Five Talking Points v Melbourne
Who will we play? Where will we play? Will Pav play? Hitout domination and Luke for AA.
Freo proved against North Melbourne that it can kick a big score without its skipper, who leads the race for the Coleman Medal by one goal from Jack Riewoldt. If ‘Pav’ doesn’t come up, it will open the door for the Tiger to win the medal on Sunday when he lines up against Port Adelaide.
Who and where will we play?
That all depends on what happens in games beginning before our match against Melbourne. For a final against West Coast, the Eagles would have to lose to Hawthorn and the Kangaroos overtake our percentage. We will face Geelong in Melbourne if we win and stay above the Roos in seventh, and the Cats defeat Sydney. The best case scenario would have us hosting a final at Patersons Stadium. For that to happen, Sydney would have to beat Geelong and we would then have to win by enough to overtake the Cats’ percentage.
Hitout Sandislide
If Melbourne ruckman Mark Jamar does not return, young ruckman Jake Spencer will have the biggest job in football - Aaron Sandilands. Already coming off a 49 hitout domination of Todd Goldstein, ‘Sandi’ is in line for another landslide ruck victory.
McPharlin in All-Australian form
He’s done enough already, but another defensive master class from McPharlin should make it incredibly difficult for the All-Australian selectors to ignore him this year. The 30-year-old was so focussed on keeping North's Drew Petrie goalless last week, he mucked up the coin toss. Vote 1 for Luke McPharlin All-Australian full-back.
Beware the Demon
Freo must not take Melbourne lightly because the young Demons, battered and bruised from a disappointing campaign, have nothing to lose whatsoever. That makes them a very dangerous opponent if they’re not given the proper respect.