Headland won't be fit - subsitute Pearce as another utility.

Ibbo up to a wing to use his run as a link player. Mundy goes into the back 6 which have a good blend of size, skill, and run.

Morabito unlucky to miss out and still might get a gig if Harvs wants his pace.

Entire midfield group looking over their shoulders for Palmer's return.

morabito will be in the team dessie is not fit

i would imagine mora will be fastracked somewhat given he has the more mature body than a usual recruit. if on merit he hasn't overtaken schammer yet. palmer for schammer when fit unless schammer does something extraordinary (not bagging him i like the little guy)

Mundy in the middle with Suban at half back then swapping them from time to time. I would also swap Munday occasionally with Dessie at half forward occasionally through the game, assuming that Des is fit and in the team of course. If not Des then maybe Flinchy

In any case Mundy is the main man for the middle

Forwards: Pavlich, Murphy, Johnson, Headland, Ballantyne, Mayne, Fyfe, Walters, Crichton
Rucks: Sandilands, Bradley, Clarke
Mids: Hasleby, Mundy, Crowley, Schammer, Ibboson, Suban, Hill, Hinkley, Morabito, Hall
Backs: Tarrant, Mcpharlin, McPhee, Hayden, Dodd, Broughton, Duffield, Roberton, Houghton, O'Brien, Bucovaz, Bollenhagen

Rookies: Barlow, DeBoer, Pearce, Shepheard, Sibosado, Silvagni, Van Berlo

Injuries: Palmer, Grover, Thornton Ruffles

There is ONE spot available on the senior list for a rokkie elevation.
We are allowed ONE 'Nominated' rookie as we have one player on the veteran's list.
That means UP TO TWO rookies may play in round one,
excepting that a player is added to the long-term injury list.

My prediction
FF: Ballantyne Headland Johnson
HF: Mayne Pavlich Schammer
C: Hill Mundy Ibbotson
HB: Suban McPharlin Hayden
FB: Duffield Tarrant Broughton
RR: Sandilands Hasleby Crowley
I: McPhee, Bradley, Morabito, Barlow

E: Hinkley, Dodd, Clarke

Or, more accuratly
Forwards: Pavlich, Johnson, Headland, Ballantyne, Mayne, Bradley
Mids: Sandilands, Hasleby, Mundy, Crowley, Schammer, Ibbotson, Hill, Suban, Morabito, Barlow
Backs: Tarrant, McPharlin, Hayden, Duffield, Broughton, McPhee

Obviously there is some mobility in those 'roles' of forward/mid/back but that's to be expected.
I have assumed that Barlow has taken the spot on the senior list and that no rookie will be nominated until there is a need for another rookie to play senior football.

'Official' Freo Site

"As of 9 March 2010

Hayden Ballantyne - knee: 1 week
Antoni Grover - knee: 6-7 weeks
Des Headland - hamstring strain: test
Brock O’Brien - quad: test
Rhys Palmer - knee: 4 weeks
Tim Ruffles - knee: 8-10 weeks
Scott Thornton - groin: 8-10 weeks
Jay van Berlo - ankle: test"

Sox I like your team but for Headland (fitness?) and Schammer. Dunno if Morabito is ready yet. Positions don't matter that much so I wont argee on that score. Lets see how Dodd goes this weekend and Hinkley imho doesn't yet have the strength- and no point listing Hendrix if Bradley is to play. Would like to see Pearce and de Boer or one of anyway.

The prediction for the Team for Round 1 is pretty difficult there are many variables and injuries can play a significant role at the selection table; but here goes my 2 bobs worth.

B: Broughton Tarrant Hayden

HB: Duffield McPharlin Ibbotson

C: DeBoer Haselby Hill

HF: Barlow Pavlich Mayne

F: Ballantyne Johnson Headland


R: Sandilands Mundy Crowley

Int: Suban McPhee Schammer Morabito

Emg: Bradley Pearce

(Barlow, DeBoer, Pearce should be elevated onto main list)

Johnno to do Ruck duties with Big Aaron. Aaron's presence in the forward line is a major weapon.

The backline has plenty of talent and is capable of delivering the ball forward with precision. The Freo forwards are capable of kicking big scores.

The midfield may lack leg speed but should win enough of the ball to be damaging.

I'm already very excited about our 2010.