Freo won 10 of their last 12 games to finish 3rd in 2006. We need 9 wins in our last 11 games to be a chance of playing finals. I know what you are thinking. I'm crazy right? BUT this week is the first time since round 3 that we actually have a 22 that closely resembles our line up that went 3-0 to start 2016. We all know injuries and suspensions have hurt us hugely in the last 8 weeks but I have a good feeling about today against the Tigers.
Let's say we do win today. That gives us a win-loss record of 4-8 with 10 games remaining. Having the bye next week helps and then we launch into this: Hawthorn (Launceston), St Kilda (home), Brisbane (home), Bulldogs (Cairns), Fremantle (home), Melbourne (away), GWS (home), Essendon (away), Collingwood (away), Port Adelaide (home). At least 6 of those games (StK, Bri, Fre, Mel, Ess, Col) are definitely winnable so we'd have to find 2 more wins in 4 games to be a chance of finals.
Beating Hawthorn in Tassie is a tall order but if there's ever a time to play them it's just after a bye. Can we win it? I doubt it but there's a small possibility. Bulldogs in Cairns is a fixture that could go our way if we play our best. I know the Dogs have lots of injuries at the moment and we're relatively healthy so I think it's winnable with the heat as long as we show up. GWS at Metricon will be really tough but being at home obviously helps. I doubt we'll win though. Then Port Adelaide at home which I think is probably closer to 50/50 than the other 3. It may turn out that the winner of that game plays finals.
Am I being too optimistic here or is there a chance of this eventuating?
Let's say we do win today. That gives us a win-loss record of 4-8 with 10 games remaining. Having the bye next week helps and then we launch into this: Hawthorn (Launceston), St Kilda (home), Brisbane (home), Bulldogs (Cairns), Fremantle (home), Melbourne (away), GWS (home), Essendon (away), Collingwood (away), Port Adelaide (home). At least 6 of those games (StK, Bri, Fre, Mel, Ess, Col) are definitely winnable so we'd have to find 2 more wins in 4 games to be a chance of finals.
Beating Hawthorn in Tassie is a tall order but if there's ever a time to play them it's just after a bye. Can we win it? I doubt it but there's a small possibility. Bulldogs in Cairns is a fixture that could go our way if we play our best. I know the Dogs have lots of injuries at the moment and we're relatively healthy so I think it's winnable with the heat as long as we show up. GWS at Metricon will be really tough but being at home obviously helps. I doubt we'll win though. Then Port Adelaide at home which I think is probably closer to 50/50 than the other 3. It may turn out that the winner of that game plays finals.
Am I being too optimistic here or is there a chance of this eventuating?
