Brisbane v Hawthorn

[Pessimistic]

The most interesting thing going forward might be the battle for 2nd spot. Whatever they say both teams will be intent on doing it because 2nd will play 3rd in the finals and the team in second place will have a HUGE home state advantage.

You would say that Brisbane would beat hawthorn at the Gabba and Hawks will win here in melbourne (but Brisbane did win the ansett cup semi-final at colonial)

So while they don't play each other again they both will be aiming to win 6 out of 6 games remaining. Hawks need to hope brisbane will win one less because the percentage difference is impossible to overcome (I think hawks need to win all their games by 6 goals more than brisbane win theirs by to get close - impossible I think)

So come on North !

 

[Pessimistic]

Last 6 rounds

Brisbane

Kangaroos (colonial)
Bulldogs (gabba)
Richmond (gabba)
Fremantle (subiaco)
Geelong (shell)
Sydney (gabba)

Hawthorn

Carlton (MCG)
Fremantle (colonial)
Melbourne (MCG)
Bulldogs (MCG)
Adelaide (FP)
St Kilda (MCG)

Hawks run looks slightly easier but have more long term injuries than the lions. eg any team with a strong ruck division will worry Hawthorn's makeshift one.

From a Hawks point of view let's hope:
- Kangaroos not too tired after essendon game
- Carlton really are undermanned like they say
- Adelaide are planning their footy trip when Hawthorn front up
- Sydney still in contention and firing when they play Brisbane

 

[Blues2001]

So you're saying that only these two sides could make second?

 

[red+black]

what I would say though is that one thing is certain - carlton won't finish 2nd

 

[Blues2001]

Re: Re: Brisbane v Hawthorn

red and black, I would say its unlikely, but not certain.

If Carlton beat Hawthorn this week and the Kangas beat Brisbane in Melbourne (both very very possible) then who will be second?

Carlton.

Then it would be in our hands if we manage to stay there or not - but injuries to our talls is a huge problem.

Our strong percentage is one thing we have in our favour, an ordinary draw compared to the dream draws that the Hawks and Brisbane have is something not in our favour. Get rid of the bloody blockbuster rule for chrissake!!!!

So its unlikely, but I'm not giving up hope that easily.

 

[Pessimistic]

Re: Re: Brisbane v Hawthorn

Originally posted by Blues2001
So you're saying that only these two sides could make second?

No. as someone pointed out both clubs could lose this weekend and Port, Carlton and even Richmond could be right back in it.

Lethal has already said the Lions are aiming to stay in second place and I think the Hawks, should they be planning to do quite well, will see the distinct advantage of being in second place rather than Brisbane. They haven't said yet but should they beat carlton (which is still line ball in my opinion) they might come out and say so.

For all the variables, one thing is clear, teams playing interstate in finals usually lose.

If the top 4 teams were all victorian, like last year, a top 4 finish would be enough to have an equal chance in the finals. Brisbane in there makes it quite different.

Ideally if I/S Teams make the finals lets hope they draw each other (eg 4th 5th and 8th) and eliminate each other

My ideal result ?

Bombers
Hawks
Lions
Blues
Bulldogs
Richmond
Port
Kangaroos

But realistically I don't think Hawks will go all the way so I just hope they make the finals and get good finals experience. A final against essendon would be good, even if we got spanked (again)

 

[Grave Danger]

It's all Melbourne's fault!

Melbourne Football Club may have handed Brisbane a Grand Final appearance with that decision to move their home game to the Gabba. It's a fair chance the Dees would have won that game in Melbourne, so they handed the Lions 4 points and about 5%, which could be the difference which gets them a top two position (or even top four).

Melbourne FC didn't just disadvantage themselves with that decision. The AFL shouldn't allow it.