Playing with house money: the tendency to take greater risks when reinvesting profits.
It’s a principle relevant to Fremantle ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final against Collingwood.
The Dockers’ brilliant comeback win in the opening round of the finals over the Bulldogs has already seen them build a nice bank.
The Dockers are ready.Credit:Getty Images
- Finals experience.
- Belief – in each another and the game plan which has passed its biggest test yet.
- A taste of September success.
They’re additional profits gained in the past week to top up the kitty, however the fund has been steadily tracking upwards for far longer.
When Justin Longmuir walked through the door in 2020, so too entered a far less favourable guest.
COVID.
As quick as Justin and his charges stepped over the welcome mat, they would pack up their bags and begin hub-life in Queensland.
A young, inexperienced group in unfamiliar times and an uncertain environment. Hardly a recipe for success.
But what it did allow for was time.
Time for their young talent to grow and develop.
Time to build relationships, on and off the field.
Last week the team had a massive win.Credit:Getty Images
Time to know your teammates, coaches, staff at a whole new level; learn about their family and upbringing adding a deeper and more meaningful connection.
And time spent away from home, harbouring resilience and techniques to find a way.
Fremantle are back on the road and will be for the remainder of the season.
Yes, the comfort of your own bed is replaced by a mattress resembling a wooden plank, often accompanied by rock-hard pillows.
Yes, there’s no game day dip in the ocean, followed by the stop at the local coffee shop and greeting by friendly staff for the “usual”.
They won’t have 58,982 screaming purple hearts at the G, instead faced with 90,000 one-eyed, Collingwood diehards desperate to jump the fence and rip them to shreds.
But they’ve already built a strong credit line to combat it.
The Dockers road record this year is impressive.
It includes wins against minor premiers Geelong and reigning premiers Melbourne both on their home turf. Impressive.
In fact, you could argue this team is at home being in enemy territory.
Thirteen of Fremantle’s team last weekend weren’t born in WA – further to that, nine are Victorian.
Their improved fitness allows for quick ball movement, ability to attack from defence and manic forward line pressure to be employed for longer.
Last week’s stunning turnaround has plenty of credits in the bank primed for reinvesting.
There’s no point in hedging betts … take the game on, dictate play, make a statement.
To hell with it, this is all chips in type stuff.
