Has the Derby shine worn off? Sure, there’s little to play for, less so for West Coast, but where’s the banter, the cheap shots? Where’s Clive when you need him? Time to Restump Podcast the subdued Western Derby.

Could we actually lose this game, even if we wanted to? If the Eagles are up by a kick with a minute to go, will they learn from last week or will they go back to the “no plus one” well and replicate it? The smart money is on the latter.

Karl Worner gets a much-deserved opportunity and it is pleasing to see he was overlooked for the sub vest this week, unlike on debut. That said, the unwanted honour appears as though it will fall to the very unlucky Neil Erasmus. 

Brennan Cox chalks up the 100 games and at just 24 years of age, there’s potentially another 100 to 150 in him, should he remain relatively fit and healthy. 

Where does Hayden Young line up this week? The midfield challenge isn’t what it was last week. However, given Youngy’s performances, both offensively and defensively, over the past two weeks in the middle…. Hello Tim Kelly?

Speaking of Hayden Young, he, Caleb Serong, Luke Jackson, Jordan Clark and Jye Amiss all made the best 22 under 22 squad and could all push to make the final 22. But when you see the wealth of talent and you realise they’re under 22, it should give Freo fans a reminder of how young we actually are and how much upside is ahead of us. 

I’ll preface this with the disclaimer that we don’t condone or advocate for violence at the Restump Podcast. Now having said that, at 31 years of age and with his best form well and truly behind him, are we running out of opportunities to square up the Andy Gaff ledger? I know, I know... it was years ago and most people have moved on… but there’d still be a flicker of a flame burning inside Andy Brayshaw. As Kramer says, it’s all water near a bridge.

The unlucky Heath Chapman has done his shoulder but it was pleasing to see him turn up for the Captain’s run and in great news this arvo Sammy Sturt has hit a one year contract trigger clause, so he’ll be strutting his stuff in purple for at least the next twelve months.

All that and who knows what else but unfortunately the Chief is bringing us home and making us endure another episode of the Neighbourhood Watch. 

Luke Ryan tried his best to light a Derby fire, so we’re taking his lead and trying to up the level of oomph in the build up! If you’re oomph deficient then lend us your ears for 45 minutes or so and we’ll see if we can bring something to the table. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show