I don't believe the WC have any ability to lower expectations.

They get it gifted from a compliant (or sponsored) media who cut them all the slack they need because they're got a couple of flags and have been on the winners list more often than not the last decade.

The same opposites are the reason Freo doesn't, and expectations are based on continued potential, as in Guy's post.

What hurts almost as much as that loss is the smugness emanating from every expertcommentator who's years of inane drivel and often agenda-driven put-downs get justified by displays like that.