One thing that people said was that LN chose Brisse over Freo because Brissie are 'closer to a premiership' than Freo. Brisbane was about 8 wins away from the 8, Freo about 5 wins away. Ironically, with LN leaving, we bolstered our list ostensibly filling in some gaps in the forward line. Brissie still needs to make up 8 wins to get close to the 8.
As for Freo being stronger, I think we definitely are going into next year. We were about 8 points away from beating the Weagles, and if we did, and if Port didn't have a brain lapse gifting McGovern a shot at goal, then the Weagles don't win the flag.
Now that the dust has settled, what I read from other forums is that LN wasn't impressed with the fitness/attitude/training standards of a handful of contracted Freo players whose efforts especially in away losses were less than stellar. In other words Lachie tried his guts out and was professional, but some teammates weren't and he didn't see that changing going forward. Ironically too, the fact that we've bolstered the list means that there are some who won't be anywhere near automatic inclusions into our best 22. In fact, these same handful won't be getting a game anytime soon unless there are injuries. Competition for spots, nothing beats it. Too bad LN won't be around, but his leaving changes the dynamic of whose selected each week.
