D1 Division 1 - 2012

[Rissoles]

Look forward to it, Bedford, although I'm hoping we're in B by then!
All the best for the preseason and 2013.
Keep your fingers crossed for us on Sunday...
33 years without a senior flag is too long.

 

[Rissoles]

Nice to hear from you SdaP.
My allegiance is with the Pirates.
I am glad we are not a Central Reserve because that has been a misery for us in previous GFs.
Trevor Barker is much more preferable and we are close to the sea which suits us.
A bit early in the week to be analysing the game.

 

[AM]

Gee, this forum's been a struggle all year with posters.
I see AM has gone quiet after tipping Old Geelong for the flag.
I wish you well, Bedford, with this forum next year - I suspect it's going to be hard work.
I'm looking forward to joining C Grade which is a much more interactive forum.

Shush!

 

[Uncle Mick]

Gary Carr huge in for the Pirates. I'll have him for the Norm Smith into the Pirates by under 39.5

 

[Rissoles]

Now for the last dance of 2012.
The forecast for Sunday afternoon is partly cloudy, light winds, 18C and a brief shower or two.
So nothing, it would seem, to influence or upset a cracker game.
And, although it means nothing to the players, a quick look at history shows that
NOBs was formed in 1963 and has won four senior premierships - the last in 1982.
They have been runner-up on 10 occasions in 47 years.
The Pirates were formed in 1980 and have yet to win a senior premiership.
They have been runner-up on 6 occasions in 32 years.
So NOBs have been waiting 30 years and the Pirates have been waiting 32 years.
The Second Semi result showed how evenly these two teams are matched, although the GF involves
a heap more mental pressure, especially with both supporter groups so desperate for a flag.
Will the week off benefit NOBs?
My assessment of the last quarter of the second semi was that the Pirates had more of the play and more chances but weren't cool under pressure and rushed their decisions a lot.
To be able to play Old Geelong last week, the only team they hadn't beaten this season, and defeat them strongly will hold the Pirates in good stead.
Both teams are match fit and will be playing on an excellent surface.
It will come down to mental superiority and confidence.
The Pirates will win their first premiership by about 6 goals.
Stefan Barbour for the Pirates will be BOG.

 

[The Gasometer]

NOBs too good today. Got off to an excellent start and managed to maintain their early break.
To Peninsula's credit, they threw everything at NOBs after half time, but could never quite bridge
the gap. Got within 10 points in the last quarter but NOBs always managed to get a steadying
goal.
As a neutral observer, I thought it was a ripper grand final, much of it played "inside". There will
be some very sore bodies tonight in both camps. Good luck to both teams in C Grade.

 

[Uncle Mick]

Good call Gasometer. NOBS first team to settle and took the advantage after a good 10mins of even footy.
#22 was huge for Pirates both literally and metaphorically. Almost singlehandedly won them the game (I didn't hang around for the presentations, but surely got the BOG?). Pirates will rue wasted opportunities when they mounted the big comeback, but you can't give sides a start like they did yesterday.