Whatever happens it’s a win win for Fremantle.
Do not under estimate the power of psychology in such an important match. This really is the real deal when it comes to fight or fly reactions.
Hawthorn have already shown that they can break under the slightest pressure, witnessed with the clean shaven and pathetic Hodge against West Coast. However that said, the only consistent performer in my mind that day was indeed SM.
A weak and weary Crows opponent was not the best result for us, however there are some that will argue an easy game is not good preparation for an all-out brutal brawl.
1. The Hawks are big favourites.
2. They’ve already started with the cheap shots and fighting talk, a sign of weakness as far as I’m concerned.
3. The noise and intimidation from a frothing Dockers crowd will make the West Coast game look like a ‘B’ grade Lawn Bowls crowd.
4. Crowley Crowley Crowley, will he play or won’t he? Sometimes you have to gamble in life. Roly is not a gambler and that’s what makes this situation so fascinating. There would have been many men with Crowley’s fate this year to have walked away and given up, said that’s it, I’m never going to play again. He’s been incredible as far as I’m concerned to show the determination and the commitment to stay in shape and meet the KPIs required to make himself available for selection. Mark my words, Crowley will DEFINETLY be named to play and I would not be surprised in the slightest if a couple of goals are also attributed.
It’s hard to keep the faith after the season we’ve had. Sometimes the stats do lie and sometimes you get the rub of the green that can skew the truth. Believe in the boys, believe in Crowley and in Ross we trust. We’ll win and we’re going to the big dance.