe in the third, fourth or fifth coming of Freo. But if you look at the team and club over the past 6 or 7 years we have made (yep I'm a fan) steps in the right direction. We haven't set a foot wrong in the Trade / Draft arena for a long time (although each year some work experience kid trots out the whole Farmer, Mcleod, Croad etc boring claptrap in a bid to fill column inches ..... sometimes they even mention Ken McGregor who had a pretty good career for a number 75 draft pick). We have picked some great kids over the past few years (Fyfe, Ballantyne, Morabito, Mayne, Walters), have lead the charge on mature age recruits (Barlow, Mzungu, Spurr and even Lower), made changes to the clubs identity that has created splits in the fan base but has generally been quality decisions, kept the clubs stars signed up and generally been ticking off the items on the to do list regularly. But consistency on a year on year basis is one thing yet to be signed off. that will come in 2013, followed by another finals tilt and possibly a GF appearance. this year though the Hawks will be a game too far for this team. As for tonight I think the Crows are in for an almighty wake up call .....
Brewski
Guest
The new stadium should be in East Perth at the old power works, just as you come out of the polly pipe. There are some pubs, eateries, cafes around, there is nothing at Burswood ..... besides the casino !!. People can walk down to East perth from the City for a friday night game, you could even pull your boat up, if you came from Freo etc. For a state with so much employment and mining projects, i am buggered if i know what is happeneing to all the money/tax dollars.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
The backlash if it gets delayed, and if we once more half-arse an important WA project, will be very fierce and McGowan will not want to be on the receiving end of it. This is not the vote-winner her thinks it is, nor is it the good policy he thinks it is.
JazzyJase
Roar Pro
Seemngly was too good to be true when the initial plans were revealed. Freakin politicians are supposed to work for the people who elect them but seem to do nothing more than stuff things up (both sides) Couldn't imagine Pav putting up with beauracracy like this if he was WA PM. He'd just turn around and bang it through the big set of sticks
TW
Guest
Off topic but related to the Dockers -- The new stadium expansion in Perth has now turned into a WA State Election issue. Premier Barnett has said the contracts for the Stadium will not be let until AFTER the March 2013 State Election. The Opposition leader McGowan has announced that their prefered site is Subiaco next to Pattersons and if elected will only proceed at Burswood IF the Packers donate 500 million towards it. - The Packers of course own the nearby Burswood Casino. However the Labor Opposition have always said they would build it at Subi going back 3/4 years. It is now officially a shambles and will depend on the voting public of WA after the State Govt has already spent 11 million on planning etc for the venture. They are estimating if Labor win the election the new stadium at Subi will not be ready until 2020 at the earliest.
Dan
Guest
Generous.
Brian
Guest
Yes but just remember that Adelaide in 98 didn't win all 4 weeks.
Jensen
Guest
I was at the game last Saty. I'm not a Dockers' supporter.,but had a faint hope that Freo might win - against what everyone was saying. Was stunned with the 1st quarter & thrilled they continued on thru the game & won. Great stuff! Am definitely not a Crows' supporter - & will be cheering for them Friday night.
thesportsguy
Guest
i give your comments a 1/10
The Critics' Choice
Guest
I did warn that the comment might seem harsh, but The Roar banner does state itself as "your sports opinion". However, apologies to you as you are clearly upset with the comment, criticism and rating.
langou
Roar Guru
We need to stay in the moment Pope
JazzyJase
Roar Pro
Geelong have been the benchmark and it was pleasing that PAv gave them full credit and acknowledged them post game. i like Cameron Ling's commentary also
JazzyJase
Roar Pro
love your work The Pope
JazzyJase
Roar Pro
I loved watching the game from a Dockers fan perspective. That first half was, well sublime and to counter the Cat's 2nd half fightback the way they did was even better And for what it's worth Damo, i enjoyed your article as much as the game. Heave Ho
Damo
Roar Guru
Thanks mate, no one asked for a rating though, and really, i wouldn't of judged you if you just,,,you know...stopped reading, maybe? Did something productive with your time, maybe? It's just a puff piece, just opinion, expressing why Fremantle (for me) are still an unknown
The Pope
Guest
Freo people know that we've done nothing yet, so it was great to hear it from Ross after the game. The previous 3 times we made the finals it was almost always a year ahead of what we expected, but we then dropped off the following year rather than cementing ourselves in the 8, or elevating us into the top 4 or 2. We know that until we win a flag or 3 we won't get the respect from other teams and fans. We haven't earnt it yet. No one expected Adel to win in 98, but they did, travelling all 4 weeks. We have to take the opportunity when it arises.
John D
Guest
Why all the venom directed against the "poxy red, green and anchor combo". I thought it was a thing of beauty.
brendan
Guest
I barrack for Geelong and was at the game Freo were too good and played exciting footy and should be acknowledged as one of the form teams of the competition.If they play like that against Adelaide they will beat the crows.