- Mar 16, 2014
- 8,524
- 8,666
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
And so we're reaching the last chapters.
A couple of weeks ago, the Pies and Port were the two clear frontrunners. Brisbane have continued their typical at the top but do we really trust them spot. Recent weeks have thrown up a couple of other challengers into the fray in the perennial Geelong and the slime mould of the competition, Carlton (for God's sake, I can't believe that primordial sludge has dragged itself out of the swamp toward the finals. Burn it with fire!).
Well, one week at a time. This week it's Port, and they're an elite team, despite last week's defeat.
This will be a real test and I can't wait to see how we stack up.
I try to keep up with the strategic questions and game plans but sometimes I lose track of the other teams and where they're at. This is the case with Port. They have an elite interceptor, Allir Allir, and a brilliant young midfield, and a good forward line, and they seem to be the most "balanced" in game style between contest, rebound, forward half and back half game style. That's compared say to THE SLIME MOULD who are strictly a contest team.
In some ways, I think the question will really be, can Port stop our lightning ball movement? The only team really able to do it has been Melbourne. For Port to do it, they'll need to be -- as Maynard told them -- at their best.
Ultimately, though, if you look at the teams, we have the edge. Our defence will get on top, and their only chance will be to emulate Melbourne in that phase. And I just don't think they can do it for four quarters. Dixon looks to be a beaten up old warrior for them nowadays, but he's a key for their forward line.
Then there's the question of playing in Adelaide. That probably gives Port a 2-4 goal advantage.
And if it rains that will affect our ball movement and bring us back a cog -- especially in our counterattacking game.
But Mihocek will be back. Cameron will also be brought in I think. McStay certainly plays. So the vulnerable are Cox and Johnson and ... ? I'm keen to know your thoughts.
Well, that's it from me this week.
The Washup
The 80s rock gods may Never Tear Port Apart, but in the end, the Pies will -- by 15 points.
A couple of weeks ago, the Pies and Port were the two clear frontrunners. Brisbane have continued their typical at the top but do we really trust them spot. Recent weeks have thrown up a couple of other challengers into the fray in the perennial Geelong and the slime mould of the competition, Carlton (for God's sake, I can't believe that primordial sludge has dragged itself out of the swamp toward the finals. Burn it with fire!).
Well, one week at a time. This week it's Port, and they're an elite team, despite last week's defeat.
This will be a real test and I can't wait to see how we stack up.
I try to keep up with the strategic questions and game plans but sometimes I lose track of the other teams and where they're at. This is the case with Port. They have an elite interceptor, Allir Allir, and a brilliant young midfield, and a good forward line, and they seem to be the most "balanced" in game style between contest, rebound, forward half and back half game style. That's compared say to THE SLIME MOULD who are strictly a contest team.
In some ways, I think the question will really be, can Port stop our lightning ball movement? The only team really able to do it has been Melbourne. For Port to do it, they'll need to be -- as Maynard told them -- at their best.
Ultimately, though, if you look at the teams, we have the edge. Our defence will get on top, and their only chance will be to emulate Melbourne in that phase. And I just don't think they can do it for four quarters. Dixon looks to be a beaten up old warrior for them nowadays, but he's a key for their forward line.
Then there's the question of playing in Adelaide. That probably gives Port a 2-4 goal advantage.
And if it rains that will affect our ball movement and bring us back a cog -- especially in our counterattacking game.
But Mihocek will be back. Cameron will also be brought in I think. McStay certainly plays. So the vulnerable are Cox and Johnson and ... ? I'm keen to know your thoughts.
Well, that's it from me this week.
The Washup
The 80s rock gods may Never Tear Port Apart, but in the end, the Pies will -- by 15 points.
