However, Acres' gathering of the ball at speed, running away from opponents and hitting up Byrner for the last goal of the game was very impressive, particularly when just forcing a stoppage would have been an honourable result. And I can't recall the last time Acres had an OOBOTF 🤞
Someone asked about Acres game - it is an interesting question. When he was playing at his peak, an absolute running machine and would get us out of trouble in defence regularly, then bob up for a goal or two - and it really stood out. Now, he has plenty for company in the running and effort department, so doesn't stand out as much. This is a good thing. Don't think that he is playing badly. Still a strong mark, still waiting for the kick OOF, still running heaps, but not as prolific.
Wouldn't it be hilarious if the largest crowd in the finals series happens a week before the 'real finals' begins.......
The moment that The Aints looked unlikely and we looked more likely, a huge chunk of the AFL Media started calling the Wildcard system bogus.
Just a week or two earlier, many of the same commentators had called the Wildcard system an unbridled success, now they are complaining about Rnd 24 being a dead rubber. I suggest you refer to them as Flipper from now on!
Battling for 10th spot is not playing finals, the Wildcard gig didn't exist 9 months ago.
In that regard it can't be a "false dawn" because technically we haven't really improved ladder position from 2025, unless you think going from 11th to 10th is an improvement. Despite appearing better on form at this moment, we haven't improved just yet, the ladder has degraded!
If we were 6th or 7th, that might be a false dawn.