Reading Damo's sliding doors (i know, i know, what can i say I was bored) and his entry on the lions got me thinking. His analysis was, to dumb it down, lions got way closer to Melbourne than any other side in the finals.
On the one hand, Melbourne's dominance in the second quarter should have got them further in front. But on the other we got well on top in the third quarter, didn't capitalise, and still got within 3 goals and stayed there until midway through the last. Without Hipwood and then losing McStay in the first quarter.
The dogs final again down 2 key forwards, losing one of their replacement and Berry. And dominating inside 50s but not making the most of it with the missing key forwards.
In short - we really were not that far away. Such a shame to not get at least one finals win to improve our record. We don't have any obvious players who will fall of the perch, maybe Zorko but we need others in midfield anyway. Lots of players who should improve. Biggest thing we could get is more luck on the injury front. But we're right in the hunt.
On the one hand, Melbourne's dominance in the second quarter should have got them further in front. But on the other we got well on top in the third quarter, didn't capitalise, and still got within 3 goals and stayed there until midway through the last. Without Hipwood and then losing McStay in the first quarter.
The dogs final again down 2 key forwards, losing one of their replacement and Berry. And dominating inside 50s but not making the most of it with the missing key forwards.
In short - we really were not that far away. Such a shame to not get at least one finals win to improve our record. We don't have any obvious players who will fall of the perch, maybe Zorko but we need others in midfield anyway. Lots of players who should improve. Biggest thing we could get is more luck on the injury front. But we're right in the hunt.