Freddy Cruiser

Not sure how he causes opponents nightmares. You wouldn’t be able to sleep once you find out you’re playing on Freddy! Time to Restump Podcast Freo’s kenneling of the Dogs.

It has come at a cost but it was the test we needed and one we passed. Sure, we’ve got plenty of work to do because we can’t rely on scoreboard efficiency and Alex Pearce final quarter heroics every week, but line up our first four matches and you can see the improving trendline. 

The defensive unit returned to that cohesive, well-oiled and supportive collective. Yes, Sam Darcy was almost unstoppable, but it was simply his ridiculous ability and sometimes you just have to tip your hat and acknowledge a performance. 

Luke Ryan was back to his much-needed best, Heath Chapman went up a gear or two, we saw continual growth in Josh Draper and some Brennan Cox form that had been absent so far this year. Alex Pearce was absurdly good especially in that final quarter, Clarky continues doing Clarky things and both Worner and Wagner complimented the group seamlessly. They were all under extreme pressure in that final term and obviously held firm.

Its probably safe to say if there were any Caleb Serong and or Andy Brayshaw cobwebs or rust, it has well and truly been removed. Oxymoronic it may sound, but they were typically phenomenal. It is going to be difficult to not entertain the co-captains arrangement when the time comes.

Is there anyone still in the ‘critical of Luke Jackson’s recruitment’ camp? If so, what are you doing with your life? His influence and importance is undeniable and the last thing we needed was a pinging of his hamstring. 

On the wings, albeit a tad wayward at times, O’Driscoll was impactful and Jeremy Sharp’s rejuvenation was welcomed. We only hope Disco’s ankle isn’t a long termer. 

Up forward we’re seeing a dominant Josh Treacy, a building Bolton, a devastatingly exciting Dudley and a Freddy that is making opponent’s heads spin. Jye is getting there but doing some hard Yaka, Paddy Voss has a physical presence with room for improvement and workhorse Bailey Banfield is meaningfully contributing. But beyond all that we’re getting better synergy and connection. They’re working as a unit much more efficiently than they have previously this year, and without that, the dogs beat us.

If there is one overriding strategy that coach Justin Longmuir should have in big black bold letters on the whiteboard each week, it would read – ‘Get the ball in Murphy’s hands.’ It is absurd to think that isn’t an exaggeration especially when you know he’s 18 years of age and played 4 games. His final involvement yesterday defeating two opponents to get the ball out of bounds and then kick the sealer…  call the cops, he’s under age and can’t be doing those type of things already! 

We’ve got the season back on track at 2 and 2. We’re off to Gather Round to play the Tigers in the Barossa Valley and then the Dees at the MCG. They’re both more than winnable matches that we just simply have to get done. 

But before then, enough of the purple-tinged rose-coloured celebratory musings here! There’s too much more to discuss so pour yourself a pint, pull up a pew, put up your pegs, press play and partake in the pleasing four-point party on the pod.