Given the pain of the loss and the realisation we’d seen David Mundy run out in purple for the final time… it wasn’t a Saturday, it was a Sadurday. Time to Restump Podcast Freo’s semi-final loss to the ferocious Pies.

We went in high on hope but also unfortunately on next to no experience for such a hostile environment. It showed very early and the intensity the Pies brought and hit us with, we had no answers or replies for. 

While we had no trouble getting our share of the ball, our disposal was under relentless pressure. Admittedly it wasn’t the sole cause of our inability to score, but it compounded issues for our more often than not dysfunctional forward line. 14 inside 50s for 1 point in the first quarter painted that picture.

After a few early jitters and mistakes our defenders again stood up but the weight of numbers and the Pie pressure further up the ground made it almost an impossible task for our back six.

The reality is we were overawed, out pressured, outmuscled and outplayed. We simply were convincingly beaten by a more seasoned and experienced outfit in that particular environment. 

The margin on paper was 20 points but realistically it was a 10 to 12 goal hiding, so the result wouldn’t have been any different had the game been played anywhere else. 

However, while we don’t want to be 'that guy'…. it must make things a tad easier when you’ve played 16 of your 24 games in 2022 at the MCG and 19 of your 24 games in your home state of Victoria... thereby alleviating the detriment of hours spent on planes.

Having said that, to be fair to Collingwood, the possible extra 22-minute car or bus journey from the MCG to Marvel must be brutal!

When all said and done, it brought to a close a magnificent season in which we saw substantial growth in individuals and as a collective. We not only got our team of kids a taste of finals, we put a September win on the board. But just as important we got a lesson in where we are and what is required to get to the promised land.

Sadly, it also saw the completion of the great David Mundy’s wonderful career, a career that left an immeasurable permanent positive impact on the club.

So, when one season comes to a close another silly type of season begins. Trade talk season. 90% print, TV and airway filling noise but about 10% materialises. Its difficult not to get caught up in the nonsense so we take the view that if you can’t stay clear of it, indulge in it.

We start with the Luke Jackson making his intentions clear and we get more hyped up from there. Lobb, Acres, Griff, Henry and whoever else Haggers and SEN clickbait the footy community into buying their exodus narrative! 

So, while the on-field year is over, the chatter continues. If you’ve overdosed on the Restump after a long season, go outside have a 'thunder chunder' and you’ll be good to click play and go around again in this episode of reviews, analysis and trade talk. 

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