Murray MiddletonFremantle - A Basket Case
March 13th 2008 10:42
At the beginning of the 2007 season the AFL polled the sixteen club captains on a range of footballing issues. The most common sentiment among the games' elite was that Fremantle would win the premiership. It is difficult to say whose 2007 campaign was more disappointing - Fremantle or the Western Bulldogs? Both teams were widely tipped to challenge for a premiership on the back of strong performances in 2006. In the Bulldog's case, they were expected to overcome a lack of key position players with their style of run and carry. It did not happen. The Bulldogs did not win a single match in their last seven. They finished thirteenth. Fremantle lost their first three matches of the season and never really recovered. Chris Connolly resigned as coach - to save the board the trouble of sacking him - and the club did not spend a single week in the top eight. From a premiershp favourite, their season was a disgrace.
Fremantle have not received much press in 2008. They defeated the West Coast Eagles in the opening round of the NAB Cup before losing to Adelaide at Football Park. They have a new coach, Mark Harvey, who served the majority of his coaching apprenticeship under Kevin Sheedy at Essendon. When the Bombers' coaching position became vacant for the first time in over two decades, it was a surprise that Harvey did not throw his hat into the ring. The obvious conclusion to draw is that he considers Fremantle's list to be more talented. He is probably correct. But, unlike the Bombers, the Docker's brief history has been plagued by underachievment. This factor, above all else, will provide the true test of Harvey's coaching credentials.
Harvey made two bold decisions at last November's National Draft. He selected former Bombers Mark Johnson and Kepler Bradley. Although Harvey did not give up much to acquire their services, many coaches have planted the seeds of their own demise by bringing in former chargers at the expense of developing youth. The biggest mistake Dennis Pagan made in the eyes of Carlton supporters was drafting Mick Martyn. Harvey also has another former Bomber - Dean Soloman - at his disposal. It is unimaginable that both Soloman and Mark Johnson will be accomodated in the Docker's line-up. Both were released by Essendon because of their lack of pace and subsequent inability to hurt the opposition in the modern game. Soloman was serviceable last season as an aggressive forward, yet there is a fine line between aggression and getting reported. Soloman too often crossed the line. So did his team. And it cost them dearly. They were suspended for more accumulative matches than any other club. If Fremantle are to fulfil their potential, they must let their football do the talking.
The best passage of play for the Dockers in 2008 occured during a match played in Darwin against the Western Bulldogs. In humid conditions, young beanpole Robert Warnock chased a Western Bulldogs player along the boundary line on the wing nearest to the camera. The Bulldogs player bounced the ball three times, all the while seemingly drawing away from Warnock's lanky strides. In one final couragous effort Warnock dived full stretch at his opponent on the half forward flank, securing a free kick for holding the ball. It was only a small act in the context of the club's season, but one that deserved mentioning. The Dockers eventually lost to the Bulldogs, all but ending their finals aspirations. The night ended with Chris Tarrant bearing his bottom and coach-to-be Mark Harvey knocked unconscious while interjecting in another brawl. Such is Fremantle.
There is still hope for Fremantle. They enter 2008 withotut the expectations that proved to be such a burden in 2007. Ruckman Aaron Sandilands has overcome a hernia injury and should be ready to monster the competition once more. He will receive good support from the aforementioned Robert Warnock who, at 205 centimetres, will help to form the tallest ruck division in the league's history. Matthew Pavlich is a champion. He finished second in the Coleman Medal last season and, barring injury, will kick over sixty goals in 2008. Roger Hayden had his best ever season in 2007, providing run and carry from defence. Luke McPharline is one of the most gifted players of his generation. He has the ability to take freakish marks in defence. The tough question for Mark Harvey is whether or not his side has enough depth in defence to facilitate the move of McPharline to the forward line? It would be a risk, but one that might be worthwile. A forward line consisting Pavlich, Tarrant, McPharline and Farmer would make for exciting viewing.
The loss of Paul Hasleby for the season will hurt the Dockers. For this reason alone, they will not win the premiership. Hasleby's absence means that the likes of Peter Bell, Josh Carr, Heath Black and Des Headland will have to contend with more rigorous tags. Peter Bell is essentially going to play football by correspondance in 2008. It is a risk; one which wouldn't have been taken had the club not begged for Bell to stay on for one more year. Jeff Farmer is officially on his last chance, although had a less exciting footballer committed the same sins it is unlikely they would have been retained. At his best Farmer is a match-winner. But his off-field actions distracted his teammates last season. His contribution was lacking for a player of his potential. Farmer has never played in a premiership. His only chance to do so is to knuckle down in 2008. Whether or not he possesses the intelligence to comprehend this fact remains to be seen.
Many Dockers players are playing for their football lives. Byron Schammer has a chance to cement his position in the midfield. Ryan Murphy must atone for a disasterous 2007. His outstanding game against Melbourne in the elimination final in 2006 should have provided the platform for a ten year career. What went wrong? New Zealand-born Adam Campbell kicked four goals against the Hawks at Subiaco, but looked off the pace in the remainder of his matches. Michael Johnson is a great athlete, but his decision making too often lets him down. His form holds the key to whether McPharline can play forward. Fremantle should make the eight in '08. Their window of opportunity remains open. If they can't perform this season, it might be worth sending their players to an asylum.
Fremantle have not received much press in 2008. They defeated the West Coast Eagles in the opening round of the NAB Cup before losing to Adelaide at Football Park. They have a new coach, Mark Harvey, who served the majority of his coaching apprenticeship under Kevin Sheedy at Essendon. When the Bombers' coaching position became vacant for the first time in over two decades, it was a surprise that Harvey did not throw his hat into the ring. The obvious conclusion to draw is that he considers Fremantle's list to be more talented. He is probably correct. But, unlike the Bombers, the Docker's brief history has been plagued by underachievment. This factor, above all else, will provide the true test of Harvey's coaching credentials.
Harvey made two bold decisions at last November's National Draft. He selected former Bombers Mark Johnson and Kepler Bradley. Although Harvey did not give up much to acquire their services, many coaches have planted the seeds of their own demise by bringing in former chargers at the expense of developing youth. The biggest mistake Dennis Pagan made in the eyes of Carlton supporters was drafting Mick Martyn. Harvey also has another former Bomber - Dean Soloman - at his disposal. It is unimaginable that both Soloman and Mark Johnson will be accomodated in the Docker's line-up. Both were released by Essendon because of their lack of pace and subsequent inability to hurt the opposition in the modern game. Soloman was serviceable last season as an aggressive forward, yet there is a fine line between aggression and getting reported. Soloman too often crossed the line. So did his team. And it cost them dearly. They were suspended for more accumulative matches than any other club. If Fremantle are to fulfil their potential, they must let their football do the talking.
The best passage of play for the Dockers in 2008 occured during a match played in Darwin against the Western Bulldogs. In humid conditions, young beanpole Robert Warnock chased a Western Bulldogs player along the boundary line on the wing nearest to the camera. The Bulldogs player bounced the ball three times, all the while seemingly drawing away from Warnock's lanky strides. In one final couragous effort Warnock dived full stretch at his opponent on the half forward flank, securing a free kick for holding the ball. It was only a small act in the context of the club's season, but one that deserved mentioning. The Dockers eventually lost to the Bulldogs, all but ending their finals aspirations. The night ended with Chris Tarrant bearing his bottom and coach-to-be Mark Harvey knocked unconscious while interjecting in another brawl. Such is Fremantle.
There is still hope for Fremantle. They enter 2008 withotut the expectations that proved to be such a burden in 2007. Ruckman Aaron Sandilands has overcome a hernia injury and should be ready to monster the competition once more. He will receive good support from the aforementioned Robert Warnock who, at 205 centimetres, will help to form the tallest ruck division in the league's history. Matthew Pavlich is a champion. He finished second in the Coleman Medal last season and, barring injury, will kick over sixty goals in 2008. Roger Hayden had his best ever season in 2007, providing run and carry from defence. Luke McPharline is one of the most gifted players of his generation. He has the ability to take freakish marks in defence. The tough question for Mark Harvey is whether or not his side has enough depth in defence to facilitate the move of McPharline to the forward line? It would be a risk, but one that might be worthwile. A forward line consisting Pavlich, Tarrant, McPharline and Farmer would make for exciting viewing.
The loss of Paul Hasleby for the season will hurt the Dockers. For this reason alone, they will not win the premiership. Hasleby's absence means that the likes of Peter Bell, Josh Carr, Heath Black and Des Headland will have to contend with more rigorous tags. Peter Bell is essentially going to play football by correspondance in 2008. It is a risk; one which wouldn't have been taken had the club not begged for Bell to stay on for one more year. Jeff Farmer is officially on his last chance, although had a less exciting footballer committed the same sins it is unlikely they would have been retained. At his best Farmer is a match-winner. But his off-field actions distracted his teammates last season. His contribution was lacking for a player of his potential. Farmer has never played in a premiership. His only chance to do so is to knuckle down in 2008. Whether or not he possesses the intelligence to comprehend this fact remains to be seen.
Many Dockers players are playing for their football lives. Byron Schammer has a chance to cement his position in the midfield. Ryan Murphy must atone for a disasterous 2007. His outstanding game against Melbourne in the elimination final in 2006 should have provided the platform for a ten year career. What went wrong? New Zealand-born Adam Campbell kicked four goals against the Hawks at Subiaco, but looked off the pace in the remainder of his matches. Michael Johnson is a great athlete, but his decision making too often lets him down. His form holds the key to whether McPharline can play forward. Fremantle should make the eight in '08. Their window of opportunity remains open. If they can't perform this season, it might be worth sending their players to an asylum.
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Comment by Anonymous
This extroadinary measure came in because Jeff Farmer kept stealing their wallets and it was the only way they could protect themselves.