Analysing Melbourne though is a good exercise to see where we could/should be. There are many similarities between us and them.
We both have a top class ruckman who can go forward.
Hamling and Pearce can be as good as Lever and May.
Fyfe Brayshaw and Serong vs Oliver, Brayshaw and Petracca in the middle would be a good battle.
Forward line of Ben Brown vs Tabs. Fritsch vs Lobb.
Its pretty close. They have a bit more run on the wings with Langdon vs Freddy and smalls up front are in form.
Where Melbourne is lightyears ahead though is their execution of the little things, they keep their width and dont ball watch, are close enough to the defenders when the ball is turned over in the forward 50 to actually apply a tackle, one up one down, have players loose on the fat side etc etc.
Melbourne are a great case study for where Freo should and could be. At the moment they are either better coached or the players are better listeners.
They also have almost no injuries and a full list which cant be underestimated.
Melbourne of all teams give me the most hope for a fast turnaround at Freo.
Plus.......they have Chocko