What a thoroughly enjoyable experience it was to sit down and watch Friday night footy on Channel 7. I’ve never understood the complaints about their standard definition broadcast.
I have a state of the art TV that cost me thousands and while for me the SD broadcast can look a bit fuzzy, that’s what I like. No one ever asked Monet or Van Gogh to paint in high definition. Channel 7 gives us impressionist TV – we should be appreciative.
But as good as the viewing is, the commentary is even better. I took notes from the TV commentary and prepared this match report for The Roar.
On Friday it was a thrill to watch the might of Fremantle. Undefeated on top of the ladder and oozing with class.
From the first bounce Sandilands dominated the ruck and gave an armchair ride to Nat Fyfe, with out a doubt the best player in the competition, and Mundy and others. Big-bodied midfielders like Fyfe and Mundy intimidate their opponents and crash packs, win the hard ball and on Friday night we saw a showcase of their skills as Fremantle completely dominated the clearances.
Fyfe was in everything, taking spectacular marks, kicking what could be goal of the year, and crashing through tackles. Occasionally when tackled he dropped or threw the ball and we must applaud the umpires for doing the game a service and not paying free kicks for illegal disposal against the game’s best player.
The fans want to watch the champions take the game by the scruff of the neck and put their stamp on it. The umpires need to stand back and let Fyfe give us an exhibition. Fyfe is the best player in the competition.
Speaking of necks, several Fremantle players were brutally assaulted by their opponents with head high tackles. So what if they ducked their heads, you can’t do that to our purple warriors.
Fremantle had to suffer under the burden of being a man short after Johnson was subbed out in the first quarter but they rose to the occasion.
As well as that they were tired after having to travel interstate last week. But our boys showed courage and skill.
Ballantyne was in everything showing why he is such a force in the forward 50. Walters came into his own and kicked some dazzling goals, running rings around his opponent.
Neale and Barlow were outstanding. Exciting footy was played by the competitions premier team with the competition’s premier player – Nat Fyfe.
In the end Fremantle held onto top spot with Fyfe showing us all why he is the best player in the competition.
Result: Fremantle’s opponents won by 27 points.
Footnote: The author is hoping to get a job on the Channel Seven commentary team.
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