Ugly trip to Sydney

by LES EVERETT

IT was with hearts full of hope rather than expectation that we headed to the SCG last Sunday.

scg crowd

Sydneysiders love to have a kick on their oval after games. Photo by Les Everett

The squad had been whittled away almost by stealth. Fremantle players haven't been carted off grounds on stretchers but in recent weeks Matthew Carr, James Walker, Luke McPharlin, Des Headland and Rob Haddrill have been forced into extended stays on the sidelines.

So although the team that faced Sydney looked capable of winning it was short on experience and size, especially in defence.Things looked all right at half time - the Dockers were creating enough chances and were in touch.

A short burst in the third quarter, with some wonderful ball handling by Michael O'Loughlin a particular highlight, quickly snatched the game out of Fremantle's grasp.

I'm not sure if Sunday was one of Sydney's ugly performances - you'd need to ask Robert Walls - but watching the Swans at the SCG seemed interesting to me. Their ability to find space when they have the ball and close things up when they haven't is fascinating and some of their run from defence is devastating.

Meanwhile the strangest AFL season lurches on this weekend with Fremantle lining up for another big game - this time it's a meeting with the Kangaroos at Subiaco Oval on Sunday at 2.40pm.

The team will enjoy the bye next weekend and hopefully there will be and batch of repaired and serviced players to bring back into the team for the trip to Adelaide.

From the Fremantle Herald and Voice News.

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