Prediction Brisbane....they are a genuine chance of winning the flag

[craigvn123]

Game will slow right down and that's when you need the big boys to pluck crucial marks.

Contested marks 2019
Lions top 2
McStay 28
McInerney 23

Cats top 2
Hawkins 23
Dangerfield 18

 

[bato]

Our biggest issue is the MCG. Start with a win there.

 

[OldLion]

If we can turn the Gabba into a fortress ..

 

[craigvn123]

Our biggest issue is the MCG. Start with a win there.

Start with a game there. We only play two at the MCG this year which is too small a sample size to determine form at a venue.

 

[5ammy]

Our biggest issue is the MCG. Start with a win there.

Spot on, Rd 23 against the Tiges will be a great test.

 

[btdg]

Most impressive thing about this is they have built this success from older players, mostly recruited cheaply from other teams.

Best players today by AFL ranking points were Lyons (got for a chip packet), Neale (trade), Zorko (GC zone selection they traded to get), Robinson (DFA), McCarthy (cheap trade), Cameron (trade), Martin (trade) and Rich (veteran of their own).

Of the young stars, only Witherden was in the best 10, and that’s a good thing - that’s how you build a dynasty. This team still has stacks of improvement as McLuggage and Hipwood (missing today), Rayner, Berry, McInerney, Andrews, etc all come into their primes.

Those young guys are getting the best of both worlds right now - blooded in finals footy, but with a strong veteran group to learn from.

Having a very impressive season so far. No way their blessed injury run continues in the future, but it won’t need to as they get better and better

 

[Hawk Dork]

Another Normy for Hodge

 

[Milux]

They have no chance whatsoever of winning the flag but they may just pinch a final.
Their key forwards are too inconsistent and you simply can't win finals with small zippy forwards.
Game will slow right down and that's when you need the big boys to pluck crucial marks.

Next year, the likes of Hipwood and McStay should be ready to take the next step and help them secure a home final.

Are you a tool? Tigers won a granny based around small forwards. Bulldogs had one brute forward/ruck. Not saying we are shoe ins but i think will we do more then 'pinch' a final.

 

[Baird]

Yea. In the NEAFL.

 

[Milux]

This is spot on.
While Carlton were playing ugly defensive garbage Lions were trying to score.

Look where both are now

If only we didnt drop that game. Would be out right second right now.

 

[My Tilly]

Are you a tool? Tigers won a granny based around small forwards. Bulldogs had one brute forward/ruck. Not saying we are shoe ins but i think will we do more then 'pinch' a final.

Sorry mate but Richmond's defense was actually the key to their success and Brisbane just don't have the likes of Rance or Grimes to fall back on when it's close.

I also don't see a Jack Riewoldt in the key post position. I see Hipwood showing immense talent but Jack was a proven champion heading into the 2017 grand final.

No need to get personal about it, it's just an opinion and I see Brisbane struggling to even win a final as it stands right now.
I like Cameron, McCarthy and your other smalls though. Not a fan Of Martin. Brisbane would want to hope they meet Geelong or Richmond in a final where Stanley and Nankervis are mores suited to his style of game.

 

[Milux]

Sorry mate but Richmond's defense was actually the key to their success and Brisbane just don't have the likes of Rance or Grimes to fall back on when it's close.

I also don't see a Jack Riewoldt in the key post position. I see Hipwood showing immense talent but Jack was a proven champion heading into the 2017 grand final

No need to get personal about it, it's just an opinion and I see Brisbane struggling to even win a final as it stands right now.

Yeh to be honest my apologies for the sledge. 100% out of line.

However our backline over the past 6-8 weeks has been outstanding.

 

[Hollow Knight]

Sorry mate but Richmond's defense was actually the key to their success and Brisbane just don't have the likes of Rance or Grimes to fall back on when it's close.

Harris Andrews will be AA fullback this year. Darcy Gardiner is a very underrated second tall defender entering his prime.

 

[djspank]

Haven't beaten us since Round 7, 2009. Don't see that changing this year to be honest.

 

[The 747]

Possible but a lot hinges on their last two games which are Richmond at the G and I think Cats at the Gabba. Could have the bubble burst early but them again if they can compete on equal terms in those last two games perhaps no fear heading into finals.

Wildcard is that they have already exceeded expectations this year and if any of that filters into the playing group.

 

[juss]

Personally in finals more experienced finals sides will have them covered is my tip. Not this year, but not far away after some finals experience.

Be very surprised if they were able to knock off Eagles, Collingwood, Geelong or Richmond in a final, especially an away final.

To win the flag they probably have to beat 2-3 of them.

 

[The 747]

Haven't beaten us since Round 7, 2009. Don't see that changing this year to be honest.

I don't see that changing in the H&A no but if they can put in a competitive performance against you at the G....

 

[Johnny Bananas]

I doubt it but only because they have no real finals experience and I think the occasion might be a bit overwhelming for them. Talent wise, I think it is possible.

Hodge, Cameron, Neale, Rich, McCarthy, Lyons, Robinson, Christensen and Walker all have finals experience.

 

[juss]

Hodge, Cameron, Neale, Rich, McCarthy, Lyons, Robinson, Christensen and Walker all do.

Finals experience together as a team, that's more valuable. Just not ready this year to beat the all the seasoned finals sides imo. That's what they'd have to do to win the flag.

 

[Milux]

Cant wait to face Geelong at home and Richmond on the MCG. Perfect tests before finals. Both game might shape the top 4.

 

[blitzer]

I've been slow to get on the Brisbane bandwagon this year and even accept that they will be playing finals this year. I just thought it was a year too soon for them.

That said all year long they have been banking those wins and they now look like a chance to finish top 4 with a healthy injury list. Who knows what they could do. I don't expect them to win a flag but I won't say its impossible either. If they finish top 4 in H&A I reckon they'll make a prelim.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

Finals experience together as a team, that's more valuable. Just not ready this year to beat the all the seasoned finals sides imo. That's what they'd have to do to win the flag.

And Adelaide had how much finals experience as a team in 1997?

 

[Power Raid]

I'd love them to win it but what a coup that would be

2020 and 2021 are looking good

 

[juss]

And Adelaide had how much finals experience as a team in 1997?

22 year old example under a different system. Very relevant.

 

[Wojcinski]

Are you a tool? Tigers won a granny based around small forwards. Bulldogs had one brute forward/ruck. Not saying we are shoe ins but i think will we do more then 'pinch' a final.

"Not saying we're shoe-ins, but if you don't think we're shoe-ins then you're a tool"