Hawthorn started slow and came back strong. They looked like a top 4 side. Freo also looked like a side that befits its position on the ladder. Therein is the difference.
I think it a quaint idea that footballers write their own articles. Chappers has probably done a transcribed interview with the Sun intern, and the sub has just not done on any work on it.
Freo may be a different side today, and that also is a concern - that they see saw between good and bad all season.
I really think Lyon is rolling the dice for the last time with a list that is reliant on old KPPs, and will definitely be without Pav next year, but maybe MJ, 211 and the red headed love child as well. Huge gaps. The new contract allows him to enter the coaching buffer zone of rebuild, and then he's got 3 years to meet readjusted expectations, from where he'll be in the box seat to renegotiate or move on, if he wants.
Coaches have to plan for themselves as well.