A record non-derby crowd at Optus Stadium were subjected to Fremantle letting themselves down again. The Dockers docked any dare and flair; whilst Brisbane outgunned them in every department of AFL football. The game was billed as finals like and Fremantle failed big time. It was damned disappointing if you had any Western Australian affiliations. The purple team were playing scared for much of the match, in this viewer’s opinion. The number of times the Dockers butchered the ball in front of goals was astounding. The distribution of the ball by these AFL players in purple was appalling.
“The Dockers’ loss was the Lions’ gain however, with the visitors locking themselves into finals with a 15.11 (101) win over a wayward Fremantle and their 5.14 (44).”
The Dockers Shoot Themselves In The Foot or Head
The Brisbane Lions wanted it more all day and got their just desserts. This team that was outplayed by the Swans last week were driven to get the job done in the West. I feel sorry for the home team supporters at the ground who were let down when the whips were cracking. The Lions take risks and break lines to reach success. This is in stark contrast to the Dockers who hide in their shells. You do not win finals in the AFL by being cautious and timid. Cam Rayner was huge in the second half. Zak Bailey was a match winner all game. Harris Andrews was mighty and impassable down back.
Brisbane Smack Unimpressive Fremantle
Fremantle letting themselves down again. Players like Shai Bolton and other senior AFL Dockers were less than impressive. Missing shots in front of goal is all about fear and not measuring up when it matters. Fremantle were poor and it was not only that Brisbane was harder and tougher. Right from the start, the Dockers were shaking in their boots. If you want to play with the big boys you have to stand up under the pressure. Lacking mental toughness must reflect upon the coaches at Fremantle. It is not the end of the world – there is still next week. However, next week against the Dogs becomes a massive task in Melbourne. Self-belief is a crucial element at the pointy end of the season. Fremantle now looks like the weakest link in the final’s chain at round 23. Brisbane has that belief in spades and they showed that last year to win the Premiership.
Getting Carried Away With Footy Tribalism
“The dangers of tribalism can take immature or mentally unwell folk into dark spaces. Making death threats toward an opposition coach is an example of this. Football is a game, not anything more, when you get a grip on things. Our tribal affiliations with a club are about having fun and not about spiteful shit directed at anyone else. “
Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of The Stoic Golfer; Money Matters and America Matters: Pre-apocalyptic Posts & Essays in the Shadow of Trump.
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