Land of the Giants
Premiership Player
Great result yesterday afternoon, and very satisfying to reverse the embarrassment of Round 22. We were on from the first bounce, and never really in serious trouble.
It was almost deja vu from last year. Remember? The Swans accounted for us at home very late in the season, only to have the result overturned convincingly in the EF.
Now for next Saturday, and we certainly don't want anymore deja vu.
Brisbane has been the “feel good” story of 2019, enjoying a remarkable rise up the ladder after many years in the doldrums. We got a taste of their improvement back in Round 16. They jumped out of the blocks that day and led by 20 points at the first break, which became the winning margin. We were expected to continue our long dominance over them; the last time they lowered our colours was six years ago. But we were never in the hunt.
We are now, or at least we will be, if we maintain the sort of pressure we showed with the Bulldogs. I was surprised to learn that despite the 47-point margin, the Lions actually had the edge on Richmond in several key statistics, including clearances (44-39), contested possessions (157-144), scoring shots (25-22), turnovers (67-77) and especially inside 50s (65-54). However, they were very wasteful, kicking 8.17, and inaccuracy like that is usually caused by pressure.
The problem Brisbane have is that after riding a wave of euphoria for most of the season, Richmond have now well and truly burst their bubble, first at the MCG and then at home. It remains to be seen if we can capitalise on it. EF final winners usually go on to lose the following week. It happened to us last year versus Collingwood. The betting markets don’t give us much chance.
It’s notable that only three clubs kicked more than 100 points this week – West Coast, Richmond and ourselves. None of the others managed to kick even 10 goals, including Brisbane. Is that an omen? Scoring prowess matters at this time of year. It’s something to think about.
With the line-up, it’s a shame about Deledio. What’s almost certain to be his final calf injury will force at least one change.Tomlinson might get a recall after being dropped against the Dogs. Whatever his other shortcomings, he does have finals experience. I can’t see Leon wanting to make too many changes in an otherwise successful line-up.
I think we’ve got enough history under our belts in big finals to get over the line, so I’ve decided to take the plunge and head up north. I haven’t been to the Gabba for years and always enjoy it. If we win, Coniglio will be back for the PF, and I think that might add a bit of extra motivation, as the boys are very tight-knit.
It will be a cracker, so let’s go Giants, let’s go!
It was almost deja vu from last year. Remember? The Swans accounted for us at home very late in the season, only to have the result overturned convincingly in the EF.
Now for next Saturday, and we certainly don't want anymore deja vu.
Brisbane has been the “feel good” story of 2019, enjoying a remarkable rise up the ladder after many years in the doldrums. We got a taste of their improvement back in Round 16. They jumped out of the blocks that day and led by 20 points at the first break, which became the winning margin. We were expected to continue our long dominance over them; the last time they lowered our colours was six years ago. But we were never in the hunt.
We are now, or at least we will be, if we maintain the sort of pressure we showed with the Bulldogs. I was surprised to learn that despite the 47-point margin, the Lions actually had the edge on Richmond in several key statistics, including clearances (44-39), contested possessions (157-144), scoring shots (25-22), turnovers (67-77) and especially inside 50s (65-54). However, they were very wasteful, kicking 8.17, and inaccuracy like that is usually caused by pressure.
The problem Brisbane have is that after riding a wave of euphoria for most of the season, Richmond have now well and truly burst their bubble, first at the MCG and then at home. It remains to be seen if we can capitalise on it. EF final winners usually go on to lose the following week. It happened to us last year versus Collingwood. The betting markets don’t give us much chance.
It’s notable that only three clubs kicked more than 100 points this week – West Coast, Richmond and ourselves. None of the others managed to kick even 10 goals, including Brisbane. Is that an omen? Scoring prowess matters at this time of year. It’s something to think about.
With the line-up, it’s a shame about Deledio. What’s almost certain to be his final calf injury will force at least one change.Tomlinson might get a recall after being dropped against the Dogs. Whatever his other shortcomings, he does have finals experience. I can’t see Leon wanting to make too many changes in an otherwise successful line-up.
I think we’ve got enough history under our belts in big finals to get over the line, so I’ve decided to take the plunge and head up north. I haven’t been to the Gabba for years and always enjoy it. If we win, Coniglio will be back for the PF, and I think that might add a bit of extra motivation, as the boys are very tight-knit.
It will be a cracker, so let’s go Giants, let’s go!
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