Unofficial Preview Qualifying Final 2025 v Cats @MCG.

[mpal6]

I take comfort from the fact that once the level of opposition and finals stakes went up, we lifted for Round 23 and 24. That stepping up pattern has held up consistently for the whole season this year. To the point it even turned the winning at Gabba difficulties around vs Hawks.

I think we will step up for the QF as well. Should win well.

 

[GoLions2023]

I'm confident our midfield will be too strong for the Cats, and give our forwards enough supply to get the job done. Ont be easy, but I'm hoping straight through to a Gabba prelim

 

[mpal6]

Expecting a bit of roughing up and thug tactics from Cats to see if they can rattle us. Chris has got beaten twice this year so he'll be keen to throw something new at us, even if it means a bit of grey area material. He's got the thug running around for him now as well.

Jeremy Cameron hit on Harris Andrews video in Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants clash

‘Shocking hit’: Big ban awaits Giants star after horror elbow

www.foxsports.com.au

EDIT: I just realized he did that in 2018, we've come a long way in terms of intentional rough conduct. I don't think players would be that stupid in trying something with finals in picture.

 

[thedigger]

Will Oscar play???

 

[M Malice]

Will Oscar play???

IMO no, Darcy Fort has been very good, O was improved in the VFL final yesterday but still doesn't look back to his best. I do think he would be a better bet than Henry Smith if Fort got injured though.

 

[Nathan Barley]

Will Oscar play???

Only if Fort is injured

 

[DERRINALPHIL]

IMO no, Darcy Fort has been very good, O was improved in the VFL final yesterday but still doesn't look back to his best. I do think he would be a better bet than Henry Smith if Fort got injured though.

We have a problem that Smith doesn't get many on ball minutes in a game. Fort used to ruck nearly all day as ) did on Saturday. I think Smith's development is being held back by this but that's the problem with a deep list which affects us in other areas as well.

 

[DERRINALPHIL]

IMO no, Darcy Fort has been very good, O was improved in the VFL final yesterday but still doesn't look back to his best. I do think he would be a better bet than Henry Smith if Fort got injured though.

I haven't seen a game where I thought Fort bettered his opponent, He has had good periods of games but check the stats.

 

[Section 5]

I haven't seen a game where I thought Fort bettered his opponent, He has had good periods of games but check the stats.

The thing is he does not really have to "better" his opponent.
He just has to play well enough to not get belted by his opponent even though that may happen occasionally.
Below his stats since being the sole ruck from round 21.
In my opinion Fort has played well.
Also, we only lost to the Swans, so his recent record is 3W & 1 L as sole ruck.

Opponents' basic stats:
Hawks: Lloyd Meek 15 D, 4 M, 31 H/O
Dockers: Sean Darcy 12 D, 2 M, 27 H/O
Swans: Brodie Grundy: 14 D, 4 M, 28 H/O
Pies: Darcy Cameron: 12 D, 5 M, 40 H/O

 

[DERRINALPHIL]

The thing is he does not really have to "better" his opponent.
He just has to play well enough to not get belted by his opponent even though that may happen occasionally.
Below his stats since being the sole ruck from round 21.
In my opinion Fort has played well.
Also, we only lost to the Swans, so his recent record is 3W & 1 L as sole ruck.

Opponents' basic stats:
Hawks: Lloyd Meek 15 D, 4 M, 31 H/O
Dockers: Sean Darcy 12 D, 2 M, 27 H/O
Swans: Brodie Grundy: 14 D, 4 M, 28 H/O
Pies: Darcy Cameron: 12 D, 5 M, 40 H/O

View attachment 2413390

View attachment 2413389

I would like a ruckman who could beat his opponent.

 

[M Malice]

I would like a ruckman who could beat his opponent.

Not all ruckmen are Max Gawn or Dean Cox unfortunately, luckily it has been proven time and time again you don't need a world beating ruckman to win Premierships. Break even dependable journeymen rucks are fine with me, spend the salary cap space that creates on KPF/elite mids.

 

[dlanod]

Not all ruckmen are Max Gawn or Dean Cox unfortunately, luckily it has been proven time and time again you don't need a world beating ruckman to win Premierships. Break even dependable journeymen rucks are fine with me, spend the salary cap space that creates on KPF/elite mids.

Oh come on, who was the last team to win without a world-beating ruckman!

 

[Section 5]

I think we got this one

 

[M Malice]

I'm so bloody excited to get the the G on Friday night, this week is going to drag, I wonder if the crowd will get close to the 90K we got for last years Prelim, only Final in Melbourne this week so could do.

Just looked at the weather and rain is forecast for Melbourne all week with it possibly being a little better on Friday.

 

[mpal6]

The thing is he does not really have to "better" his opponent.
He just has to play well enough to not get belted by his opponent even though that may happen occasionally.
Below his stats since being the sole ruck from round 21.
In my opinion Fort has played well.
Also, we only lost to the Swans, so his recent record is 3W & 1 L as sole ruck.

Opponents' basic stats:
Hawks: Lloyd Meek 15 D, 4 M, 31 H/O
Dockers: Sean Darcy 12 D, 2 M, 27 H/O
Swans: Brodie Grundy: 14 D, 4 M, 28 H/O
Pies: Darcy Cameron: 12 D, 5 M, 40 H/O

View attachment 2413390

View attachment 2413389

I was surprised by how well Fort competes for the ground ball. He's pretty good in traffic, able to release our mids with soft handballs etc. He's no slouch in terms of scraping for footy and releasing it on the outside.

 

[M Malice]

I was surprised by how well Fort competes for the ground ball. He's pretty good in traffic, able to release our mids with soft handballs etc. He's no slouch in terms of scraping for footy and releasing it on the outside.

Even at 32 years old Darcy appears to be improving his game, the confidence he has gained from regular senior footy and the GF in 2024 has been great for him IMO.

 

[Section 5]

I was surprised by how well Fort competes for the ground ball. He's pretty good in traffic, able to release our mids with soft handballs etc. He's no slouch in terms of scraping for footy and releasing it on the outside.

Agree.
We just need him to continue what he has done recently for the remainder of 2025.

What the club does regarding rucks for 2026 we will find out later this year when trades are completed.

 

[Conlan12]

Fort won't let us down

 

[martinson]

Fort won't let us down

Well we had that recent run of 4 difficult games against teams with excellent ruck set ups and the only one we lost wasn't much to do with Fort so whatever anyone's pre conceived ideas of what his capacity is he's certainly proven good enough to give our midfield every chance.

Not sure whether I'm imagining it but he's developed a reasonably skilful aspect to his inside game , is starting to take a few marks and has even set the play up often enough.

He doesn't look flashy for sure but can't question his stamina or effort.

 

[McIvor]

The two guys I’m eagerly awaiting setting alight Friday under lights is Darcy Wilmot and Lohmann the Showmann.

Both are highlight reels that also work their backsides off and are built for this week.

Getting toey about this week.

 

[pod17]

Fort won't let us down

Especially against Stanley this week, who was - to the eye at least - nullified by Joe in the second half of the prelim last year.

 

[Ironmonger]

Random thought for the day:

Seven consecutive final series now, after one in the previous fourteen years.

Lot's of hope and optimism in these couple of weeks, and every year it's exciting. We're very lucky to be supporters of such a great team right now.

 

[SizeMatters]

Ty Gallop not named in the side for the VFL Elimination Final tomorrow at BHA so is certain to be playing in the AFL QF, good decision IMO.

Let’s hope he has a better game. I’m not as bullish on him as others here but hopefully getting experience can drive him to take the next step over the off season. Would love to see him improve his athleticism got that good straight line speed but kinda looks like the titanic turning circle.

 

[SizeMatters]

We’ve had the Cats for measure for at least 3 years now? I reckon it will be a tight game. They’ve had such a great draw and lead up to finals with literally no injuries. I feel they will have the pressure on them more than Lions.

I’m worried about our front half. Can tell within first 5 minutes of Charlie and Co are willing to harass and tackle and work themselves to the bone to keep the ball inside 50. If they start flopping for free kicks I reckon it will be a long night.

 

[briztoon]

Not all ruckmen are Max Gawn or Dean Cox unfortunately, luckily it has been proven time and time again you don't need a world beating ruckman to win Premierships. Break even dependable journeymen rucks are fine with me, spend the salary cap space that creates on KPF/elite mids.

I’m happy with a Nankervis level ruckman, and Sam Draper is just that.