Some people only drink to celebrate so the sobering observations offered here won’t be needed for that kind of Fremantle fan.
Sobering Freo thought #1
If Fremantle had won their first two games ardent fans and cold critics alike would have noted they hadn’t really beaten anyone.
Sobering Freo thought #2
Fremantle’s seventh best defender of 2022 had no trouble with the 2023 forwards.
Sobering Freo thought #3
The Fremantle forward line of 2023 is so far exhibiting all the issues that plagued it in previous seasons including inability to take marks and wasteful set-shot shooting.
Sobering Freo thought #4
Some Dockers are goal-shy – Brayshaw, Darcy and Henry are among those who avoid kicking for goal.
Sobering Freo thought #5
The Fremantle midfield is no good at centre clearances. Just like it was for significant parts of games last year and the year before…
Sobering Freo thought #6
The Fremantle rucks don’t take marks. Darcy was down last year on his previous output and so was Jackson (at another club). The trend, so far, has continued.
Sobering Freo thought #7
The best high marking Dockers all play in the backline.
Sobering Freo thought #8
Bombing into the forward line has been a proven failure at Fremantle since the last turgid years of Lyon but remains the go-to tactic.
Sobering Freo thought #9
Some players are getting a game because they had a good pre-season or know their role but actually are not very good.
Sobering Freo thought #10
Umpires save creative, even unique, interpretations for Fremantle games… we’ll celebrate it.
Sobering Freo thought #11
This was the year Fremantle was going to be good. And that makes next Sunday’s derby the most important ever.
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