Fremantle went into the game against the Suns without its greatest goalkicker, Matthew Pavlich, and ruckman Aaron Sandilands. Two emerging stars, Nat Fyfe and Stephen Hill, were also out. Gold Coast had shortened in the betting, especially considering how close they got to Freo a year ago without Gary Ablett. None of that mattered. From the very first bounce, the team in purple proved that, when executed correctly, Ross Lyon’s game plan is not solely based on personnel. Such was the strangulation job, Suns’ coach Guy McKenna called Freo the “boa constrictors” of the AFL.
Crowley follows Ablett everywhere but Twitter
After Saturday night’s match, Ryan Crowley posted a screenshot from his Twitter account showing a number of recommendations made by the social networking site of users for him to follow. One just happened to be Gary Ablett, who Crowley had shadowed all night against the Suns. "Cheers for the suggestion, but I've probably had enough for one weekend," Crowley said on his account. Ablett responded with: "@ryancrowley really? I was just starting to enjoy your company ;)". On the field, the Gold Coast champion managed 28 disposals, but 16 were by hand and almost all of them under severe pressure from the tight-marking Crowley. What should also not be forgotten is that Ablett had no influence whatsoever in the first quarter, where Freo built a lead the Suns never recovered from.
Ibbo’s revival continues
He started the year out of the side, but after two strong efforts in a row, Garrick Ibbotson has cemented his spot in the 22. The athletic defender has had 46 possessions and taken 20 marks in the past fortnight.
'Son Son' torches Suns
What a season this is proving for Michael Walters. Four goals against the Suns means that he’s now kicked 15 goals for the season at an average of 2.5 per game. If he can sustain that effort, an All Australian jumper at season’s end becomes a possibility.
WATCH Michael Walters in action
The Jon and Jack attack
Many wondered where the goals would come from with no Pavlich or Kepler Bradley in the side. The answer was the resting ruckman. Jon Griffin and Jack Hannath combined to kick four goals between them on Saturday night. They also helped bring the ball to ground level, where Freo’s small forwards did the rest.
Crozier kick starts Freo
Young midfielder Hayden Crozier sparked Freo’s strong start with the opening goal of the game. He was a solid contributor all night, adding another major among his 14 disposals.
WATCH Hayden Crozier's opening goal
