Last time we met- This was our biggest win since our 2001- 2004 GF run, lets relive that fantastic night at the Gabba >
Outs and unavailable due to injury from the qualifying final teams >
Lions- Darcy Gardiner, Ryan Lester, Jarrod Berry, Cam Rayner, Lachie Neale.
Tigers- Shai Bolton, Trent Cotchin, Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert, Dion Prestia.
All 5 of the Tigers outs are key pieces in their midfield, Lachie out is a big blow but the others you would think we could cover to a satisfactory level.
Recent form line >
Lions- W 93-44 v Port, W 95-71 v Dockers, W 124-51 v Suns.
Tigers- W 77-55 v Bulldogs, L 63-126 v Cats, W 87-83 v Giants.
Fair to say that our form has been exceptional lately and all 3 games have really never been in doubt one of which was against a supposed fellow contender in Port Adelaide, the Tigers have had one very good win v the Dogs a belting by the Cats and and for what for most of the night was looking an unlikely victory v the Giants.
How they like to play >
Lions- We like to move the ball around with foot skills and go via the corridor if the opportunity presents itself but are not averse to going long to a contest, we put a high emphasis on winning the footy at the coal face, when we lose we more often than not have been soundly beaten in the centre square. We like the ball in the hands of Rich, Birchall and McCluggage in space and we try to get Charlie with space in front of him on the lead or over the top and out the back with both scenarios being almost unstoppable for the opposition.
Tigers- The Tigers are the ultimate system based team, they like to surge the ball forward at all times and are deadly on turnovers with pace, overlap run and handball. In defence they have a group of great intercept markers so they create pressure around the contest hoping for indiscriminate kicks forward. They also have one of the best big game/moment players in the history of the game and Dusty is deadly in short bursts in the midfield and one out in the F50.
Preview/how do we beat them? >
The Tigers have been far and away the best side in the competition over the last 4 years, everyone knows how they like to play but it is a bloody difficult task trying to stop it. However we do have form on the big stage ie QF 2020 and have shown that we can do it if we are on.
For me the key to victory in any AFL game is not that complicated if 2 teams are relatively evenly matched as is the case with this game IMO, intensity, pressure and an unrelenting desire for the contest is what is needed, in other words want it more than them.
1- We must not if at all possible go long to out numbered contests in our F50, be patient if we need to be, no hack kicks forward albeit that can be unavoidable at times in tight.
2- When I would like us to go forward quickly and what would appear indiscriminate is from centre bounces, we have a potent forward group and the worst case scenario from that situation is a 1 v 1 contest, don't stuff around with the ball via hand if under pressure.
3- We don't want Charlie trying to out body opponents(likely Grimes goes to him again), out in space no one can go with Charlie.
4- Limit turnovers to a bare minimum and get the ball in the hands of our calm ball users eg. McCluggage, Lyons, McCarthy, Birchall, Rich.
Doh!- Take our chances when they present themselves, no gimme set shot misses please.
Match ups- It's as always a group effort however Harris to Lynch, Adams to Riewoldt and Starcevich to Dusty when forward would be the way I'd go. If the personnel on the ground at the time allow it Adams may take Dusty forward, no hard tag on him in the midfield just everyone be keenly aware of his presence.
Changes from last round- Lester and Gardiner will be out, as with all of Fagan and co's match committee decisions there will be minimal changes so I expect the sub from last night K.Coleman to keep his spot and I think they'll go with Madden to add a dash of pace to combat the fast moving Tigers game style.
Prediction- Taking into account the Tigers outs we should be winning this game if we come with the intensity required, Lions by 15.
A bit of self indulgence and just because I want to put these up and view them again >
What I want to see besides a win- Clugga do the above to Lynch and Riewoldt and Harris give a giant don't argue to Dusty.
Don't forget to vote in the poll.
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but our boys should be mentally ready this time without the gorilla on the back. Expect a seriously high pressure contest.
