Midfielder Michael Barlow believes Freo’s midfield brigade can match it with any in the competition.
 
The on-ballers will need to be at their best against a star studded Sydney midfield on Saturday in the 20th annual Len Hall Tribute Match.
 
Barlow said the core group was settled having played together for a number of years.
 
“We’ve played together as a midfield group for four or five years consistently, without any major injuries,” he said.
 
“Touch wood it can continue and we are fit and available.
 
“As long as that can stay the case, we are confident we can match it with any midfield in the competition.”
 
Among the standouts so far this season is yesterday’s Ross Glendinning medallist Lachie Neale, who racked up an impressive 42 disposals against West Coast.

Brereton's high praise for Neale
 
“He (Neale) is a super young player, he’s so clean,” Barlow said.
 
“He has been really influential over the past few weeks playing his role, without the prolific numbers.
 
“(The ball) seemed to be following him around yesterday.”
 
Barlow said Sydney’s midfield was among the best in the competition.
 
“It’s a really exciting prospect, both teams three and zip…it will be the match of the round,” he said.
 
Barlow said there were similarities between Freo and Sydney’s on-ball brigade.
 
“You don’t have to look too much further than Sydney as one of the most effective midfields in the comp,” he said.
 
“(They are) a really diverse mix of players who can go through there, like us.”
 
Freo take on Sydney at Domain Stadium on Saturday April 25. Bouncedown is 6.45pm.