- Oct 3, 2009
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Haven't really seen this discussed yet but IMO this will have a big bearing on the finals. Wouldn't surprise me to see 2 teams in the GF both come through the semi finals. The last few years this was a talking point even when teams could train fully and have internal match practice. With the restrictions on training, and clubs not having a big enough squad in the hubs to do match practice I think the teams that win the QF will come out very rusty in the prelim and both could be rolled.
I know from my teams perspective, we will have players returning for finals and the lack of match fitness will be an issue come prelim week. It would definitely be better for us to have a run of games and build our match sharpness towards the pointy end. I know for the first 9 day break game we had we came back a bit rusty and Hardwick has spoken about the difficulties with lack of training in the longer breaks. Obviously we performed well in the recent Geelong game with a 9 day break, but honestly 1 game in 4 weeks with these restrictions is going to be a difficult task to keep players match sharp.
I'm not as aware of how the other finalists have gone after the breaks, and whether their supporters think this could be an issue for them as well, would like some feedback.
I know from my teams perspective, we will have players returning for finals and the lack of match fitness will be an issue come prelim week. It would definitely be better for us to have a run of games and build our match sharpness towards the pointy end. I know for the first 9 day break game we had we came back a bit rusty and Hardwick has spoken about the difficulties with lack of training in the longer breaks. Obviously we performed well in the recent Geelong game with a 9 day break, but honestly 1 game in 4 weeks with these restrictions is going to be a difficult task to keep players match sharp.
I'm not as aware of how the other finalists have gone after the breaks, and whether their supporters think this could be an issue for them as well, would like some feedback.