On the Couch’s Mike Sheahan was impressed by the win Ross Lyon’s side had against a “very, very good team” in Geelong.
“Freo were fantastic,” he said.
“They are right in the premiership race, no doubt about that.”
Premiership coach Paul Roos agreed, calling Freo a “really well-balanced team”
Roos was particularly taken by the performance of ruck star Aaron Sandilands, who monstered his Geelong’s opponents at Simonds Stadium.
After quarter time, Freo rode Sandilands to a staggering 16-2 hitouts to advantage stat.
That amounted to winning the clearances 36-12 and scores from clearances 23-2 after the first break.
“Sandilands coming back just dominated the ruck,” Roos said.
“He was basically putting it on a platter.”
Earlier, on AFL 360, Gerard Whateley described the efforts of Michael Barlow as “captivating”.
The midfield ball-magnet had 32 disposals and three goals.
“He has been outstanding throughout this season,” Whateley said.
“His three goals all came at vital moments for Fremantle.”
Mark Robinson was also full of praise for a player he said had limitations.
‘Robbo’ said Barlow was a prime example of playing to your strengths.
“He’s about what you can do, rather than judging a bloke by what he can’t do,” he said.
Robinson pointed to the incident in 2010 when Barlow broke his leg as a sign of his character.
“He tried to get up. Says a lot about a guy who’s going to get up and go after the ball straight away,” he said.
