I'm looking forward to seeing this game tomorrow and
Last time we met – Round 7, 2023, Optus
In a season of lows, this was one of the worst. After a semi-competitive showing against Port away, and coming up against a struggling Blues outfit, many expected a better effort.
Never a good sign when a team is beaten in both the contest (-23) and clearances, as well as being beaten in tackles (-19).
What was worse was the utter lack of defensive accountability on the spread and in the air (disposals -167, almost double uncontested, -80 marks), which has since become emblematic of our season.
Many pegged us for the spoon at the start of the season, but efforts like this one (and yes, we’ve now seen worse) were a level more dire than even the lowly expectations of such punters.
What to make of the Blues?
The only upside from our last game was the false hope given to Blues supporters and media pundits alike, as if some reversal in form was about to go down for this middling list.
As we now know, the Blues were s**t for a while afterwards.
But now the Blues are back, baby!
Alas, Blues fans know the truth. In a season where finals should’ve been a given based on their fixture, they have under-performed. What is going wrong? Is it the distinct lack of class on the list? The Blues have been a high-kicking-marking side in 2023, and most of their players lack the polish to do this well. The weight of disposals haven’t always led to scores. But let’s not over-simplify: this team has been dead-set below average in nearly every way.
With a lot of good players on their list, it’s not inconceivable that they could turn things around next year to push for finals. But with the age profile of their best 22, this will not likely come from the draft but a couple of big trades. Many of their best players are pushing late 20s. Walsh, Cerra, Weitering, McKay and Curnow are a good experienced core to build around over the next 5 years, but it’s not clear there’s anyone already on the list who’s up for going along with them.
Whilst they will likely flog us again this week, these sorta performances must feel hollow to Blues fans.
The Teams
Would it be so terrible to win?
Let's weigh up the options.
All things considered, no one cares.
Eagles by 80 goals
Last time we met – Round 7, 2023, Optus
In a season of lows, this was one of the worst. After a semi-competitive showing against Port away, and coming up against a struggling Blues outfit, many expected a better effort.
Never a good sign when a team is beaten in both the contest (-23) and clearances, as well as being beaten in tackles (-19).
What was worse was the utter lack of defensive accountability on the spread and in the air (disposals -167, almost double uncontested, -80 marks), which has since become emblematic of our season.
Many pegged us for the spoon at the start of the season, but efforts like this one (and yes, we’ve now seen worse) were a level more dire than even the lowly expectations of such punters.
What to make of the Blues?
The only upside from our last game was the false hope given to Blues supporters and media pundits alike, as if some reversal in form was about to go down for this middling list.
As we now know, the Blues were s**t for a while afterwards.
But now the Blues are back, baby!
Alas, Blues fans know the truth. In a season where finals should’ve been a given based on their fixture, they have under-performed. What is going wrong? Is it the distinct lack of class on the list? The Blues have been a high-kicking-marking side in 2023, and most of their players lack the polish to do this well. The weight of disposals haven’t always led to scores. But let’s not over-simplify: this team has been dead-set below average in nearly every way.
With a lot of good players on their list, it’s not inconceivable that they could turn things around next year to push for finals. But with the age profile of their best 22, this will not likely come from the draft but a couple of big trades. Many of their best players are pushing late 20s. Walsh, Cerra, Weitering, McKay and Curnow are a good experienced core to build around over the next 5 years, but it’s not clear there’s anyone already on the list who’s up for going along with them.
Whilst they will likely flog us again this week, these sorta performances must feel hollow to Blues fans.
The Teams
Would it be so terrible to win?
Let's weigh up the options.
It is okay to win | It would be terrible to win |
|
|
All things considered, no one cares.
Eagles by 80 goals
