Expectations for September

[Senatorguesty]

However far we go, remember to put your money on whoever knocks us off for the flag. My recollection is that whoever puts us out of the running for finals or eliminates us from finals always goes on to win.
That said my best scenario. 1st week either Eagles or Dockers at the G. 2nd week Hawks at the G (they lost to Crows) 3rd week. Prelim Swans at ANZ. Grand Final vs Crows. BBB (Back to Back Baby...).

If we play the Crows in the GF we WILL go back to back....

 

[winty]

We weren't the best team in 2005 that's for sure, and had we never been in that match I wouldn't have been too fussed, but it's the way we lost that really hurt. 4 goals in as many minutes by Prick Davis with the final one kicked with 10 seconds to go which sunk us by 3 points. Yeah, that really hurt! It hurt a lot more than the 04 Prelim when we almost snatched victory becuase despite getting within 7 points or so, I never really felt like we were going go win and certainly didn't expect it. 05 I genuinely thought we could push through to at least the Prelim and even challenge for the Flag. Needless to say that most of 06 was an epic failure before euphoria in 07.

The thing that hurt more was, according to K-Rock that night, there were 10 seconds to go when there was a boundary throw in on the 50m line. Somehow there was another boundary throw-in in the pocket, a ball-up right in front of goal, and then the ball was bounced in the middle of the ground before the siren went. It's impossible to know if they were spot on though, since the game was televised by Channel 10, and they had the "red alert" clock, but it would've been daylight robbery if it was true.

But guesty was right though. Even if we got over the Swans that night, we'd have been ripe for the picking the following week.

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

If we play the Crows in the GF we WILL go back to back....

That'd be weird - four Premierships (and five GF appearances), each with a different opponent. I wonder if any other team's been up and about for that long while never playing the same opponent in the Big One?

 

[Siamese Cat]

We shouldn't win it, but I reckon we can.

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

If we avoid the Eagles in Perth week 1, I fully expect us to win the flag.

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

If we avoid the Eagles in Perth week 1, I fully expect us to win the flag.

We would have beaten them had Hawkins stayed on the park a few weeks ago. West Coast ARE a better side over there with the crowd solidly behind them, but we can take them.

 

[Vdubs]

However far we go, remember to put your money on whoever knocks us off for the flag. My recollection is that whoever puts us out of the running for finals or eliminates us from finals always goes on to win.
That said my best scenario. 1st week either Eagles or Dockers at the G. 2nd week Hawks at the G (they lost to Crows) 3rd week. Prelim Swans at ANZ. Grand Final vs Crows. BBB (Back to Back Baby...).

What if NM puts us out week 1?

 

[James1970]

Dutch: "They'll be waiting for us."
Pike: "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The more the season's going, the more I think of it as our own playing out of The Wild Bunch. For Scarlo especially, he's Bill Holden's Pike Bishop, taking his men on one last hurrah. His gang has slain all before them, tasting the joys of sweet victory. But they're getting old, and the game has changed. Their old enemy, the AFL, has done all it can to rid of them, but they just refuse to go away and die.

So Scarlo's about to take his men on his final mission, his final curtain, and just like Pike Bishop, he ain't gonna go out with a whimper. Our boys are ready, the action will be bloody and brutal. Legends will be made.

Pike/Scarlo: "Let's go."
Dutch/Chappy: "Give 'em hell."

 

[AM]

What if NM puts us out week 1?

You really do have a soft spot for the Kangas VD.

It would be a real challenge for us as they have genuine foot speed which always troubles us and they are playing very well. That said, we had plenty of opportunities to win the last encounter when weren't playing nearly as well as we are now.

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

Pike/Scarlo: "Let's go."
Dutch/Chappy: "Give 'em hell."

Could also call Scarlo and Chappy Butch & Sundance...

 

[Vdubs]

You really do have a soft spot for the Kangas VD.

It would be a real challenge for us as they have genuine foot speed which always troubles us and they are playing very well. That said, we had plenty of opportunities to win the last encounter when weren't playing nearly as well as we are now.

Who do you think is likely to play us week 1 at present, given that anything this year is possible? I 'd guess NM. And yes, I do love the way they are playing at present, and highly rate them. At least you're off my back about Saints??! And the Scott thing. All a bit unique really, 52 points each, 115 % each, twins. Someone said today NM is playing more like Geelong than Geelong is.

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

We would have beaten them had Hawkins stayed on the park a few weeks ago. West Coast ARE a better side over there with the crowd solidly behind them, but we can take them.

That's true, but it would be a bit like Carlton last year. If they'd got up against West Coast in the semi final, it didn't matter, they would have been absolutely cooked from that game and we would have slaughtered them in the preliminary, in my opinion. We might beat West Coast, if we have to play them there, but the wear and tear that game will put on our players will cause us issues later on.

Who do you think is likely to play us week 1 at present, given that anything this year is possible? I 'd guess NM. And yes, I do love the way they are playing at present, and highly rate them. At least you're off my back about Saints??! And the Scott thing. All a bit unique really, 52 points each, 115 % each, twins. Someone said today NM is playing more like Geelong than Geelong is.

If Collingwood can beat West Coast this week (and assuming we can smash the Dogs), we're in the box seat for a home final against one of the WA sides, or Carlton. You'd have to expect Hawthorn to roll the Eagles in Melbourne in Round 23 and if they can do that, we might not even need to beat Sydney (though we should beat them if we're seriously a contender), depending on how much they lose to Hawthorn by.

If West Coast loses to Collingwood, say 75-100 and Hawthorn 75-120, that drops their percentage to 118.30
If we beat the Bulldogs 150-50 and lose to Sydney 115-120, our percentage will be 118.37.

 

[BotsMaster]

That's fine, but 2005 is still raw for me and hurt almost as much as 2008.

I'm sure the boys have not forgotten either encounter and will make sure the same does not happen again.

 

[Catfish Alley]

You never know what can happen but it seems the Cats will play an Elimination Final against Essendon, North or Freo in in Melbourne. I'd expect to win that. Who knows what will happen in the semi but I wouldn't count them out. In fact, I wouldn't count them out against anybody at the moment. Their form has been getting better. Still some experienced players around. The best part is that they've played so many young players this year and are in another finals campaign. They may not win it this year but I love that they have prepared for the future. Lots to look forward to for Cats fans. If they won this year it would be the best effort out of the recent flags.

 

[Senatorguesty]

I have a feeling for the cats to win it this year Hawkins will have to give the record for most goals in a finals series a shake. I think he might just do that!

 

[barmy44]

while i understand it, those saying that nothing less than a premiership is expected / satisfying are kind of missing out...

this is not our year, or our flag, to win. we could win it, but it would be a huge ask. that is not to say we are not worthy, or we are a lesser side - its just not right for this team to still be where they are historically.

so when i said it is not our flag, what i really mean is this team has already defied all expectation and logic, and those saying that the ultimate is the pass mark do the club a great disservice with that attitude. not having a go at individual posters, we all want to see a flag, just trying to temper things a little.

we could finish 15-7, and we will more than likely finish at least 14-8 - depending on %, since the current final 8 system, that was:

• top 2: 2003 (15-7 only), 2007.
• top 4: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 (we finished 4th on 15-7), 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 (15-7 only), 2010.

only 2011 would our record not have had us in the top 4, and that would have had us 5th.

i have posted this before, but in brisbanes 6th season after their flag they finished 12th with 7 wins. we will finish top 6 most likely, with at least, again most likely, double the wins.

this team is, to quote i think an eagles poster on this board, 'like the fricken terminator'.

not only that, but this is an example of a team which (granted, pretty much only some hawthorn and a smattering of collingwood fans) love to tarnish with the 'old and gawn' brush.

this sums it up - our team is feared, and funnily enough by their comments, respected in a way no other team is. a record good enough for top 4 in almost every year, with 10 debutants (9 if you exclude orren), and our recent success?

this club has not only exceeded, but defied all expectation countless times already.

it is for this reason that i voted for the 'just getting there' option - the fact this team is where they are, with the young guys they have, and the upcoming finals experience they will received, mean this season has already been an enormous success regardless of which week we bow out in the finals.

we have one of the best (in my opinion, the best) coaches going around - honest, intelligent, driven and ruthless.

we have an exceptional bunch of young players - a lot of teams do, but only ours have played and learnt besides scarlett, bartel, corey, enright, kelly, chapman, johnson, ling, ottens etc.

we are missing menzel and varcoe. vardy may also prove to be something great.

and we have tom f***ing hawkins!

so i respectfully disagree with all that have said a premiership is the expectation - all expectations have been exceeded and shattered by this group, and we have gotten fat off this as supporters.

everything beyond week 1 of the finals this season is gravy, to get us supporters just that little bit fatter before next season.

one last time - we have TOM F***ING HAWKINS!

 

[Senatorguesty]

while i understand it, those saying that nothing less than a premiership is expected / satisfying are kind of missing out...

this is not our year, or our flag, to win. we could win it, but it would be a huge ask. that is not to say we are not worthy, or we are a lesser side - its just not right for this team to still be where they are historically.

so when i said it is not our flag, what i really mean is this team has already defied all expectation and logic, and those saying that the ultimate is the pass mark do the club a great disservice with that attitude. not having a go at individual posters, we all want to see a flag, just trying to temper things a little.

we could finish 15-7, and we will more than likely finish at least 14-8 - depending on %, since the current final 8 system, that was:

• top 2: 2003 (15-7 only), 2007.
• top 4: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 (we finished 4th on 15-7), 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 (15-7 only), 2010.

only 2011 would our record not have had us in the top 4, and that would have had us 5th.

i have posted this before, but in brisbanes 6th season after their flag they finished 12th with 7 wins. we will finish top 6 most likely, with at least, again most likely, double the wins.

this team is, to quote i think an eagles poster on this board, 'like the fricken terminator'.

not only that, but this is an example of a team which (granted, pretty much only some hawthorn and a smattering of collingwood fans) love to tarnish with the 'old and gawn' brush.

this sums it up - our team is feared, and funnily enough by their comments, respected in a way no other team is. a record good enough for top 4 in almost every year, with 10 debutants (9 if you exclude orren), and our recent success?

this club has not only exceeded, but defied all expectation countless times already.

it is for this reason that i voted for the 'just getting there' option - the fact this team is where they are, with the young guys they have, and the upcoming finals experience they will received, mean this season has already been an enormous success regardless of which week we bow out in the finals.

we have one of the best (in my opinion, the best) coaches going around - honest, intelligent, driven and ruthless.

we have an exceptional bunch of young players - a lot of teams do, but only ours have played and learnt besides scarlett, bartel, corey, enright, kelly, chapman, johnson, ling, ottens etc.

we are missing menzel and varcoe. vardy may also prove to be something great.

and we have tom f***ing hawkins!

so i respectfully disagree with all that have said a premiership is the expectation - all expectations have been exceeded and shattered by this group, and we have gotten fat off this as supporters.

everything beyond week 1 of the finals this season is gravy, to get us supporters just that little bit fatter before next season.

one last time - we have TOM F***ING HAWKINS!

Awesome post dude and 100% on the money.
I cant put into words just how it feels to be a Cats supporter, we truely are blessed.

 

[Jmac2225]

Agree with Barmy we have already got the pass mark for 2012 and anything that happens from here on out is a bonus.

Having said that out group is good enough to win the premiership this year but it's going to be a very even final series because for the first time in years there are going 6+ sides playing finals who could all beat one another on there given day. To expect a premiership and nothing less is unreasonable but to expect to give a bloody good crack isn't because fact is we are good enough on our day.

All the same I won't be disappointed regardless of what happens but will be hoping for the best. Regardless of what happens I will hold my head high and be proud of what we have achieved this year and be looking forward to 2013 where we will be even better.

The worst case scenario would be a flogging in a final or losing to the Dawks. It would hurt but still bottom line is we have had a good year and an even better decade with what looks like another decade of success on the way.

 

[vealesy]

Just dont lose to hawthorn.

That is all.

 

[AM]

Who do you think is likely to play us week 1 at present, given that anything this year is possible? I 'd guess NM. And yes, I do love the way they are playing at present, and highly rate them. At least you're off my back about Saints??! And the Scott thing. All a bit unique really, 52 points each, 115 % each, twins. Someone said today NM is playing more like Geelong than Geelong is.

Um! Come to think of it I haven’t mentioned “about Saints” for many moons. So why did you rate........ As for the “Scott thing”, it is of such moment I can’t recall what that was all about. Perhaps, maybe, possibly, perchance you’re being ever so slightly a-r.

I’ve tossed in speculating about who we will meet and when as the season has been so topsy-turvy. The one team I’d least like to meet first off is Carlton.

 

[kickazz]

Really what can satisfy any of us except another flag.

Understand this, but what else would satisfy me?

Seeing some of the younger guys perform well under finals pressure, gaining the confidence that they have 'got what it takes' to go further in coming years when they are fitter/stronger/more experienced.

 

[Vdubs]

Um! Come to think of it I haven’t mentioned “about Saints” for many moons. So why did you rate........ As for the “Scott thing”, it is of such moment I can’t recall what that was all about. Perhaps, maybe, possibly, perchance you’re being ever so slightly a-r.

I’ve tossed in speculating about who we will meet and when as the season has been so topsy-turvy. The one team I’d least like to meet first off is Carlton.

The Scott thing is what I'm adding to the amazing position NM and Geelong find themselves in. Identical twins, same wins, same %, same degree of difficulty in the next 2 weeks. What is a-r?

Don't think I'm being retentive about anything.

 

[Vdubs]

Just dont lose to hawthorn.

That is all.

SPECIALLY NOT IN THE GF!!

 

[Turbocat]

SPECIALLY NOT IN THE GF!!

Its a risk , it would be the sourest of losses , due to 08 yet the sweetest of wins. Many of them dread us but if we could finally repay but of LDINS pain , we finally have arrived at true blood rivalry

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

We would have beaten them had Hawkins stayed on the park a few weeks ago. West Coast ARE a better side over there with the crowd solidly behind them, but we can take them.

Don't get me wrong, if we play them week 1 in Perth I think we will win, but it's if we have to travel again, which will hurt.