Our first PF since 2000. 23 years we've waited for something like this. Pity it isn't at the MCG: we'd break 100 000.
I'm debating making the trek.
I reckon we've run our race. I can't see us winning this one. Apart from the GWS game, the boys have basically played several elimination finals in a row. Bodies are injured, fatigued, battered, bruised and sore. Brisbane (aka BrisVegas) will be rested, relaxed, tanned, depilated, exfoliated, nails and hair done, looking fabulous for their home crowd. They have the best forward line in the comp, and stars on every line. It's been a great season, whatever happens in this PF.
Hopefully Harry McKay and the two Jacks will play.
We looked a bit banged up with Docherty and Acres really sore. Brisbane will be fresh with no injuries and on their home pacy deck will be clear favourites.
It's a two horse race so you are always a chance but I think we will be doing well to be close at the end of the game .
Won lose or draw we have exceeded expectations and this game is a free hit..
The AFL needs to bring this game to the MCG so more people can watch it.
We beat brisbane we will go all the way this year.
This week's game against Brisbane is the opposite to the Melbourne game. While Melbourne have a great midfield and Brisbane a very good midfield, Brisbane's strength is their forward line while Melbourne's strength is their defence. Brisbane will score but can be scored against. Harry and Martin will strengthen our team and we need to get on top of their midfield. It is going to be a big week for the selection committee. A lot of good players are going to miss out. I had a rant against the team selection against Fremantle earlier in the year and I was wrong so I will trust their judgement this week. This is going to be a tough game, aren't they all, we need to turn up to play, never stop trying, back ourselves and take our chances.
A whole generation not playing a preliminary is amazing in itself.
A light week on the track, freshen up... these are professional footballers who are playing in a Prelim.
Sore or not they will be cherry ripe to put it all on the line again.
Go Blues.
We will win
We have won a GF every year I've been in the US (81-82). May this continue. Brain says loss heart says win.
Had to win 11 sudden death matches in the last 3 months, now banged up, going to be hard to do it again. Win or lose though, what a ride! Playing for a spot in the GF is exciting on its own. Still, we keep finding a way, complete opposite to 12 months ago.
Up there, Brisbane are on another level ahead of everyone else this year. Win the thing in the middle, convert, use the spaces and then...hope, then believe???
Up there, Brisbane are on another level ahead of everyone else this year. Win the thing in the middle, convert, use the spaces and then...hope, then believe???
Good game plan from Voss to upset Gawn with Pittonet shadowing him all game and pushing him around and Id be doing the same with McInerney who is a key driver for Brisbane in the middle. Cripps will get Dunkley for company and Id expect Acres to get J. Berry as his dinner date as he has been doing some jobs for Fagan and is a physical player with the size to match Acres.
Going to be a great game tactically imho with lots of good even matchups and I just hope our blokes have the run in the legs to play 4 intense quarters in what could be warm conditions.
Good game plan from Voss to upset Gawn with Pittonet shadowing him all game and pushing him around and Id be doing the same with McInerney who is a key driver for Brisbane in the middle. Cripps will get Dunkley for company and Id expect Acres to get J. Berry as his dinner date as he has been doing some jobs for Fagan and is a physical player with the size to match Acres.
Going to be a great game tactically imho with lots of good even matchups and I just hope our blokes have the run in the legs to play 4 intense quarters in what could be warm conditions.
Andrews will go to Curnow, he's a very dangerous counter-attacking defender who can also close down his man. They have two wins towers down in their forward line, Weitering probably goes to Daniher. Hopefully it's a night match, it probably will be. Hopefully a Saturday night, we need the extra day's rest. The 'Gabba is a big ground and we need to chase and tackle as much as we can.
The AFL needs to bring this game to the MCG so more people can watch it.
Brisbane suck at the MCG as well. Not the case at their home ground. If we win, it will be one of the biggest finals upsets in the AFL era history.
Andrews will go to Curnow, he's a very dangerous counter-attacking defender who can also close down his man. They have two wins towers down in their forward line, Weitering probably goes to Daniher. Hopefully it's a night match, it probably will be. Hopefully a Saturday night, we need the extra day's rest. The 'Gabba is a big ground and we need to chase and tackle as much as we can.
Got plenty of firepower down forward have the Lions...Cameron and Bailey are super dangerous smalls and the latter seems to like playing us. Rayner has also been playing well so its going to be all hands on deck for this one....
We've overcome some huge challenges so far this year. Not least of which was the last 2 weeks. Flogging Port who were coming in with 13 wins in a row. Pies and Dees near the end of the H+A season.
....but this one will be our biggest.
If we beat the lions on their home deck, we will be in an elite club of 1. That is teams that have beaten the lions at the gabba in 2023.
They are fit.
They are fresh.
They are on their home deck in their fortress.
We need 22 (3) blokes working in unison like never before to get this one over the line.
We need the MC to pick a team that has no weak spots. No out of form players. No players who can't get through a full match.
We need everything going our way.
Lets hope it does.
It will be interesting to see how the boys handle the switch from 50K fans in your corner to a mostly hostile mob. Hopefully they can take a little of the "anywhere anytime" mantra from GWS, although the Giants are in a very different space to us.
Vossy said a few things in the post-match presser.
Vossy said we need the 2 rucks.
Vossy said Harry will be fit.
Vossy said if Harry is fit, he plays.
Vossy has basically told us, 2 rucks, + 2 key forwards......and this makes me nervous.
It will be interesting to see how the boys handle the switch from 50K fans in your corner to a mostly hostile mob. Hopefully they can take a little of the "anywhere anytime" mantra from GWS, although the Giants are in a very different space to us.
I can guarantee you that we will be as loud (if not louder) at the gabba then their own fans.
Only needs to be 10% of us there to make that happen...and based on what i've seen, read and heard in the past 24 hours, we'll get a lot more than that.
We've overcome some huge challenges so far this year. Not least of which was the last 2 weeks. Flogging Port who were coming in with 13 wins in a row. Pies and Dees near the end of the H+A season.
....but this one will be our biggest.
If we beat the lions on their home deck, we will be in an elite club of 1. That is teams that have beaten the lions at the gabba in 2023.
They are fit.
They are fresh.
They are on their home deck in their fortress.
We need 22 (3) blokes working in unison like never before to get this one over the line.
We need the MC to pick a team that has no weak spots. No out of form players. No players who can't get through a full match.
We need everything going our way.
Lets hope it does.
Agree on the 23 blokes all needing to contribute, Kennedy will probably make way for Harry but its a tough choice on who to drop for Martin who will also come straight in.
Cuningham, Fogarty have been lucky charms since returning and Motlop hasnt done anything wrong either plus does Hollands stay as sub ahead of any of the other candidates to be dropped?
Im presuming Docherty plays....
Good luck to the match committee - no idea what they are going to do.
Need to grind another team down to the ground.
I think Chugga stays and Cunners goes as sub.
Ollie misses out ..and I think Owies might be the one out for Martin.
Out : Hollands Owies
In: McKay Martin
Sub: Cunningham.
Honestly, i don't think i want Harry in the side.
I'd prefer Jack if we went another tall.
I'm well aware that Vossy won't be having any of that.
My changes would be.....
In: Martin, Silvagni (or Harry as Vossy would do)
Out: Hollands, Marchbank,
Kennedy to be demoted to sub
Fair to say if we beat Brisbane at the Gabba we'll go on and win the flag. That is easily toughest task going. It can only get "easier" after that.
Honestly, i don't think i want Harry in the side.
I'd prefer Jack if we went another tall.
I'm well aware that Vossy won't be having any of that.
My changes would be.....
In: Martin, Silvagni (or Harry as Vossy would do)
Out: Hollands, Marchbank,
Kennedy to be demoted to sub
I think last night showed, for the sake of our structures, that we need Harry in the side, especially for Charlie's sake. Splits the defence. He gets involved in scores and is a terrific "get out"" coming out of defence.
Got plenty of firepower down forward have the Lions...Cameron and Bailey are super dangerous smalls and the latter seems to like playing us. Rayner has also been playing well so its going to be all hands on deck for this one....
Both sides will have a heap of fire power up forward. We just need to get it in to the F50 well and pressure them when they try to.
Martin and Harry missing last night proved we were down in fire power up forward.
Saturday: 5:15 game time official
Harry and Martin are must inclusions and I would seriously consider JSOS.
Barring other injuries, I would probably omit Kennedy and Cuningham plus Fogerty or Owies - none of whom deserve to be omitted.
Booked some flights and some accommodation, now to see if I can get tickets.
The disadvantage of not having your seconds still playing is now starting to show. Marchbank was very shaky on Friday night and is probably not required against all the Lions smalls. Boyd would be an obvious choice but can't be considered due to lack of match practice. Kennedy showed it. Was not on the pace like the others.
Saturday: 5:15 game time official
Wtf even is this time.
An away trip with a shorter turnaround time than pies v gws.
Ffs afl
Wtf even is this time.
An away trip with a shorter turnaround time than pies v gws.
Ffs afl
Double edged sword, Friday Doc and Acres won't have time, Saturday and the travel and rest is the issue.
Booked some flights and some accommodation, now to see if I can get tickets.
How much did all that cost you if you dint mind me asking.
Club had offered a few packages with that and tickets included, but it seemed excessiveness priced
I think the airlines have jacked the prices after the game.
Also school holidays.
So accomodation in Brisbane won't be cheap
Might need to call Walletwizard ::)
How much did all that cost you if you dint mind me asking.
Club had offered a few packages with that and tickets included, but it seemed excessiveness priced
for 2 people flights are 2300 return with Qantas. Could have had cheaper with a few different variations.
Not sure what the club are offering.
I'm saving my money for the Grand Final.
Wtf even is this time.
An away trip with a shorter turnaround time than pies v gws.
Ffs afl
We get an 8 day break, GWS gets 7. 5:15 allows the team to return that night (in preparation for Grand Final week!!😉)
Oof, I know this is about Carl v Bris but … GWS are looking ominous.
Everyone has dismissed our loss to them as no big deal. Players out, no incentive, etc., but I’m not buying any of it.
They dismantled us, pure and simple, like they did to Port last night.
Probably a Lions + Giants GF. BooHoo AFL.
I doubt any tipster will select us to win, and rightly so... on paper just about everything says BrisVegas should overpower us, perhaps easily - fresh and rested list, on their dung heap, weather conditions they're used to. And us? Walking wounded, much smaller pro us crowd and unconvincing victories (scoreboard wise) in recent weeks. David v Goliath stuff.
The one thing we do know is that our group will give it their all.
Although many of us have questioned H being selected of recently times, paradoxically, I'd see him as an imperative inclusion for this game. Martin is a Monty. Unfortunately, JSOS would still be underdone with an insufficient training block to come into such a taxing game in Bris heat.
Ollie will likely make way for Martin, but what a valuable experience he gained on Friday night. Kennedy to make way for H. Cunners sub. Fingers crossed for how Doc comes up.
I'm saving my money for the Grand Final.
we will be going to that too. The bathroom renovation will just wait until another year.
We need H in if he’s okay to play. He maybe missed some goals but he is so important to the structure - I think people forget he did some great things other than kick goals. And he frees up Charlie.
My head says we are the walking wounded and our season is about done BUT I didn’t realise sitting at the MCG watching that first quarter against GC that from the second quarter on, we would be a completely changed team that would not stop. But it happened.
Also free game for us, nothing to lose - expecting to see no nerves this time around which hopefully means that we hit our kicks spot on and take our opportunities early.
Also we are a really really tough team. Who knew!
for 2 people flights are 2300 return with Qantas. Could have had cheaper with a few different variations.
Not sure what the club are offering.
Cheers
Initially the club had a 2700 (each) option, including 2 nights accomodation and game ticket....and a few other little perks. That sold out super quick.
Then they had a day trip there and back on a chartered flight including shuttling to/from ikon park/airport/gabba for 1800 each. That was sold out 2 hours later when i first heard about it.....may have sold out in 5 minutes for all i know.
Can't even get return on sunday, or late enough sat night to catch the end of the game.
I think i'm pretty much out of options. I ain't driving for 17 hours there and 17 hours back in a weekend.
I'm not really a fan of this "free hit" mentality that seems to be going around. Whilst I understand the psychological and motivational trickery behind the idea, I think it's false. I think if the players adopt that mentality, they have already convinced themselves that a loss is okay, they have already talked themselves into approaching the game with a less competitive mindset. As we know from our recent history, these opportunities are rare, and there is absolutely no guarantee that the boys will get another one.
I know Brisbane are clear and obvious favourites, but I think both teams are under equal pressure to win, and any loss should be equally felt by both. The boys must forego this "free hit" mentality and must go in believing that a loss will be devastating.
I'm not really a fan of this "free hit" mentality that seems to be going around. Whilst I understand the psychological and motivational trickery behind the idea, I think it's false. I think if the players adopt that mentality, they have already convinced themselves that a loss is okay, they have already talked themselves into approaching the game with a less competitive mindset. As we know from our recent history, these opportunities are rare, and there is absolutely no guarantee that the boys will get another one.
I know Brisbane are clear and obvious favourites, but I think both teams are under equal pressure to win, and any loss should be equally felt by both. The boys must forego this "free hit" mentality and must go in believing that a loss will be devastating.
You reckon Vossy thinks a loss is ok?
Don't be confused from the outside noise vs inside expectations.
Night and day.
I'm not really a fan of this "free hit" mentality that seems to be going around. Whilst I understand the psychological and motivational trickery behind the idea, I think it's false. I think if the players adopt that mentality, they have already convinced themselves that a loss is okay, they have already talked themselves into approaching the game with a less competitive mindset. As we know from our recent history, these opportunities are rare, and there is absolutely no guarantee that the boys will get another one.
I know Brisbane are clear and obvious favourites, but I think both teams are under equal pressure to win, and any loss should be equally felt by both. The boys must forego this "free hit" mentality and must go in believing that a loss will be devastating.
Reckon Brisbane has far more pressure on them than we do - they are expected to win and have supposedly been building towards this for three years.
Never underestimate the weight of expectation, and they have certainly have had their 'deer in the headlights' moments this year. Seen it so many times - I call it
expectation paralysis.
Not to mention they will have only played one game of footy in a month (and even that was a walk in the park). Based on similar situations (Syd v Gee 2016 PF, Coll v Rich 2018 PF, WB vs PA 2021 PF),
the secret will be to go super-hard at the start while they are still warming up, and build a half-decent lead - then, the combination of trailing and weight of expectation becomes too big to cope with.
I don't think for one minute this group will settle for an honourable loss. They are 240 minutes of strong football away from what would probably be this club's greatest ever premiership, if not the greatest ever in the history of the AFL/VFL.
I'm not really a fan of this "free hit" mentality that seems to be going around. Whilst I understand the psychological and motivational trickery behind the idea, I think it's false. I think if the players adopt that mentality, they have already convinced themselves that a loss is okay, they have already talked themselves into approaching the game with a less competitive mindset. As we know from our recent history, these opportunities are rare, and there is absolutely no guarantee that the boys will get another one.
I know Brisbane are clear and obvious favourites, but I think both teams are under equal pressure to win, and any loss should be equally felt by both. The boys must forego this "free hit" mentality and must go in believing that a loss will be devastating.
They go in deserved favourites with all the pressure on them.
Once you're in the prelim, all bets are off, our best is good enough, but it's called the gabbatoir for a reason.
The free hit stuff is all about mentality of not having expectations. We could get blown away and it would be no harm done but a missed opportunity.
It is a relative free hit for us. A bit like the 99 grand final. No one expected us to win, we didn't and the world kept spinning.
I think that on this occasion it won't be so much about mental attitude.
Our mental side is as good as any now.
We'll give it all we have.
If we lose it will be because we're physically at the end of our rope.
Daniher & Hipwood are spuds who tend to be 'conditional' players in that they pick & choose when or if they want to seriously compete, put the clamps on them and the Lions are going to rely on Cameron & Bailey to score heavily.
Even though I thought he was poor the other week, I'm certain McKay will come straight back in to further stretch the Lions shortish backline. This should give Curnow some extra freedom too.
In the middle of the ground is where the game will be won & lost. They have some terrific mids who hurt you by foot plus they bob up to kick goals as well. Keep them under some tight shackles and it will go a long way towards winning the match.
A small bonus is that we played on Friday night and this week's game is on Saturday which gives our players, who must be sore & tiring, an extra day to freshen up. I accept that it is only a small tenure but it may be telling in the end. Have a look at the Giants, they have been given the opposite schedule (Sat-Fri) so we should be thankful of how it has panned out.
We had a lot of players who were rather poor the other night, if they extract the digit and at worst, break even with their opponent, we area big chance this week.
Tackle hard, chase hard and never ever give up (i.e. second & third efforts), if you want it hard enough, you will get it !!
Fair to say if we beat Brisbane at the Gabba we'll go on and win the flag. That is easily toughest task going. It can only get "easier" after that.
1999 says hi…
The job ain’t done until its done !!
I think that on this occasion it won't be so much about mental attitude.
Our mental side is as good as any now.
We'll give it all we have.
If we lose it will be because we're physically at the end of our rope.
Lots of boys looked very fresh on Friday - Cerra, Walsh, Hewett, TDK looked very fresh and ran all day. Doc, Acres and Cripps are all carrying ailments but the team looks like they have momentum behind them and seem to be very battle hardened.
1999 says hi…
The job ain’t done until its done !!
That year was a bit different given we spent the year being crap for alot of that season and got there with the greatest upset ever. Never likely to win the next week. This year we are a good side that looks anyone in the eye. My belief this time is if we are good enough to win at the Gabba then we are better than what is left.
They go in deserved favourites with all the pressure on them.
Once you're in the prelim, all bets are off, our best is good enough, but it's called the gabbatoir for a reason.
The free hit stuff is all about mentality of not having expectations. We could get blown away and it would be no harm done but a missed opportunity.
It is a relative free hit for us. A bit like the 99 grand final. No one expected us to win, we didn't and the world kept spinning.
Maybe not the best analogy Thry, spiraling might be a better fit 😎
In 1999 we played our gf a week early and need to be aware of this on Saturday night.
If we are to have any chance to win this week we have to make some hard calls. I fully expect both Doc and Acres will play. Pump them full of as much painkiller as is legally allowed. McKay and Martin will both come in and so they should. The big question is who comes out and that is where it's gets difficult. For me I think one has to be Cuningham who has just played too many average sort of games over the last month and the fact he was subbed out last Friday may be a definite tell. Personally I like him but as I say it's time to be ruthless.
Second bloke out for me is Owies. Just doesn't do enough. I've never been a big fan and last Friday he was next to useless IMO. Kicked a goal from about 40 out, which in itself amazed me, but I think Kennedy, who has come back from a long layoff, achieved as much if not more than Owies did last Friday.
Unfortunately can't see JSOS or Dow getting a role as Holands was pretty good as the sub.
Only issue is will it work with TDK, Pitt, H and Charlie all in the same team? Maybe the weather will play a part in selection?
If we are to have any chance to win this week we have to make some hard calls. I fully expect both Doc and Acres will play. Pump them full of as much painkiller as is legally allowed. McKay and Martin will both come in and so they should. The big question is who comes out and that is where it's gets difficult. For me I think one has to be Cuningham who has just played too many average sort of games over the last month and the fact he was subbed out last Friday may be a definite tell. Personally I like him but as I say it's time to be ruthless.
Second bloke out for me is Owies. Just doesn't do enough. I've never been a big fan and last Friday he was next to useless IMO. Kicked a goal from about 40 out, which in itself amazed me, but I think Kennedy, who has come back from a long layoff, achieved as much if not more than Owies did last Friday.
Unfortunately can't see JSOS or Dow getting a role as Holands was pretty good as the sub.
Only issue is will it work with TDK, Pitt, H and Charlie all in the same team? Maybe the weather will play a part in selection?
We need a target at CHF and and TDK goes ok as third tall deep in the forward line.
Cunners and Owies not doing enough agree. Kennedy has to stay in as medium/small.
Also concerned with Cincottas game against Pickett - Charlie Cameron, Zac Bailey are gun players
Kennedy can rotate through the middle whereas Owies can't and Motlop is a smarter/classier player than Owies.
We need a target at CHF and and TDK goes ok as third tall deep in the forward line.
Cunners and Owies not doing enough agree. Kennedy has to stay in as medium/small.
Also concerned with Cincottas game against Pickett - Charlie Cameron, Zac Bailey are gun players
Kennedy can rotate through the middle whereas Owies can't and Motlop is a smarter/classier player than Owies.
Pickett did almost SFA until late in the third quarter. He marked and goaled in the last and the person I saw on him was Saad. Fogarty was poor as well on Friday, but he does have the added benefit of being able to rotate through the midfield and has pace to chase and tackle, Owies, yes as mentioned, does not have midfield ability or speed. Yes, Owies certainly has been very poor this finals series. Kennedy was average at best, but he did chime in and play some role in an uncomfortable second tall forward position. Motlop definitely stays in, bar injury. The consensus seems to be Cuningham and Owies out, for Martin and McKay. Who am I to argue? I won't. Btw, definitely agree that TDK can play as a third/second resting tall forward. We saw that on Friday night.
If we are to have any chance to win this week we have to make some hard calls. I fully expect both Doc and Acres will play. Pump them full of as much painkiller as is legally allowed. McKay and Martin will both come in and so they should. The big question is who comes out and that is where it's gets difficult. For me I think one has to be Cuningham who has just played too many average sort of games over the last month and the fact he was subbed out last Friday may be a definite tell. Personally I like him but as I say it's time to be ruthless.
Second bloke out for me is Owies. Just doesn't do enough. I've never been a big fan and last Friday he was next to useless IMO. Kicked a goal from about 40 out, which in itself amazed me, but I think Kennedy, who has come back from a long layoff, achieved as much if not more than Owies did last Friday.
Unfortunately can't see JSOS or Dow getting a role as Holands was pretty good as the sub.
Only issue is will it work with TDK, Pitt, H and Charlie all in the same team? Maybe the weather will play a part in selection?
Brisbane's driest time of the year tends to be at this time of year. I haven't checked the forecast, but I reckon it'll be a dry game. McKay will come in and the two rucks won't be dropped either.
At this writing the Saturday Brisbane forecast is 15-24, partly cloudy, 20% chance of rain, winds SE 15-25kmh. If the rain hold off, it sounds like decent conditions for footy.
At this writing the Saturday Brisbane forecast is 15-24, partly cloudy, 20% chance of rain, winds SE 15-25kmh. If the rain hold off, it sounds like decent conditions for footy.
The game is a twilight one I think. Couldn't ask for anything better weather wise tbh. 20% chance, if it does, it will likely be light. At least it's not a blazing north or northwesterly wind, which would make the temperature soar. At least the weather will be decent for us. We need just one piece of luck here. What happens after that, fingers crossed.
Carl v GWS grand final, like the sound of that
Oof, I know this is about Carl v Bris but … GWS are looking ominous.
Everyone has dismissed our loss to them as no big deal. Players out, no incentive, etc., but I’m not buying any of it.
They dismantled us, pure and simple, like they did to Port last night.
Probably a Lions + Giants GF. BooHoo AFL.
Whilst I'm backing our boys until the final siren. I wouldn't be surprised at Lions v Giants GF. Giants are on a roll. Anywhere. Anytime.
no more long bombs to a contest all the time MORE run and carry
Agree on the 23 blokes all needing to contribute, Kennedy will probably make way for Harry but its a tough choice on who to drop for Martin who will also come straight in.
Cuningham, Fogarty have been lucky charms since returning and Motlop hasnt done anything wrong either plus does Hollands stay as sub ahead of any of the other candidates to be dropped?
Im presuming Docherty plays....
Maybe Owies? Love the boy but made 3 or 4 really bad errors which may cost him.
A lot of people calling for Owies head and you can kinda see why because someone with talent will have to miss out, so why not a small forward.
I'm not sure i would agree with that.
He is one of our best kicks for goal. Always seem to hit the scoreboard.
Fun fact:
In our last 11 games, he has kicked 1 goal in 6 of those matches......and 2 goals in the other 5!
Before that he had 2 weeks where he didn't score a goal.
The first 5 he played for the year (keeping in mind he missed r4-8) he kicked 11 goals in 5 matches.
Another fun fact:
Owies is =2nd on our goal kicking list this year. He is equal with Harry, despite playing 2 games less!
People say we must play Harry.
Stats say we must play Owies.
Honestly, i don't think i want Harry in the side.
I'd prefer Jack if we went another tall.
I'm well aware that Vossy won't be having any of that.
My changes would be.....
In: Martin, Silvagni (or Harry as Vossy would do)
Out: Hollands, Marchbank,
Kennedy to be demoted to sub
Jack is not match fit as Voss said last week. As much as I want to see him play and he bleeds blue blood, I think he may not play again this year bar an injury to MP or TD. The only way I see him playing is as the sub.
Also, I remember his dad SOS missing out on the finals in 94 and playing a pivotal role in 95. So maybe history repeating itself??
I reckon Harry must play as he will be the link up the ground and will not get any shorter as the game wears on.
Plus he could turn it on and kick a bag which will give Brisbane heart ache, and they will still have to cover Charlie.
Charlie and Harry have not yet both fired together so there is always this week.
I reckon Cunners or Owies will be one of the outs with Hollands as the sub.
He virtually won us the game on Friday in the last, and that maybe enough to get him over the line.
I think last night showed, for the sake of our structures, that we need Harry in the side, especially for Charlie's sake. Splits the defence. He gets involved in scores and is a terrific "get out"" coming out of defence.
x2
Wtf even is this time.
An away trip with a shorter turnaround time than pies v gws.
Ffs afl
So they can return on the same day and prepare for next week if we make it and not have to stay overnight.
Oof, I know this is about Carl v Bris but … GWS are looking ominous.
Everyone has dismissed our loss to them as no big deal. Players out, no incentive, etc., but I’m not buying any of it.
They dismantled us, pure and simple, like they did to Port last night.
Probably a Lions + Giants GF. BooHoo AFL.
Oh I would love for them to beat the Pies. And I think they can do it.
....with Hollands as the sub.
He virtually won us the game on Friday in the last, and that maybe enough to get him over the line.
Hollands was as expected when he came on. Consistent.
But...don't give him too much credit. That last kick to Docherty was poor. Doch had space, Hollands kicked it behind him.
Docherty's bravery and the dees players stupidity made it all work out in the end. But that kick was poor.
Hollands was as expected when he came on. Consistent.
But...don't give him too much credit. That last kick to Docherty was poor. Doch had space, Hollands kicked it behind him.
Docherty's bravery and the dees players stupidity made it all work out in the end. But that kick was poor.
A poor kick was the one that Owies kicked to a Dees player who was not even in the passage of play and did not expect to mark the ball, when Owies had, I think Curnow leading towards him from about 20 meters.
So I call this one even it was a good mark by Doc and a good/poor kick by Holland. :) :)
Hollands was as expected when he came on. Consistent.
But...don't give him too much credit. That last kick to Docherty was poor. Doch had space, Hollands kicked it behind him.
Docherty's bravery and the dees players stupidity made it all work out in the end. But that kick was poor.
The kick to Docherty was perfect; Doc led towards the wing and Hollands put the ball in front of him, giving Doc’s opponent no chance. If Hollands had kicked it to Doc’s goal side he would have been running with the flight and the Melbourne player could have spoiled or intercepted.
The placement caused the defender to over-commit and that gave Doc the opportunity to play on and kick over the defence.
How much of that was planned and how much was luck is debatable, but Hollands kicked the ball exactly where he should have.
l recently asked a first grade footballer if a player missing set shots for goal deflated a team .
Unfortunately the answer was a categoric yes.
Jack Payne is in doubt - that would certainly stretch their big defensive stocks.
The kick to Docherty was perfect; Doc led towards the wing and Hollands put the ball in front of him, giving Doc’s opponent no chance. If Hollands had kicked it to Doc’s goal side he would have been running with the flight and the Melbourne player could have spoiled or intercepted.
The placement caused the defender to over-commit and that gave Doc the opportunity to play on and kick over the defence.
How much of that was planned and how much was luck is debatable, but Hollands kicked the ball exactly where he should have.
Have another look mate. Doc had 5m on his opponent.
By the time the ball got there. Doc was stationary, jumping straight up, his opponent jumping in front of him just missing the body and the ball.
If it was truly in front of him. Doc would've still had 5m on his opponent.
Last time we played Brisbane at the Gabba - Setterfield, LOB, Newnes, Corey Durdin were amongst our bests but lost by five goals
Hewett, Kemp, Acres, Newman, Fogarty, Kennedy, Cunningham, Pittonet, Cincotta didn't play in last years round 21 fixture.
Thats half a team of 18 starting players.
Should be nice weather for the game.
Forecast is 23, overcast with 20km/h winds.
Chance of rain is 20%.
But we all know how accurate the BOM is? :o
Booked some flights and some accommodation, now to see if I can get tickets.
As a Legend's Lounge member, I get priority access - happy for you to use my barcode number if you still need a ticket 👍
Thanks
@Blueboy_Benny, secured tickets this morning so we are going to be at a prelim!! First fir me. This will be my second time travelling to watch a final (first time was 2013 against sydney) and the 4th interstate trip to watch footy.
Cunningham is one that's likely to go out. He's been good since coming back into the team but quiet in recent weeks.
I'd keep Owies in. Him and Motlop provide plenty of pressure and as someone else mentioned, Owies has consistently hit the scoreboard when he plays. I think Kennedy might be the other one that makes way, with Hollands remaining as the sub.
I thought Marchbank was ordinary on Friday night and made plenty of errors. But likely we'll need him down back as the other "tall" to maybe play on Hipwood.
We had mostly decided flights were too expensive so weren’t going to go, but I tried today anyway just to see. Spent 30mins on the wrong ticket seller 😆 and only realised when I got through to buy Collingwood/GWS tickets 🙄
So got onto Ticketmaster at 10.30 and got tickets immediately - did best price and came back with $650 for 4. So tried again with cheaper tickets 5 mins later and again got a shot at it for $315!
But with flights being $3k return just not doable unfortunately this year as we have an OS trip booked for next year we’re already paying off.
Was surprised that I had access for tickets still at 10.40, had assumed it’d sell out.
Enjoy Thryleon, I really hope we get to play in the final game of the year 🤞🏼
Gave my barcode to a friend in Brissy - they got tickets within 15 mins. Go figure.
We considered going, but we suspected things like this -
But with flights being $3k return just not doable .......
Will just have to enjoy sitting in front of the idiot box for this one.
Love my Blues but prefer to give $3k to the club than corporate thievery
Love my Blues but prefer to give $3k to the club than corporate thievery
Cheapest way, if it is possible with commitments, is to go Tuesday and come back later Sunday or Monday. Prices are normal then. A matter then of staying somewhere for 5 days. Still be cheaper, even with the accommodation, plus you see Southern Qld Coast.
Such a change talking about Preliminary Finals and not about trade targets and list management (unless you're Shieky, or now Lucifer)....lol.
Such a change talking about Preliminary Finals and not about trade targets and list management (unless you're Shieky, or now Lucifer)....lol.
Takes us back to the 70s, 80s & 90s when finals were a given!
We had mostly decided flights were too expensive so weren’t going to go, but I tried today anyway just to see. Spent 30mins on the wrong ticket seller 😆 and only realised when I got through to buy Collingwood/GWS tickets 🙄
So got onto Ticketmaster at 10.30 and got tickets immediately - did best price and came back with $650 for 4. So tried again with cheaper tickets 5 mins later and again got a shot at it for $315!
But with flights being $3k return just not doable unfortunately this year as we have an OS trip booked for next year we’re already paying off.
Was surprised that I had access for tickets still at 10.40, had assumed it’d sell out.
Enjoy Thryleon, I really hope we get to play in the final game of the year 🤞🏼
Qantas have put more flights up returning on monday if you can have the day off. My mrs and I were able to secure flights for 750 PP return, flying up on Friday night, and returning monday.
Qantas have put more flights up returning on monday if you can have the day off. My mrs and I were able to secure flights for 750 PP return, flying up on Friday night, and returning monday.
There there are 4 of us so it is an expensive journey, Nevermind will be cheering them on from home 😊
OK, so i bought tickets for me and my son.
Now to work out how to get there. ::)
Looking at flying into and out of brisbane from [insert a major city] and prices are just ridiculous.
I've got the OK from the boss to not have to work fri-tues, so thinking i might be doing a LONG road trip there and back, putting the ranger and camping gear to good use.
No accomodation costs.
No fuel costs (thank you work)
Just time.
As a Legend's Lounge member, I get priority access - happy for you to use my barcode number if you still need a ticket 👍
Gday Benny, longtime no hear from you...
Nice - good luck with the journey Kruddler.
Meanwhile absolutely surreal to get an email from
The club regarding GF tickets 😳 and priority access! I was bemoaning paying the extra this year for that, when we were in our slump. I really hope we get to utilise it this year 🙏🏽
OK, so i bought tickets for me and my son.
Now to work out how to get there. ::)
Looking at flying into and out of brisbane from [insert a major city] and prices are just ridiculous.
I've got the OK from the boss to not have to work fri-tues, so thinking i might be doing a LONG road trip there and back, putting the ranger and camping gear to good use.
No accomodation costs.
No fuel costs (thank you work)
Just time.
That's what I would have done. Love a good road trip.
I was thinking of going along with my son in law and grandson but on looking at the available flights and costs I have opted for the couch. They are Lions fans so we've agreed to barrack for whoever the winner is in the GF.
Just praying we get over the line!
That's what I would have done. Love a good road trip.
Thought about it but I would need a few days to get up there by car these days!
Ladder since Round 14:
Carlton 11-1
GWS 10-2
Brisbane 10-2
Collingwood 8-4
Such a change talking about Preliminary Finals and not about trade targets and list management (unless you're Shieky, or now Lucifer)....lol.
Surreal.
It's been such a challenging decade or so. I have to go back to the highlights so our success (new to my vocabulary 🙂) sinks in. What a lovely experience.
Go Blues
Great pre preliminary final read.
Carlton's path to the premiership goes through coach Michael Voss's former club Brisbane Lions at the Gabba
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-18/brisbane-hero-michael-voss-plots-lions-downfall-for-blues/102871332
I have four kids and a wife so not going to work for me even though we have reserved seat membership.
That's ok... at 5pm we will have a BBQ and beers at home.
Daughter, her partner and I are doing the road trip. Only he works to 7pm Friday so not much time for any hiccups, but still workable. Then Monday morning I have a phone conference but as long as I'm not driving that will work. Decided against doing the return trip right after the game plus get the chance to catch up with my best man who lives up there nowadays.
The Mrs, my mate and I will have to settle for watching via watchafl.com. Ill watch the start from Koh Samui Airport, then Ill miss an hour before watching the end at Bangkok Airport. At least we'll know the result before heading off to Melbourne.
Go Blues
Have another look mate. Doc had 5m on his opponent.
By the time the ball got there. Doc was stationary, jumping straight up, his opponent jumping in front of him just missing the body and the ball.
If it was truly in front of him. Doc would've still had 5m on his opponent.
The kick from Hollands was better than the broadcast angle showed, the Melbourne player was never really in the hunt for the footy, metres away in fact, and if he'd made contact with Doc it could easily have been a 50m for late contact.
The kick from the reverse angle is perfect, it drew the receiver (Doc) to the perfect position and forced the Dee's player out of position. If the kick was the typical flat pass out in front of doc the defender would have had an easy intercept and run off.
Old football maxim...kick the ball to where the receiver needs to be, not where he was.
Still had it hit him on the chest, it would have been better. Thing is, we didnt want to go slow, so popping it up behind him for him to turn back to goals was likely a decent option, or he just over hit his pass slightly. Given the context of the situation, forgivable and it all worked out anyway.
Still had it hit him on the chest, it would have been better. Thing is, we didnt want to go slow, so popping it up behind him for him to turn back to goals was likely a decent option, or he just over hit his pass slightly. Given the context of the situation, forgivable and it all worked out anyway.
Hollands kick to Doc was almost perfect, Doc's positioning was good and his kick to the top of the square was as good as you get, Weiters taking on the kick to Hollands was even better.
They had no time to go slow, go any slower and the defenders flood back.
Fans seem to be oblivious to the fact that alongside Acres in the square was McGovern and Kemp, that's about as big of a roll of the dice as you will get!
Hollands kick to Doc was almost perfect, Doc's positioning was good and his kick to the top of the square was as good as you get, Weiters taking on the kick to Hollands was even better.
They had no time to go slow, go any slower and the defenders flood back.
Fans seem to be oblivious to the fact that alongside Acres in the square was McGovern and Kemp, that's about as big of a roll of the dice as you will get!
De Koning wasn’t far away.
Although Charlie had gone behind the ball, he was on the mark for Lever’s kick. Acres was just outside the protected zone and sprinted towards Lever when the ump called play on. That pressure affected Lever’s kick and enabled the spoil that ended up with Viney kicking on his right foot to Weitering.
Acres drifted across half forward, then sprinted to the goal square. Fritsch tried to get to Acres but Guv forced Fritsch to go with him.
Minutes earlier, Acres was crunched when he went back with the flight at half back. That play resulted in the inside 50 that ended up with Lever.
That’s three critical acts at both ends of the ground from a bloke with a busted shoulder.
Take a bow Sheriff 👏
Fans seem to be oblivious to the fact that alongside Acres in the square was McGovern and Kemp, that's about as big of a roll of the dice as you will get!
And the past day or so I've been pondering a sliding doors moment - had the ball travelled from Doc's boot on a slightly different trajectory, the Supporter's favourite whipping boy - Mitch McGovern - might well have ended up Carlton's greatest hero of the 21st century.
Either way, his act of protecting Blacres back to allow the mark is something that should be applauded by all.
Acres went forward to essentialy hide, he was clearly in pain after his last contest.
I'm expecting a totally different game to our two finals so far, I'm thinking this is going to be more of a shoot out or certainly a more attacking game.
If we lower our eyes I think we will present more options than Brizvegas will.
I think the MC have some big calls to make.
I won't be surprised if some analysis shows a correlation between the absence of Hollands and the drop off from Charlie / McKay. As much as I think Motlop has improved and is a goal kicker / finisher, I'm not sure his part of the bargain is more important than the ground Hollands covers and the way Hollands uses the footy.
Owies selection is now self-determining, if he's fit he's going to be selected, he's a terrific football brain with an A-Grade work ethic. A lot of discussion went around what the media tried to paint as an "Owies brain fade" in the goal square incident. If you flip that perspective you come to the conclusion that in that moment this bloke had time to assess the situation and offer up a "Joe the Goose" for a team-mate, it's not Owies fault Charlie switched off, what do coaches always say, "Never turn your back on the footy!" But that event does also tell us about the teams selfless nature, Owies offered a level up for favours previously done, and Charlie expected nothing in return!
I'm torn about who goes out as Martin and H come in, but I'm certain Martin and H come in if fully fit.
Sounding less likely that Payne will be available for Brisbane....unless they're talking it up as a "tactic". Regardless, Voss sounded pretty sure, assuming he's fit, that McKay will come straight back in, along with Martin.
Assuming Acres and Docherty are right to go, we're pretty much at full strength other than Williams and Silvagni. As much as I'd love JSOS in the team, he's missed too much footy now to risk bringing him back. The Pitto/TDK combination has worked really well in the first two finals....both were huge last week in different ways and nullified Gawn's overall influence.....along with TDK's two goals.
Safe travels to all you east coasters heading up to the Gabba for the game.
The keys to the game for us:
Lincoln McCarthy, Charlie cameron and Zac Bailey. We struggle with these types the most and McCarthy in particular tends to be very efficient.
Beyond that, last week mccluggage went off for an extended period and Brisbane's scoring dried up. He was back on after a short hiatus but during that time port were able to score and brisbane couldn't find a way forward.
These guys have had our number for years. Atone for the aforementioned and we have every chance.
Brisbane are a team stacked at every line with talented players and im not going to be overly worried about what happens if we don't win.
Sounding less likely that Payne will be available for Brisbane....unless they're talking it up as a "tactic". Regardless, Voss sounded pretty sure, assuming he's fit, that McKay will come straight back in, along with Martin.
Assuming Acres and Docherty are right to go, we're pretty much at full strength other than Williams and Silvagni. As much as I'd love JSOS in the team, he's missed too much footy now to risk bringing him back. The Pitto/TDK combination has worked really well in the first two finals....both were huge last week in different ways and nullified Gawn's overall influence.....along with TDK's two goals.
Safe travels to all you east coasters heading up to the Gabba for the game.
TDK is getting better each game too, has heaps of upside to come.
TDK is getting better each game too, has heaps of upside to come.
De Koning’s in the airrrrrr.
Everywhere I look around.
De Koning’s everywhererrrrrr.
Leaving bodies on the ground.
Robbie has become quite an astute observer of our game. Tom is hitting the packs … hard!
I just hope he doesn’t take out any of our players.
The kick from Hollands was better than the broadcast angle showed, the Melbourne player was never really in the hunt for the footy, metres away in fact, and if he'd made contact with Doc it could easily have been a 50m for late contact.
Mate, i was at the game right behind it. I could see it all unfolding before it happened.
I'll reiterate, docherty had a good 5m on his opponent leading towards the wing. When the ball arrived there was no 5m.
It was only for the stupidity of the dees defender that allowed docherty to take off and go. Not Acres kick, not Dochertys brilliance. Both were adequate, but a simple spoil or even a slow jog to be the man on the mark, and we don't win that game.
Ironically there was a similarly big moment in an NFL game a few years ago with my team the vikings coming out on top from an almost identical situation - both in terms of the 'mark' and the state of the game. They called it the Minneapolis miracle and its gone down in history of when of the best moments in the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJzpoj_NxqQ
just hope lions players have already won the game in dressing rooms " gabba fortress, red hot Fav , car players banged up " we come out and do a Vo Rogue
The keys to the game for us:
Lincoln McCarthy, Charlie cameron and Zac Bailey. We struggle with these types the most and McCarthy in particular tends to be very efficient.
Beyond that, last week mccluggage went off for an extended period and Brisbane's scoring dried up. He was back on after a short hiatus but during that time port were able to score and brisbane couldn't find a way forward.
These guys have had our number for years. Atone for the aforementioned and we have every chance.
Brisbane are a team stacked at every line with talented players and im not going to be overly worried about what happens if we don't win.
Rayner has been very good in the past few weeks too and seems to have matured, can take a good mark, is a strong unit and long kick for goal. Never thought much of Daniher or Hipwood but its those other smaller/mid sized players that concern me more.
Lions have declared Gunston is available for selection, but much like Jack Payne, will wait until Thursday to make the decision.
Hollands kick to Doc was almost perfect, Doc's positioning was good and his kick to the top of the square was as good as you get, Weiters taking on the kick to Hollands was even better.
They had no time to go slow, go any slower and the defenders flood back.
Fans seem to be oblivious to the fact that alongside Acres in the square was McGovern and Kemp, that's about as big of a roll of the dice as you will get!
Yeap, and McGovern did a nice job of pretending to go for the mark without interfering with the Melbourne player.
Lions have declared Gunston is available for selection, but much like Jack Payne, will wait until Thursday to make the decision.
It’s almost 5 weeks since Gunston last played.
I was listening to Dr Peter Larkin on SEN tonight and Gerard Healy asked hom about the Docs dislocated shoulder. He said it will still quite painful this week and if he gets a decent knock on it, won't be able to continue playing. So big risk playing him. I respect Larkin's opinion and this worries me.
I was listening to Dr Peter Larkin on SEN tonight and Gerard Healy asked hom about the Docs dislocated shoulder. He said it will still quite painful this week and if he gets a decent knock on it, won't be able to continue playing. So big risk playing him. I respect Larkin's opinion and this worries me.
Won't be able to continue playing??? Until they jab him perhaps.
I expect Martin to play an important role for us. Applying his smarts and creativity to what is hopefully a slightly out of sync defence. We can't afford to miss our i50 chances against a team that kicks 100pts.
I don't care who kicks our goals but it has to be the player best placed to score. Similarly our i50 pressure will need to be sustained. Hopefully our mids will get it out to our good runners/ball users.
It will be our greatest challenge yet. Win or lose, I'm one proud Bluebagger.
Go Blues
I expect Martin to play an important role for us. Applying his smarts and creativity to what is hopefully a slightly out of sync defence. We can't afford to miss our i50 chances against a team that kicks 100pts.
I don't care who kicks our goals but it has to be the player best placed to score. Similarly our i50 pressure will need to be sustained. Hopefully our mids will get it out to our good runners/ball users.
It will be our greatest challenge yet. Win or lose, I'm one proud Bluebagger.
Go Blues
Martin trained well and looks like he was stung by the suspension and wants to pay the team back for his out of character indiscretion. I think he has the right matchups this week in players like Mckenna, Wilmot who like to run and play loose or one of Starcevich/Lester who are solid footballers but not blessed with the smarts Martin has.
The kick from the reverse angle is perfect, it drew the receiver (Doc) to the perfect position and forced the Dee's player out of position. If the kick was the typical flat pass out in front of doc the defender would have had an easy intercept and run off.
Old football maxim...kick the ball to where the receiver needs to be, not where he was.
That whole passage of play was as good as it gets.
- Weiters effects a spoil bringing it to ground.
- Whilst doubling back after the spoil, he intercepts a fwd kick by Melb and picks out Hollands with a pin point pass.
- Ollie whilst showing his pursuant a clean pair of heals, delivers a perfectly weighted kick to Doc.
- Equal to the task, Doc surges fwd to pick out Acres in the goal square with a kick that couldn't be any more perfect.
The rest is history and that passage of play becomes etched in football immortality. Now to put the obligatory icing on the cake.
I was listening to Dr Peter Larkin on SEN tonight and Gerard Healy asked hom about the Docs dislocated shoulder. He said it will still quite painful this week and if he gets a decent knock on it, won't be able to continue playing. So big risk playing him. I respect Larkin's opinion and this worries me.
I think that would be true for someone with a normal pain threshold, but Doc is in a league of his own!
For those eligible, now is the time to register for the grand final ballot.
I've done it. Said I'd accept any ticket including standing room nut had a thought they'll shove me there first. My preference is a good ticket and I'll pay for it. I'll accept standing room but id rather not.
What are you guys doing?
I've done it. Said I'd accept any ticket including standing room nut had a thought they'll shove me there first. My preference is a good ticket and I'll pay for it. I'll accept standing room but id rather not.
What are you guys doing?
I've done the same as you, and also had the same thought as you after I had pressed the "GO" button - was I dumb enough to allow them to exhaust their standing room allocation?
Main thing is I have a chance of being there I guess.
I've done it. Said I'd accept any ticket including standing room nut had a thought they'll shove me there first. My preference is a good ticket and I'll pay for it. I'll accept standing room but id rather not.
What are you guys doing?
The advice was to accept any ticket, including standing. Surely priority 1 members, me included :-) , will get a seat... surely... as I look towards the heavens...
I was listening to Dr Peter Larkin on SEN tonight and Gerard Healy asked hom about the Docs dislocated shoulder. He said it will still quite painful this week and if he gets a decent knock on it, won't be able to continue playing. So big risk playing him. I respect Larkin's opinion and this worries me.
I don't think we have too much to worry about.
Much like Melbourne on Acres, in the spirit of sportsmanship, Brisbane won't put any pressure on testing Doc's shoulder, nor Acres shoulder...nor Cripps's ribs...and his nose.
Our sub needs to be someone who can provide plenty of coverage in these areas.
I've done it. Said I'd accept any ticket including standing room nut had a thought they'll shove me there first. My preference is a good ticket and I'll pay for it. I'll accept standing room but id rather not.
What are you guys doing?
Same and I have two kids with me too so not keen on standing room at all, Altho one kid is taller than me so that would be ok but the other is a little girl.
But I figure if we’re there somewhere then it’s a bloody good day and we’ll take what we get!!
I did think elderly or people with mobility issues, how is that fair on them too?!
Yep, ticked the "any ticket" box, hopefully seats but otherwise will at least be there. But first there is the mere formality of rolling Brisbane at Fortress Gabba.
That whole passage of play was as good as it gets.
- Weiters effects a spoil bringing it to ground.
- Whilst doubling back after the spoil, he intercepts a fwd kick by Melb and picks out Hollands with a pin point pass.
- Ollie whilst showing his pursuant a clean pair of heals, delivers a perfectly weighted kick to Doc.
- Equal to the task, Doc surges fwd to pick out Acres in the goal square with a kick that couldn't be any more perfect.
The rest is history and that passage of play becomes etched in football immortality. Now to put the obligatory icing on the cake.
You missed Acres putting pressure on Lever causing him to rush and kick to a contest for Weiters to spoil 🙂
I was listening to Dr Peter Larkin on SEN tonight and Gerard Healy asked hom about the Docs dislocated shoulder. He said it will still quite painful this week and if he gets a decent knock on it, won't be able to continue playing. So big risk playing him. I respect Larkin's opinion and this worries me.
It was interesting to hear Doc’s account of the injury and his prognosis.
It wasn’t overly painful. The physio gave his arm a slight tug as he was running off and it popped back in. He had full movement and strength during testing in the rooms. He was apprehensive at the start of the third quarter but forgot about his shoulder once he got into the play.
A dislocation to the front does less damage. Doc will train but will avoid full contact drills. He is confident that he’ll be good to go on Saturday.
Mate, i was at the game right behind it. I could see it all unfolding before it happened.
I'll reiterate, docherty had a good 5m on his opponent leading towards the wing. When the ball arrived there was no 5m.
There are multiple video angles now available of that event now available, we don't have to debate perceptions as the footage is clear.
At best it might conform to Champion Data's version of a contested mark, in that the opponent was within 3 metres.
Doc had as much if not more space than Hollands own mark, and as much if not more space than Acres marking, with opposition zoning that is pretty much as good as you can expect.
https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/1434926/anythings-possible-afl360s-epic-semi-final-montage-fox?videoId=1434926&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1695072880001&fbclid=IwAR05IWUXed2lHDUSxbZgELiO34eJius30OF5KTLX-9ATfM6iGt5Vhcn9BgM_aem_AU281OUtQlKkszoMOUKXj-ntVyJZTBt5xsYm09leX5x3Gs5f9eBihZ2tK8quhWpGEfM&mibextid=Zxz2cZ
I just love that montage, gives me goosebumps 👏🏽
You missed Acres putting pressure on Lever causing him to rush and kick to a contest for Weiters to spoil 🙂
Blacres has shown real finesse in multiple attempts area this year. Game after game he gets involved offensively or defensively at multiple points in a chain of play. Freo v Blues sticks in my mind. As do his efforts on the wing, folding back to defend. On the last line with a fingertip goal saving touch no less. What a role model for young Ollie and Binns 👏🏼
I've done it. Said I'd accept any ticket including standing room nut had a thought they'll shove me there first. My preference is a good ticket and I'll pay for it. I'll accept standing room but id rather not.
What are you guys doing?
Yep same.
If i have to stand, so be it, but being there was the #1 priority.
I've done it. Said I'd accept any ticket including standing room nut had a thought they'll shove me there first. My preference is a good ticket and I'll pay for it. I'll accept standing room but id rather not.
What are you guys doing?
Same, but I would stand anyway so no drama. If we somehow manage to get to the big dance and I somehow manage to get a seat ticket, I'd be happy to swap with a standing room spot if need be.
OK blokes, here is the latest mail I have. Hold onto your hats;
Outs : Cunningham, Kemp, Kennedy & Owies.
Ins : Boyd, Hollands, Martin & McKay
A few surprises there. Let's see how that pans out.
OK blokes, here is the latest mail I have. Hold onto your hats;
Outs : Cunningham, Kemp, Kennedy & Owies.
Ins : Boyd, Hollands, Martin & McKay
A few surprises there. Let's see how that pans out.
I'm a fan of Marchbank, but i picked him to be an omission. Much rather Kemp in the side.
Boyd, has been fit for a month (or more) not sure why we'd pick him now rather than any other week.
Can't understand why we'd drop Kemp (unless injured) and bring in Boyd but we'll see how it 'pans out'.
Thought the strength of our 'settled' backline a major reason for the run of wins, with Kemp's form a highlight. However, I haven't been at these games. Perhaps Boyd in to stand guard on a key small forward!
cheers
Ab
OK blokes, here is the latest mail I have. Hold onto your hats;
Outs : Cunningham, Kemp, Kennedy & Owies.
Ins : Boyd, Hollands, Martin & McKay
A few surprises there. Let's see how that pans out.
Brutal if true.
Maybe the Match Committee believe Weits, Gov and Marchy is enough in terms of talls and need to bring a small with pace in to balance it up a little bit. If thats the case then I totally get it.
OK blokes, here is the latest mail I have. Hold onto your hats;
Outs : Cunningham, Kemp, Kennedy & Owies.
Ins : Boyd, Hollands, Martin & McKay
A few surprises there. Let's see how that pans out.
Thanks rocky.
Cuningham and Kennedy generally make sense. I thought Owies was doing okay as a small pressure forward. I'm pretty surprised about Kemp.
Clearly Martin and McKay are no brainers. I can only assume, judging by Boyd and Hollands, that we are wanting real run and endurance. Where does all this leave Jack Silvagni ?
I guess we'll know by this time tomorrow.
OK blokes, here is the latest mail I have. Hold onto your hats;
Outs : Cunningham, Kemp, Kennedy & Owies.
Ins : Boyd, Hollands, Martin & McKay
A few surprises there. Let's see how that pans out.
Hopefully , that's not going to happen, we lose games with silly MC selections like this....
No way on Kemp
Martin for Owies maybe as he can play small
H for Kennedy, although I like Kennedy for his big body
But it's very hard to know what their roles are, maybe they aren't getting the ball but still doing their role?
Glad I'm not on the MC, unusually they have done a fine job of late.
Likely absentees from the last time we met:
Honey
E Curnow
Young
C Durdin
Silvagni
Likely inclusions who did play last time:
De Koning
Martin
Owies
Fogarty
Contrell
How do we balance off??
OK blokes, here is the latest mail I have. Hold onto your hats;
Outs : Cunningham, Kemp, Kennedy & Owies.
Ins : Boyd, Hollands, Martin & McKay
A few surprises there. Let's see how that pans out.
No way Kemp or Owies go out
Hopefully , that's not going to happen, we lose games with silly MC selections like this....
All I'll say is that I'll trust Vossy and Co if they make those calls but from the outside looking in it would appear to be extremely brave or utterly stupid.
It looks stupid to me too but I do think we have to do something different to beat Brisbane up there. As great as the last fortnight has been it won't get the job done on Saturday.
It looks stupid to me too but I do think we have to do something different to beat Brisbane up there. As great as the last fortnight has been it won't get the job done on Saturday.
If it aint broke, don't fix it.
It looks stupid to me too but I do think we have to do something different to beat Brisbane up there. As great as the last fortnight has been it won't get the job done on Saturday.
I think that’s right MBB, but Harry back and in form is different.
Our defence has kept two final eight teams to losing scores. Our forward line, with significant assistance from the midfield, has kicked two scores that would normally lose finals.
Bringing Harry and Jack Martin back is a no-brainer.
Dropping Kemp and Owies is doing something different but I can’t see it producing a positive outcome.
The only changes I’d make are Harry and Jack in for Chugga and one other forward. However, as G2C said, Vossy and his team know what they’re doing.
All I'll say is that I'll trust Vossy and Co if they make those calls but from the outside looking in it would appear to be extremely brave or utterly stupid.
Id go with the latter if that rumoured selection fiasco happens and Im sorry but I wouldnt trust any Carlton MC until the cup is in the cabinet. Pies have played cute dropping Noble and Melbourne decided to pick a dud like Schache as a sub but we dont need to follow them and should stick with what is working imho as Krud suggested.
It looks stupid to me too but I do think we have to do something different to beat Brisbane up there. As great as the last fortnight has been it won't get the job done on Saturday.
Their game is more about run than the first two sides we've played. Our strength is closing those sides down. We have managed to win in so many different ways the last 3 months. We are adaptable and there's a good reason we are undefeated since round 13 except for a dead rubber. But, yes, going up there is a tough ask. Brisbane have been outstanding will be favourites for a reason. Winner of this games wins the flag IMO.
Between us and GWS the latter is getting the easiest run through finals. GWS's form is better than the Pies so I think they win that by 3 goals.
The good thing for Carlton and the Lions, is that the good form of GWS probably means they and the Pies probably beat the suitcase out of each other and run each other into the ground!
We have a chance to make history, can we take it!
I'm with you GTC....Kemp and Owies have been good. Owies averaging nearly 1.5 goals per year for the games he's played, not to mention the forward pressure stuff that him and Motlop apply.
I'd be staggered if Boyd comes in....he was playing well until he got suspended but has missed way too much footy to risk it in a game like this?
I'm a bit worried about Daniher and Hipwood.
I would play Silvagni forward, drop Marchbank and play Ben... I mean Harry McKay in defence.
I'm a bit worried about Daniher and Hipwood.
I would play Silvagni forward, drop Marchbank and play Ben... I mean Harry McKay in defence.
I think they'll be forced to ruck Daniher, Hipwood is a worry, he's had his way with our defence a few times.
But I think we should be more focussed on winning the stoppages and taking the likes of Daniher and Hipwood out of play altogether. The best way to stop them getting the footy, is to stop the footy getting to them!
Excluding unknown injuries I doubt we'll make more than two changes.
Xander McGuire
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Word around Lygon Street is that Matt Owies could be an unlucky omission for Carlton’s Preliminary Final. Cincotta also fighting to be fit.
Jordan Boyd likely to be a surprise return with Harry McKay and Jack Martin.
Full teams announced tonight | @9NewsMelb @FootyonNine
Port beat the Lions in clearances the other week. We need to hammer them in that area.
On paper it all points to a comfortable win for the Lions. If you look at with your head rather than your heart, there's no other conclusion one can reach. Everything points in that direction. If we are to win, it will be a performance that defies a lot of football logic.
We will have to pull out a performance for the ages to win, or conversely Brisbane will have to put in a shocker.
On paper it all points to a comfortable win for the Lions. If you look at with your head rather than your heart, there's no other conclusion one can reach. Everything points in that direction. If we are to win, it will be a performance that defies a lot of football logic.
We will have to pull out a performance for the ages to win, or conversely Brisbane will have to put in a shocker.
Think 1999 Preliminary final, ahhhh the joy, but yes hard to see us getting across the line on this occasion.
Think 1999 Preliminary final, ahhhh the joy, but yes hard to see us getting across the line on this occasion.
Yes, we can all dream, but there's clearly a difference between hoping to win on the one hand, and making a prediction based on the usual variables and inputs, on the other. There's not a footy pundit anywhere that predicts a Calton win (not that I can find), and with good reason. I certainly get that none of us care how we get over the line, we just want to see it happen.
Yes, we can all dream, but there's clearly a difference between hoping to win on the one hand, and making a prediction based on the usual variables and inputs, on the other. There's not a footy pundit anywhere that predicts a Calton win (not that I can find), and with good reason. I certainly get that none of us care how we get over the line, we just want to see it happen.
That is fair Paul.
In fact the reason you say this is precisely why I will be elated if we win and why the Lions will simply focus on grand final day and the next win if they get up. It's also why they will be crushed if they lose (at the prelim again) and why we won't be too disappointed with a loss unless its heart-breakingly close.
Thing is statistically, its a 50-50 chance that either side will win, admittedly if we played this game 10 times, the statistics will likely see a change in outcomes, but with a few variables, it could range from a convincing win to Brisbane, and a similar scenario for Carlton.
When it all comes down to it, its a game of footy. May we all be complaining about tickets next week rather than anything else.
On paper it all points to a comfortable win for the Lions. If you look at with your head rather than your heart, there's no other conclusion one can reach. Everything points in that direction. If we are to win, it will be a performance that defies a lot of football logic.
We will have to pull out a performance for the ages to win, or conversely Brisbane will have to put in a shocker.
And yet the analyses on the various footy all have us as the best performing team, followed by the Giants. I guess that's on LED rather than paper :)
David King's analysis is the outlier as he cites our inability to score more than 80 points in the first two finals as limiting our chances of progression. The flip side is that our defence, in keeping our opposition below 80 points, is outstanding.
I think that's the key to the game. Our rucks and midfield are equal to or stronger than Brisbane's, our defence is more than capable of keeping Brisbane's forwards to a losing score, but is our forward line capable of kicking a winning score? On paper they are, but Charlie, Harry and the supporting cast will have to play a lot better than they did in our first two finals.
Agree DJC....the margin in a final is irrelevant......kick more than your opponent...you win.
I'm going with ...I don't think we can win!
There's a scale to these things you know ;)
1) Thinking you're no chance and getting up against the odds....that's number one, that's the best. (That's what most of us felt half way through the last quarter on Friday....and then it all changed.) ;D
2) Thinking you're going to win...and winning. That's the second best, but it doesn't rank with number one.
3) Thinking you're going to lose and losing....painful, but not unexpected.
4) Thinking you're going to win and losing....That really sucks and hurts. :(
Rocky nails it again!
Outs : Cunningham, Kemp, Kennedy & Owies.
Ins : Boyd, Hollands, Martin & McKay
Rocky is Da Man.
Damn thats brutal selection though
I find some of the analysis in the MSM a bit bewildering. There was a comparison of midfields where Carlton was fourth. The Carlton midfield they put up for comparison was Pittonett, Cripps, Docherty and Hewitt. I would have thought our midfield would be TDK, Cripps, Cerra and Walsh.
Brisbane is likely to win because they have been the second best team over the season and equal second I the last half of the season. They are a seriously good side, playing well and playing at home. They have had a break and they will be determined to win after the failures over the past couple of years.
Carlton will win because they have been the best team in the second half of the season, they are a seriously good team with room for improvement. They are matched hardened, they don't give up and they will turn up to play.
Brisbane's midfield is good but can be fragile and is not as deep as Carlton's especially without Ashcroft playing. The Big O can be dominated and pushed around. Their forward line has threats everywhere but while their defence has improved they can be scored against. Our backline is better but we don't have as many threats up forward and I think we put more emphasis on defence in our forward line while Brisbane are focused on scoring.
I think the game will turn on our ball movement. We were appalling earlier in the year against Brisbane and last week the only time we strung consecutive passes together was in the last minute.
I think if we kick it to our team mates and not turn the ball over and kick the goals we should we will win.
I sincerely doubt that will be the way we line up, the only way I can imagine those MC changes are true are changes due to injuries or illness we do not know about!
Bringing Boyd in cold for a PF is a big call.
Martin, McKay are obvious ins and Hollands is probably fair enough. Not a bad team on paper.
Bringing Boyd in cold for a PF is a big call.
I suspect now there will be some big outs before Saturday night.
And yet the analyses on the various footy all have us as the best performing team, followed by the Giants. I guess that's on LED rather than paper :)
David King's analysis is the outlier as he cites our inability to score more than 80 points in the first two finals as limiting our chances of progression. The flip side is that our defence, in keeping our opposition below 80 points, is outstanding.
I think that's the key to the game. Our rucks and midfield are equal to or stronger than Brisbane's, our defence is more than capable of keeping Brisbane's forwards to a losing score, but is our forward line capable of kicking a winning score? On paper they are, but Charlie, Harry and the supporting cast will have to play a lot better than they did in our first two finals.
King can't have thought much of Collingwood's 60 point effort (9.6) against the Pies then. Especially when their opposition have 25 shots to 15, including Melbourne's 7 out on the full's shooting at goal. We did better than that.
Darcy Gardiner is ok, but Payne is a very useful out for us.
Who plays the 2nd key defensive position?
Who plays the 2nd key defensive position?
Marchbank / McGovern, the latter most likely I'd guess.
I'd fly Dean Rice up to address the team as part of the preparation... a blue collar worker, without star qualities who worked his absolute arse off in the 99 Prelim and was instrumental in the 'win against all odds'. Anything is possible, write your own history, hand over the Prelim Final baton!!!
Spot on Rock
WTF? WT Flipping F?
Why no Kemp?
Hasn't set a foot wrong, done more that what is expected.
Better than Marchbank.
MC putting the baby out with the bath water. ::)
Bringing Boyd in seems like a reasonable decision to provide a better balanced defence to combat the Lions but I am surprised that Kemp would be omitted in favour of Marchy.
I do rate Marchy but Kemp has been very good and seems to have superior pace, a bigger leap and better kicking skills. The only negative I have seen with Kemp is that he has looked too likely to panic from time to time and March has greater experience.
Bringing Boyd in seems like a reasonable decision to provide a better balanced defence to combat the Lions but I am surprised that Kemp would be omitted in favour of Marchy.
I do rate Marchy but Kemp has been very good and seems to have superior pace, a bigger leap and better kicking skills. The only negative I have seen with Kemp is that he has looked too likely to panic from time to time and March has greater experience.
Drawing a long bow RR ::)
I wonder if they asked Weiters about the decision?
I wonder if they asked Weiters about the decision?
Pretty much guaranteed I'd say.
It would be interesting to hear the reason for the Kemp omission
Sub maybe??
But our 'most likely to not get through the game' are our injured mids/wingers :-\
Cheers Rocky! Very good Intel.
Who plays the 2nd key defensive position?
McKay.
Plaudits to Rocky but the Match Committee will either be given the keys to Lygon St or will have to leave the State and go into witness protection....time will tell.
Cheers Rocky! Very good Intel.
The oracle...when rocky posts...pay attention.
McKay.
It could work. He won't have to stress about goals, but I can't imagine Hipwood or Daniher will be easy match ups for a defensive noob. A crash course from brother Ben might be in order.
If Gunston was playing I reckon Kempy would have kept his spot but Brisbane are going in with two talls and we would have had four talls. It was the right decision but wrong player maybe - time will tell.
Amazing intel Rocky!!! You have all of our attention mate from now on!
On the Boyd selection while i thought he was developing along well he was nervous in his first few games and made some bad turnovers. Throwing him into a prelim is a massive call as we need cool heads more then ever this week as Rayner, Cameron and co will pounce on any turnovers and make us pay. This selection just makes me nervous.
And Jack not able to be picked cause he lacked match fitness - Yet Boyd is ok to play cold in a Prelim ?
A crash course from brother Ben might be in order.
Just swap 'em, only their mother will know the difference!!
Second that brother Elwood ... the MC are either going to get free feeds for life in Lygon street or have to go into witness protection. Mystifying selections.
Just swap 'em, only their mother will know the difference!!
Didn't we do that against the Swans and worked out Ben can't kick goals even from 15m out?
Kemp and Owies out are surprises.
Would’ve ousted Marchbank and Fog before them
Boyd must have been picked to play on Bailey who loves dining out on us.
Agree DJC....the margin in a final is irrelevant......kick more than your opponent...you win.
It's really no more complicated than that 👍
23k v 14k tickets at the Gabba.
Double the volume Bluebaggers 📢
Greetings from Koh Samui. Having just watched the replay with my mate, Kemp and Owies were fairly ordinary v Melb.
Having said that, I personally would have dropped them off the back of that. Im thinking:
- Cinc rumoured to have a little niggle, Kemp will come in if he doesn't get up
- Mots has been see around with a heavily strapped calf, Owies comes in if he doesn't get up.
Kennedy is the most unlucky for mine, he is the type you need in a big game, can play fwd and mid, someone needed to make way I guess. Curnow hasn't touched it in two finals and owes us huge one, frankly it needs to be huge from him for us to be any chance.
Amazing intel Rocky!!! You have all of our attention mate from now on!
On the Boyd selection while i thought he was developing along well he was nervous in his first few games and made some bad turnovers. Throwing him into a prelim is a massive call as we need cool heads more then ever this week as Rayner, Cameron and co will pounce on any turnovers and make us pay. This selection just makes me nervous.
And Jack not able to be picked cause he lacked match fitness - Yet Boyd is ok to play cold in a Prelim ?
Guesisng Boyd has been training longer and played in that practice game a couple of weeks ago, where JSOS didn't.
WTF? WT Flipping F?
Why no Kemp?
Hasn't set a foot wrong, done more that what is expected.
Better than Marchbank.
MC putting the baby out with the bath water. ::)
Smith gave him a good touch up last week.
Agree DJC....the margin in a final is irrelevant......kick more than your opponent...you win.
Another one kick game, could we all handle it?....lol.
Another one kick game, could we all handle it?....lol.
Only if it is our favour, then more the sweeter.
Kemp had a shocker last week, but it was one bad game in an excellent season. Very unlucky.
Boyd must have been picked to play on Bailey who loves dining out on us.
Agree, and if we get through, the following week there is Hill/McCreery or Daniels/Bedford.
One thing I think we can all agree on is that leg-speed is not the strong suit of our defensive unit......
It’s not the team I would have picked but I get the logic.
Kemp should be the sub.
No matter what side is selected, I hope we bring our best pressure game on. Our best pressure game bringing on the heat has beaten Melbourne twice, Collingwood, Port Adelaide, and Sydney. When all sides were in form and had just as many or few outs as we have had. I hope we bring enough hungry efforts and desperation to the contest. That will get us over the line. A genuine team effort. I feel we won’t win this for a fairy tale story. I hope the boys prove I should have never had a doubt.
Kennedy will be sub.
I think this will be a grind of a game I think Boyd for Kemp is good as he is harder, quicker and he is tougher when tackling and makes them stick. He also enjoys the rough stuff from the likes of Zorko etc.
Kemp is a little Liam Jones like where his errors always seem to cost a goal but he will be a big part of our future campaigns.
I think Cunningham needs to stay involved more in the game he always has seemed to drift in and out maybe the selectors want more involvement when the heat is on in a final.
I think Kennedy will be the sub as he can play just about anywhere but still is a hard tackler that might come in handy late if it’s a brutal game.
Owies is a bit stiff like Cunningham he drifts in and out but even when not in the game his effort is always there and he always seems to jag a goal or two, but he is too selfless by wanting to give off that last handball which has almost cost us goals in the two finals. It was he or Fogarty and I think Fog will play defensive forward role.
I think we have picked a horses for courses team to grind out a win against a tough tackling team.
If we get through it will change again depending on opponent.
I think we have given ourselves a great chance
Looks like horses for courses. Totally get the Boyd selection.
Like most I'm a little perplexed as to why Marchbank would get the nod ahead of Kemp. The thing that Marchbank does very well is read the play; high footy IQ... perhaps that's why. Kemp, being young, still learning the caper and finding his feet, does deliver a clanger from time to time. Defensive balance against the particular forward line? Probably.
Well, no matter what, for us to be pondering team selection before a preliminary final is just bloody terrific. And so much valuable finals experience will be gained. I may sound a little resigned to defeat in this game... nuh. But BrisVegas is deservedly and logically the favourite, especially on their dung heap. However, whatever the ingredients have been for us to get this far...
Just read your post, Tommy... seems we're seeing things very similarly...
I watched a replay and noticed Marchbank always seems to push up to a good position when we are going forward where he can be used by us or cover a turnover. Be happier if he could stick his marks more though!
I watched a replay and noticed Marchbank always seems to push up to a good position when we are going forward where he can be used by us or cover a turnover. Be happier if he could stick his marks more though!
Agree on the marking - I can see an up and down side to both Marchbank & Kemp but Kemp is very strong and clean overhead. I have really enjoyed that part of his game.
Marchbank can play a little taller or smaller. He has good skills and a good footy IQ. I'm guessing it may have been a toss of the coin between him and Kemp. Nothing too sinister or questionable IMO in that selection. It's about the best team we can field under the circumstances.
Kennedy will be sub.
I’m only listening to rocky 😂
It's about the best team we can field under the circumstances.
Yes tend to agree, finals take a toll, it's unlikely you can progress far just using the same 22, we need to have enough functional depth to spread the load.
Get past this week with those "Ins", and you might find some or all of the "Outs" return for the GF, with at least a handful of those selected having "fresher legs" you have a chance!
I just watched part of the replay too and Marchy has some real athleticism and smarts about him. He has made a few errors but in the part I just watched, so did kemp.
I think kemp will be the sub.
Id make Cuningham the sub, we have banged up players like Acres, Docherty etc and thats where the cover is needed and will need run and goal kickers imo. I think if this finals has shown anything you need run later in the game given the contested nature of the modern game and how spent your players are at the end.
Kennedy would be my next choice after Cuningham.....Marchbank will probably get Hipwood who tends to roam around so lets hope Marchbank has the wheels to stay with him for 4 quarters.
Brisbane dont have any dud players so a couple of bad matchups can cost you bigtime and probably the game so tactically we need to get everything right..
Assuming he is fit and healthy I think Owies is the real unlucky story here, he's been the barometer not the boat anchor and in the run and gun of finals I suspect Motlop is the very lucky one, probably lucky that Cunningham's form or fitness has waned.
Maybe with Cunningham, that pre-season incident has cost him a fitness base, and bizarrely when you think they should be fresher the reverse applies and it is this time of year when missing some pre-season or early season starts to tell. Which by the way is the freakishness of Walsh!
Still, based on form I won't be surprised if there are shock last minute Outs.
Kemp wasn't at his best last week but he gives us some versatility, I would prefer to see him in the team. I'm not a rusted-on Owies fan but he deserves to be in the team as well.
Cuningham was lost last week, he looked overwhelmed & at times, refused to do the team-orientated 1%érs, he had to go. Kennedy looked well short of match standard after being out for so long, his omission was warranted too.
Bringing Boyd in like this after a lay-off worries me immensely, it could have the same result as Kenendy last week. I can understand the thought process (small defender to latch onto Cameron or Bailey) but I feel this is a desperate & potentially fatal error by the match committee.
Hollands will give you everything he has so that's a no-brainer, bringing McKay straight in had to happen as it will stretch the Lions defence now that Paine is out.
Martin played his best game for the club against the Swans but I have always felt he is too "hit & miss" for my liking. If he doesn't come out and play a hard-edged blinder, then he will have has shat in his team-mates faces after that suspension. If he is serious about it, he has to pay them back ......... with interest.
For us to win this match, it is imperative that we exploit the Lions key position defence. Andrews is a good player but he can't do everything. Gardiner is a spud who is very loose and prone to more than one brain-fade a game. This is where Curnow really has to get off the leash and kick a bag after a quiet game last week.
Not impressed with the changes but we have to put our faith in those making the decisions, hope like hell I'm wrong about it.
I probably wouldn't have dropped Owies. He is our 2nd highest goal scorer for this season.
Assuming he is fit and healthy I think Owies is the real unlucky story here, he's been the barometer not the boat anchor and in the run and gun of finals I suspect Motlop is the very lucky one, probably lucky that Cunningham's form or fitness has waned.
Maybe with Cunningham, that pre-season incident has cost him a fitness base, and bizarrely when you think they should be fresher the reverse applies and it is this time of year when missing some pre-season or early season starts to tell. Which by the way is the freakishness of Walsh!
Still, based on form I won't be surprised if there are shock last minute Outs.
You are probably right....Motlop would be doubtful and Owies is very unlucky, his good form is part of the reason we got on that winning run. Walsh could play footy on the moon, the lack of oxygen wouldnt worry him, he would just keep going...
Walsh could play footy on the moon, the lack of oxygen wouldnt worry him, he would just keep going...
There are probably only a handful of players in the history of AFL like him.
Harvey, Bradley, Flower, Skilton, I struggle to think of many others, they have a special type of toughness.
The game against West Coast when Walsh was injured was the best 33% of a game I've seen in a while...and that includes Cripps at his best.
He'd had 14 disposals and kicked a goal but it was the touch he was in that was really quite sensational.
He's fast getting back to that form.
He's fast getting back to that form.
It seems to me that the one thing any player cannot escape at any level of footy is that spatial and temporal awareness that comes with match play, it seems that it is just impossible to replicate in training or practise.
WTF? WT Flipping F?
Why no Kemp?
Hasn't set a foot wrong, done more that what is expected.
Better than Marchbank.
MC putting the baby out with the bath water. ::)
I would not be surprised if the Match Committee consulted Weitering on the various scenarios and considerations prior to making any firm selection decisions.
There seemed to be a degree of 'mistrust' in Young and his ability to work with the back six which eventually effected Weitering's game, having to second guess what a teammate was going to do. Maybe he was getting edgy about Kemp under extreme pressure. I'm sure he would have 'ticked off Boyd' as being someone he has confidence in being able to play his role. Also, he is on record as being a big Marchbank fan.
Maybe I'm reading too much into it.......
Owies the sub?...training with the team.
Owies the sub?...training with the team.
Wouldn't at least two of the emergencies be travelling and training with the team?
Wouldn't at least two of the emergencies be travelling and training with the team?
CH7 news indicated Owies as the potential sub....
CH7 news indicated Owies as the potential sub....
In that case it will be Kemp or Cuningham 🙂
Owies has been out of form in the two finals games and was not any better than Cunningham both deserve to be dropped as finals football when stakes get higher was too much for them. Kemp was taken to the cleaners by Smith last week and will learn from that.
Charlie is another one that hasn't been producing much. Other than that TDK has been an impressive Finals Footballer.
Didn't see anything last night that had me quaking in my boots!!! A win tonight opens up the opportunity of the century!!!
Didn't see anything last night that had me quaking in my boots!!! A win tonight opens up the opportunity of the century!!!
Absolutely agree. I was asked last night before the game who I'd prefer to win, all bias against the filth aside, and I picked the Pies. Much prefer to face them next week.
Absolutely agree. I was asked last night before the game who I'd prefer to win, all bias against the filth aside, and I picked the Pies. Much prefer to face them next week.
No doubt if we make it through playing the pies would provide added motivation, let’s get through today and then we can greet them with our ‘blue fury’!
Game starts at midnight for me. I might not be awake after 4 12-14 hour days at Disneyland.
If we bring the intensity of our winning steak, we may do enough damage to win. GO BLUES
Game starts at midnight for me. I might not be awake after 4 12-14 hour days at Disneyland.
If we bring the intensity of our winning steak, we may do enough damage to win. GO BLUES
IF.... we manage to win, I'm sure many of us will be awake at midnight and into the small hours 🤪
Enjoy.
I’ve suddenly become extremely nervous 😬
Up until now I felt this was a free hit but now my expectations have increased because the Pies did not impress me much last night - there’s a PREMIERSHIP up for the taking 😬😬😬😵😵😵
I’ve suddenly become extremely nervous 😬
Up until now I felt this was a free hit but now my expectations have increased because the Pies did not impress me much last night - there’s a PREMIERSHIP up for the taking 😬😬😬😵😵😵
You're not alone my friend 😬
I’ve suddenly become extremely nervous 😬
Up until now I felt this was a free hit but now my expectations have increased because the Pies did not impress me much last night - there’s a PREMIERSHIP up for the taking 😬😬😬😵😵😵
One shouldn’t count one’s chickens … but I can’t recall being so nervous before a game.
Not sure why the pies were considered cold last night, I thought they did very well to overcome GWS.
Need to totally focus on tonight, next week is next week and we’ll be there or we won’t…
Not sure why the pies were considered cold last night, I thought they did very well to overcome GWS.
Need to totally focus on tonight, next week is next week and we’ll be there or we won’t…
I thought Collingwood was the better team, albeit not by much.
I thought Collingwood was the better team, albeit not by much.
GWS panicked in the end, they should have and could have won but wasted opportunities. They had multiple F50 entries int he last quarter, far more than the Filth, and had players open inside F50, but kept bombing the ball to the hotspots populated by Moore, et. al.
Other than De Goey there is nothing I saw from the Filth that impressed me, if we fail to take out the Lions it's their flag to lose!
A weird feeling. Almost resigned to the fact that it'll end today.....but at the same time, confident that if we DID win, we're capable of beating Collingwood next week.
Looks like a couple of Carlton folk have travelled north for the game. ;D
Kennedy the sub.
GO BLUES
I thought Collingwood was the better team, albeit not by much.
I think the ability to come out all guns blazing, then weather a counterattack before stepping up again is impressive
Interesting
Lions have 9 who've played each game.
We have 2