View Full Version : Next 2 games are crucial for the Lions
Maverick
3 Apr 2002, 09:03
If we can win the next 2 games (against the Hawks & Bombers), we will be off to a flyer.
These are the 2 toughest games we will have for some time.
Following these 2 games, have already pencilled in wins against:
Bulldogs
West Coast
Geelong
Power
Collingwood
Freo
Adelaide
Saints
Kangaroos
Carlton
Melbourne
Richmond
I generally agree. The next two games are tough and while we are capable of beating every side in the competition, there are few more difficult games in the draw than the next two, However I'm not over confident about some of the games you listed.
Remember we were towelled by the Doggies last year at Colonial.
I'm not too confident about the Port game either at this stage. They were a top six side last year, and pre-season premiers this year which is usually a fairly good indication of how well a side travels in the regular season. They haven't lost anyone of note from last year and added Hardwick from Essendon (who didn't play last week against North).
Adelaide? Not too confident there either.
Richmond? We were beaten well by them last year in Melbourne. Haven't seen anything to suggest, yet, that they won't be a Top 4 side this year as well.
Originally posted by Roylion
I'm not too confident about the Port game either at this stage. They were a top six side last year, and pre-season premiers this year which is usually a fairly good indication of how well a side travels in the regular season. They haven't lost anyone of note from last year and added Hardwick from Essendon (who didn't play last week against North).
Adelaide? Not too confident there either.
Richmond? We were beaten well by them last year in Melbourne. Haven't seen anything to suggest, yet, that they won't be a Top 4 side this year as well.
The game that worries me the most is a game against the Kangas in Melbourne (is there one this year?), they are always close.
But any team could jump up and beat us on any day.
I think the big issue, is similar to what was expressed in another thread on the main board.
Which Lions team will front up? The 2000 model, or the 2001 model?
In 2000, we had a habit of being world-beaters one week, and bunnies the next (same goes for the start of last year - but we turned it around).
I think it's important that the Lions are able to string wins together - even if they have a slump later in the season.
Winning one week, then losing the next doesn't tell you whether you're on a roll, or in a slump - it could be either - and building confidence from performances like this is near on impossible. For this reason I think it's important that the team can string 4 or 5 wins together at a time, even if they slump later on (for a week or two).
InTheBack!
3 Apr 2002, 11:56
I was impressed by the win against Sydney. It was not a bliztkrieg game like some of those of 2001 which were over in the 1st 1/4, but a hard fought win against a good side.
If the skills & fitness were not setting the world on fire, the application & grunt sure were present.
Matthews was pleased by the tacking & ball chasing & as he says if the application is there then the rest takes care of itself.
So I think the 2001 model will appear this year. There didnt appear to be many big headed over confident Lions players at the SCG.
My only concern about the next 4 weeks or so is the relative fitness or otherwise of the side. Hawthorn & the Bombers will be a good test in this regard. Good to see the Hawks playing an exhausting game in 27 degrees on the weekend!
Hey, when they get their **** together they can turn on the form like a tap. Look at the 3rd quarter on the weekend.
Its obvious Leigh told them to turn on the tap at half time too!
Originally posted by Stocka
I think the big issue, is similar to what was expressed in another thread on the main board.
Which Lions team will front up? The 2000 model, or the 2001 model?
In 2000, we had a habit of being world-beaters one week, and bunnies the next (same goes for the start of last year - but we turned it around).
I absolutely agree. And it's just too early to tell yet. I think we'll definitely know more after tomorrow's game. And definitely after next week, I still think aside from Port, Essendon are our biggest test this season.
So yeah, it's just wait and see at the moment. Personally I hope we see the 2001 Lions. ;)
SpecialBruce
7 Apr 2002, 13:02
Mav, how the hell can you say that the next 12 games after Hawthorn and Essendon we will easily win? Sides can change form. Look what happened to Brisbane last year. Carlton's form might change and they might be a super team. You cannot judge 12 weeks. Fremantle might beat us or Port might start playing terrific football and bring it up to us. Its hard to predict what will happen in football.
One week at a time.
Maverick
8 Apr 2002, 09:51
SpecialBruce, we are on a roll. We have won the last 18 in a row. If we get over Essendon on Saturday night, we will make it to 30 straight wins.
When the team is going this well we are allowed to have a little confidence.
I was having a lovely family camping weekend with a media blackout and heard the score after the game driving home - I couldn't believe my ears.
It's very hard not to be excited about the way they are playing right now, however teams like Port and Carlton won't finish in the bottom 4, and we'll have to be very wary of them when we meet.
There's only one place I'll be camped next weekend - right in front of the teev.
Mr Ripper
8 Apr 2002, 16:51
Originally posted by Maverick
SpecialBruce, we are on a roll. We have won the last 18 in a row. If we get over Essendon on Saturday night, we will make it to 30 straight wins. And that, Mavoso, is the attitude which could torpedo our chances should the players take hold of it. A solid win over the Dons could have the lads thinking they're indestructable.