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Actually No.
Provided lots of ammo for 2 other teams who are still in the finals funnily enough, and who both see port as an 'attractive' match-up.
Cats grand final would suit us: Wilson
September 12, 2007 - 5:19PM
Port Adelaide veteran Michael Wilson claims that a grand final match-up against runaway AFL flag favourite Geelong would suit his side, leaving the Power poised to enjoy comfortable "underdog" status.
Many seasoned observers have already declared the 2007 premiership race a fait accompli, with the Cats streeting the field as exemplified by their 106-point massacre of the Kangaroos in a qualifying final last week.
But Wilson said a final versus Geelong, who have not won a premiership since 1963, would allow Port to prepare minus much of the suffocating pressure that usually accompanies both grand finalists.
"They have been the best side for the year, so to say they aren't a great side is cutting them short, they're fantastic, they've smashed a lot of teams this year, and their first final was a pretty awesome effort as well, but having said that I think Port Adelaide will be pretty happy to play them in a grand final if we were to get there," he said.
"To be the underdogs I think is a great Port Adelaide way to go and I'm just really looking forward to the opportunity if it does come to beat them.
"Talking about Geelong it still feels a long way off, we've still got a prelim to go, they've still got a prelim to go, I'm still a little more worried about this weekend than Geelong at the moment."
The Power trained searchingly at AAMI Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, following the plan for a tough week on the track this week before easing off in the lead-up to their preliminary final against either Hawthorn or the Kangaroos.
Darryl Wakelin trained with the main group in his efforts to squeeze back into the 22 before he retires at season's end, and Wilson said it was an intriguing choice between the experienced backman and the younger trio of Alipate Carlile, Toby Thurstans and Troy Chaplin.
"There's definitely a spot for his age and experience and the way he plays, but he's got a long way to go with his injury," he said.
"It's a tough decision for the coaching staff, Darryl's been mentoring Alipate all year and Troy Chaplin and all the tall ones down back.
"So the master's been schooling the apprentice and now he's trying to squeeze his spot back."
Wilson is nursing the merest of calf niggles, but he was happy to admit it is less than his usual burden of physical problems.
In 2004, Wilson played his part in Port's first AFL premiership while both shoulders were crying out for reconstructive work, which duly took place once the cup had been secured.
"Good to say (the body) is in a whole piece at the moment so it's nice, but it's the best it has been for a long time," Wilson said.
"In 2004 I sort of fell over the line and just got into the finals and made it to the game but this year I've been up and running, had the best pre-season thanks to Burgo (fitness coach Darren Burgess) and the medical staff."
Provided lots of ammo for 2 other teams who are still in the finals funnily enough, and who both see port as an 'attractive' match-up.
Cats grand final would suit us: Wilson
September 12, 2007 - 5:19PM
Port Adelaide veteran Michael Wilson claims that a grand final match-up against runaway AFL flag favourite Geelong would suit his side, leaving the Power poised to enjoy comfortable "underdog" status.
Many seasoned observers have already declared the 2007 premiership race a fait accompli, with the Cats streeting the field as exemplified by their 106-point massacre of the Kangaroos in a qualifying final last week.
But Wilson said a final versus Geelong, who have not won a premiership since 1963, would allow Port to prepare minus much of the suffocating pressure that usually accompanies both grand finalists.
"They have been the best side for the year, so to say they aren't a great side is cutting them short, they're fantastic, they've smashed a lot of teams this year, and their first final was a pretty awesome effort as well, but having said that I think Port Adelaide will be pretty happy to play them in a grand final if we were to get there," he said.
"To be the underdogs I think is a great Port Adelaide way to go and I'm just really looking forward to the opportunity if it does come to beat them.
"Talking about Geelong it still feels a long way off, we've still got a prelim to go, they've still got a prelim to go, I'm still a little more worried about this weekend than Geelong at the moment."
The Power trained searchingly at AAMI Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, following the plan for a tough week on the track this week before easing off in the lead-up to their preliminary final against either Hawthorn or the Kangaroos.
Darryl Wakelin trained with the main group in his efforts to squeeze back into the 22 before he retires at season's end, and Wilson said it was an intriguing choice between the experienced backman and the younger trio of Alipate Carlile, Toby Thurstans and Troy Chaplin.
"There's definitely a spot for his age and experience and the way he plays, but he's got a long way to go with his injury," he said.
"It's a tough decision for the coaching staff, Darryl's been mentoring Alipate all year and Troy Chaplin and all the tall ones down back.
"So the master's been schooling the apprentice and now he's trying to squeeze his spot back."
Wilson is nursing the merest of calf niggles, but he was happy to admit it is less than his usual burden of physical problems.
In 2004, Wilson played his part in Port's first AFL premiership while both shoulders were crying out for reconstructive work, which duly took place once the cup had been secured.
"Good to say (the body) is in a whole piece at the moment so it's nice, but it's the best it has been for a long time," Wilson said.
"In 2004 I sort of fell over the line and just got into the finals and made it to the game but this year I've been up and running, had the best pre-season thanks to Burgo (fitness coach Darren Burgess) and the medical staff."
