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B@W2025

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Dear Wikipetia, in my view you would be the best person to deal exclusively with Parklane – his appetite for information is endless and tedious. Your mission, should you choose to accept it.

Footy Fix: The Blues looked set to go full Carlton again. This is how they didn't

The next three rounds will see a big shift in the ladder (9th to 18th) and it may not to be good for teams like Melbourne, Sydney and Freo. For example, Freo could very well fall to 14th at the end of next week and even drop further before their bye weekend. Earlier this season I predicted Freo would only win 11 games – I’m now not certain about that despite them having 7 home games left because basically every team (with the possible exception of WCE) are showing improved performance whereas Freo is not.

Footy Fix: The Blues looked set to go full Carlton again. This is how they didn't

Carlton’s percentage got them through to the finals last year at the cost of Collingwood and both teams were only 2 wins off the top four on points. I believe “percentage” will again play a vital role in the final formation of this year ladder and it may not just be the last position but 6, 7 and 8. It’s a congested ladder, no big gaps and a whole heap of teams are still in the race.

Footy Fix: The Blues looked set to go full Carlton again. This is how they didn't

Carlton can’t be too bad, they have now kicked Freo, the 2025 flag favourite, out of 9th spot. I fear the Dockers 10th spot could further slide this weekend.

Footy Fix: The Blues looked set to go full Carlton again. This is how they didn't

Why call them the “Bears” – probably only found in and around Fremantle. The Quokkas, now that’s a name and it rhymes with the Freo Fockers.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

Dingo .. I was wondering that myself – its not like Donsy to remain silent when his club is officially in crisis. I want to ask him why there were more Collingwood supporters than Freo supporters at the game last night. It seemed a bit odd.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

Harry Perryman is a quiet achiever who along with Dan Houston has lifted the Pies to another level. Harry is always there but his disposal stats seem to shoot up when the team is under pressure, playing a big game or down with injuries. Possibly the two best recruits the Pies have obtained in the last couple of years. I hope Collingwood’s recruitment strategy targeting some experienced key players who are ready to go, continues on an annual basis. I believe Clubs now want a ready made team who can seriously compete every year for the flag and not a five year time-line to build this team which, in reality, may never happen.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

Ned Long is one of those “out of the blue” players who suddenly appeared and now is a dream come true for the Pies. A perfect midfield fit in every respect and the type of big-bodied player the Pies have lacked for years especially around the centre bounce where displays tenacity, mental toughness and a willingness to compete hard in getting the ball out.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

There is a small list of exceptional players who are wired so differently to the rest – they have this canny, sharp football brain and a unique set of skills which stand out and admired. Jamie is one of them despite the injuries he has endured. He’s a seriously nice guy too.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

Freo must win the next three games to end their flagging flag hopes – oh no, just checked and they play GWS, Port and the Suns with two of them away.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

Gee whiz these old Pies play well – every team should have a few.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

Agree Peter – Billy Frampton is getter better every game and last night his performance was exceptional. His big body and presence in defence along with his significantly developing aerial and kicking skills is an asset to our team. I have a feeling his confidence and performance will only get better and he’s locked in to my best 23 list. Long, Perryman and Schultz were also outstanding and Allan played very well too.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

13th .. what about Justin Leppitsch, he’s ready for a head coach position and would be awesome. A complete all rounder.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

It was a complete and relentless team attack supported by some powerful individual efforts – this game demonstrated the depth, determination and strength of the Pies and their strong credentials for playing finals in September.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

Our boys did us proud and amply demonstrated why Collingwood is THE team – tell us what happened Donsy and please, no fibbing or fantasy.

Footy Fix: The Pies are fast, furious, fearless and fantastically coached - everything Fremantle aren't

Only when they play a better team Yattu.

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year

Freo will lose by 1 point due to a poor umpire’s decision just before the final siren.

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year

Good info for someone Donny and surprise surprise its actually factual – did they win or lose those two games?

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year

Playing Collingwood tonight will be Freo’s grand final – enjoy this moment because it will never be easier.

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year

Its obviously a carefully thought out plan looking at the entire season and working out the best opportunities to rest older players and those who may have niggling injuries. After a tough game and a five day break its probably a good time not to send some players on a long cramped domestic flight to WA.

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year

I think the tipsters believe Freo cannot get any worse – they see a home game off a big rest day against the Saints, playing a depleted team who are coming off a five day break and all are thinking this is a Freo dream made in heaven.

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year

Macca, I believe if the top 4 midway through the second half of the season is tight and moving up and down, the Pies (if still in the 4) will probably select their best 23 for the remaining games. That will include Pendlebury, Cox, Howe and Sidebottom who are still very capable of playing weekly at 75 – 85% of game time. Hopefully at this point, McStay, Mitchell and Harrison will be available for selection too and DeGoey being at a good level of health and fitness. Undoubtably all teams will have issues with both older and younger players, so managing certain player is necessary and important.

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year

The Pies will never concede in any game and no matter who is selected each week, the Pies strong esprit de corps will ensure they will always play as one.

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year

Bretto its not arrogance, its good management of players who, whether old or not, tend to burn out or become more injury prone as the season moves through the second half. I would agree if Freo gets away in the first half, the Pies may struggle to come back. However, they are very good at doing this so lets see.

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year

Coming off a five day break, playing away and having 8 players out, I remain confident the Pies strong players list will provide the required depth and skills to make this encounter very difficult for Freo. A very important game for Freo and I’m not sure they are up to it.

AFL Tipping: The Roar's expert tips and predictions, Round 9 - It's Showdown time in the toughest tipster week of the year