Toast Finals

[Ben the Gooner]

I don't think enough attention is being given to the fact that, in a little over 2 weeks, we will be at the MCG (I suppose mathematically AAMI is a chance, but it ain't happening). We will be playing Richmond, Collingwood or at an absolute stretch Port Adelaide. We're back, and we're about 95% sure to be playing a massive club on either a Saturday or a Sunday.

Who would we rather play? What timeslot would be preferable? Thoughts on the key match-ups against Richmond or Collingwood?

I think we'll get the Tiggies and I truly believe we can do them. One of the most impressive wins of our year was systematically dismantling any ball use patterns they had and forcing them to turn it over eventually. Their own fans were booing the backward kicking they were forced into by our zone. If our midfield clicks into any sort of gear and roughly breaks even, I wouldn't be backing the likes of Bachar Houli or Shaun Grigg off a back flank to kick through a well-constructed zone.

 

[VelvetSledge]

I'm just excited to be playing finals. After a year like what we've had, to be playing in September is an absolutely herculean effort.

So proud of this club.

I'd prefer Richmond on a Saturday afternoon, the time when footy is meant to be played.

 

[Chambo]

Tigers on a Saturday afternoon...the dreamtime game was one of my favorite victories of the year.

The way we systematically cut them up was outstanding to watch, the way they continually stuffed around with it in the back half and then turning it over was awesome. Makes me wish we prepared like that against all teams.

The last time we played the Tigers in the last round and then first week of finals we went loss-win...I'll take it again!

 

[Whispering_Jack]

I too am pumped that we will be playing finals and we have a genuine crack if the boys can get their heads right. I am happy with any timeslot, but the Saturday arvo timeslot is my favourite and we haven't had one in Melbourne all year and I would think the Tigers would be a good game to have - even though it will be back to back Tigers games. The only issue with that time is it is election day and I am a bit of a politics nerd lol

 

[Ben the Gooner]

I too am pumped that we will be playing finals and we have a genuine crack if the boys can get their heads right. I am happy with any timeslot, but the Saturday arvo timeslot is my favourite and we haven't had one in Melbourne all year and I would think the Tigers would be a good game to have - even though it will be back to back Tigers games. The only issue with that time is it is election day and I am a bit of a politics nerd lol

We'll probably get a Saturday night and come home just in time to miss the victory and concession speeches.

 

[eth-dog]

I hope it's a Saturday because Sunday I can't go.

Honestly I'd prefer Richmond. Their forward line is very overrated and their midfield isn't as good as ours when both are at full strength. Their defence is their weakness

Carlisle is a good match-up for the crybaby, Hooker should beat Vickery and Fletcher/Pears will destroy Luke McGuane. Jake King is no good, Baguley beat him before and will do so again and Hibberd is a good match for Cotchin/Martin/whoever the resting midfielder is.

Our midfield will beat theirs. I don't really rate their bottom end mids and ours should have them covered (if the bottom end of ours is Myers, Howlett and Zaharakis/Melksham).

Our forwards are our weakness, but their defence ain't much chop. Rance can cover Hurley but we have to make sure that Bellchambers and one of Gumbleton/Crameri/Daniher get on top of Chaplin and Grimes or Astbury (who is a dud).

 

[Whispering_Jack]

We'll probably get a Saturday night and come home just in time to miss the victory and concession speeches.

Haha the way the polls are right now they will probably know the result by about 7pm

 

[Ben the Gooner]

I'm looking forward to Clive Palmer's concession (or even better, victory) speech.

 

[Whispering_Jack]

At this risk of derailing this thread, if it is anything like this it should be a pisser -

 

[Island Bomber]

Carlton are a massive chance to make the finals, if they beat us (which isn't hard atm) Port loses to Freo (will most likely happen) and then they beat Port the following week they are in.

Bottom half of the top 8 would be the big 4.

Richmond/Collingwood
Essendon
Carlton

A massive first week of finals with 2 elimination finals containing 4 teams that hate each other.

 

[Old Campaigner]

I'm looking forward to Clive Palmer's concession (or even better, victory) speech.

Are you me???

 

[GUMBLETRON]

Our midfield will beat theirs. I don't really rate their bottom end mids and ours should have them covered (if the bottom end of ours is Myers, Howlett and Zaharakis/Melksham).

Tuck, Conca, Ellis and a match-fit Foley are handy additions to the R9 team.

 

[eth-dog]

Tuck, Conca, Ellis and a match-fit Foley are handy additions to the R9 team.

I thought Ellis was playing that game

 

[GUMBLETRON]

I thought Ellis was playing that game

Nope, injured I think.

 

[Zach Package]

Ellis was a late out, can't say having Tuck in their side worries me at all, gets it and hoofs it higher than he does further.

If we show up, the key is Hurley no matter who we play, Hurley busts packs makes leads and creates goals we win the game IMO

 

[Tassieboy]

Richmond on a Saturday afternoon would be good. I think Richmond would have all the pressure - we wouldn't be expecting much.

 

[Matthew_Lloyd]

I want Collingwood. Would love nothing more than to end FIGJAM's season

 

[lenny2013]

Richmond @ MCG 2.10 Saturday

For this to eventuate we need to beat them in rd 23

Go Bombers

 

[rines]

I would prefer to play Richmond.. I think they are more likely to 'crack' in a final.. C'Wood can still be very scary if they are 'on'...

I also think we match up really well against the tiggies...

But hey.. who am I kidding.. I don't give a toss who we beat!!!

Bring it ON

 

[Ben the Gooner]

Are you me???

Let's be honest, everyone in Australia should be looking forward to hearing more from the Palmer Party.

I don't care how much it sets the country back, 3 years of Palmer would be a laugh a minute and definitely worth it.

 

[Old Campaigner]

Let's be honest, everyone in Australia should be looking forward to hearing more from the Palmer Party.

I don't care how much it sets the country back, 3 years of Palmer would be a laugh a minute and definitely worth it.

I'm looking forward to my Austudy payments coming with little dinosaurs on the letterhead.

 

[GandalfTheDon]

I'd rather not play any of our great rivals. Could not deal losing to Richmond, their fans would have an absolute god damn field day. WEEEEEEEEEEEEEWOLT!!!!!!!!!!!! And don't even get me started on Collingwood :\ not looking forward to this either way, unless we pick our shit up

 

[Mercurial89]

Let's say it's looking like we play tigers (not sure if it will come Down to the last game). Would we rest a few key players, bring in some tough nuts. Give Hille, NLM their last games and play a different gameplan and put everything into that first week. Or would we settle the team and go hard both weeks, no change of tactics just try and beat them?

Personally the way we have been playing energy wise the former may be better.

 

[Despair]

If we face off against Smugmond in the finals and beat them the tears will be glorious.

 

[lenny2013]

One thing we can count on is that we'll have Port Adelaide and Richmond fans cheering us on this week hoping we can end the Blues finals chances.

I think the Tiges would much prefer to take on Port in Melbourne rather than Carlton/Essendon at the G.