@Bizkit Well then it does have something to do with Tabs if Lyon is loading up the defence, as he does have a bit of pace and can lead. If Lyon leaves 2/3 down there, you still need someone to lead out further (and away from Pav) to draw out what defence is there. If Sandi is left there, you know he won't leave the square and you can chop his arms all day long and no get pinged for it ;)
What's not mentioned is how much those frees hurt with the current game plan (whether they are warranted or not is moot). Freo always get caught on the hop, as the mids have bolted off forward leaving their opponents, then the ball goes back and quickly moved on (or advantage paid). I reckon at least 5 goals yesterday were due to a free given that was against the run of play, and a few of them were given advantage. When more than half your team has already gone forward, you'll get split open every time. Case in point, watch the first quarter again and compare that to the Richmond first quarter. Both were heavy on frees against the run of play. Still, if we can't kick the easy goals, the above won't matter anyway....