We have a pretty big statistical sample now to predict exactly how this will go:
QT: Freo 5.4, Sydney 2.1: We'll jump out of the blocks and play blistering, direct football in the first quarter but miss a couple of easy chances that could have killed the game at quarter time, and let Sydney get a late goal in time on.
HT: Freo 7.7, Sydney 5.4: For some inexplicable reason we'll go back into our shell, over-use handball and refuse to kick to a 1-on-1 contest in our forward 50. Umpires will pay a couple of dodgy frees in Sydney's forward 50 to keep things interesting.
3QT: Freo 9.11, Sydney 8.8: Tough dour quarter as our midfield slowly works its way on top, but resorts to bombing the ball into forward 50 where 3 defenders hang all over Sandi's arms without being penalised. Brilliant Mayne tackles earn him two free kicks from 25 m out straight, but he fluffs both attempts. A Dawson turnover gifts Sydney a goal on the 3/4 time Siren.
FT: Freo 12.14, Sydney 10.9: Walters turns it on and kicks two key goals, game over. Experts describe it as an unconvincing win over an undermanned opponent and continue to write off Freo's chances of winning the flag.
