They’re calling it one of the great tactical maneuvers of all time, with Ross Lyon not even prepared to reveal a sceric of Fremantle’s game plan to Hawthorn so early in the season, whilst simultaneously getting important reconnaissance with a close up look at exactly how the Hawks midfield and forward line operate. Fremantle didn’t fire a shot against the Hawks, kicking just 2 goals in the first half and letting the Hawks get out to a ten goal lead before Rick Ardon even had time to chose which pin striped suit he’d wear while reading the six o’clock news. Fremantle gradually approached a point close to competence in the second half but the Hawks were keen to, some might say rather tackily, drive the point home regarding the outcome of the previous counter between the two teams at the end of last September to win by 58 points. One positive for Fremantle was that Matthew Pavlich was sighted after a couple of weeks on the missing persons list, kicking 4 goals and looking just about ready to begin the season.