Do we fold in close games?

[Stealth bomber]

I've seen this topic in the other Bomber forums and I thought I'd bring it over.

Almost all of our wins are exclusively in dominating fashion, at least lately. When was the last time we won a match by less than 10 points?

A lot of people seem to think that this current crop of players folds in close games. Evidence being all of our last three losses, which all seem to have happened in similar fashion. We lead at eat change and take a 2 or 3 goal lead into the last quarter, but lose it in the end when the other club gets a run of momentum. Do you suppose we panic?

 

[CJ]

Simple answer NO

Just because you lot lost to the blues after they got some momentum going doesnt mean that you simply panic and end up giving away the game! Although I didn't watch all of the game, I did notice that up until the final term it was a well contested and close game and simply the blues just had enough gas left to get them over the line. It was like the Pies last night, we won the game in the third term in about a 10 minute period where we kicked about 8 goals! It was the same for Carrrrrrlton in the final term against you lot!

I know you lot dont want (or need) a Pies fan comming here and crapping on but next week you lot are more than likely to learn a shit load from the loss and blast whoever away!! (I think the Swans up there????)

Like the old saying says: 'Live and let learn!'

Now, I outta here before I get blasted

 

[TD]

No, I don't think we do. The fact that our last couple of losses were close games simply means that the other teams aren't good enough to beat us by more. When a team as talented as the current Essendon team play poorly, it is still difficult for other teams to dominate us.

 

[Dave]

Nope. Last year V Melb, '99 V Doggies. Both close games, both wins. I think what happens is that due to the teams good recent record when they lose it's labelled a "choke" because not too many people expected it.

 

[M29]

Originally posted by CJ:

I know you lot dont want (or need) a Pies fan comming here and crapping on but next week you lot are more than likely to learn a shit load from the loss and blast whoever away!! (I think the Swans up there????)

Like the old saying says: 'Live and let learn!'

Now, I outta here before I get blasted

CJ, compared to the shit we've had to read the last few days you've got nothing to worry about.

As for the close games, no I don't think we do fold. Last year the crows lead at half time and so did the pies, we came back won them both. Also in the last round against the pies was close all day, only won by 20 odd points. The blues just wanted the ball more and won.


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The Dons - EFC Online Fanzine

 

[Dan26]

Stealth,

Since 1990, our record in home and away games where the margin is 6 points or less is an awe-inspiring 22-4.

22-4 is so inbalanced and remarkable that it defies all logic. You would think it would "even out", but for some reason, we have won 22 "close" games and lost only 4 decided by 6 points or less (finals not included)

3 of those losses wee interstate, so our record is something like (roughly) 18-1 in Victoria with close matches. No one seems to be aware of this, but our close match record in home and away football is outstanding.

Now if only we could win some close finals !!!

Think about it Bomber fans. When was the last loss by 6 points or less we have had here in Victoria in home and away football? Can you rememebr one? I'm certain you have to go back to the 1991 Grand final replay at Waverley against Collingwood (we lost by 2 points)

 

[Arch]

Originally posted by CJ:

I know you lot dont want (or need) a Pies fan comming here and crapping on ......Now, I outta here before I get blasted

Your reasonable comments are welcome here anytime CJ, even if you are a magpie

About the close losses point though- I think its pretty relevant, and not something Id thought of before really. Perhaps we have got so used to destroying teams that we dont do the correct things in close games. The melbourne game last year where we won by 13 is an example of where we have done it though. I also think people overlook the "positive" aspect that is when we DO lose, it is always by a small margin, and the team that beats us really has to do it tough.

But I personally think fridays game will be a very tough test in front of what I expect to be a HUGE sydney crowd, and most likely a close game, so we will get to see how we deal with it then.

Caaaarn Bombers.