St Kilda...

[Grasshopper17]

I remember remarking to friends after the Round 9 loss to Adelaide in 2001, out of absolute frustration and just being fed up with the way they were playing, that the only team who could beat Brisbane, was Brisbane. The problem was that it was an all too regular occurrence.

Luckily my timing was impeccable, and since then the lads have lived up to their potential big time.

But this week is the first time for AGES (probably since the Essendon game in 2000 if you want to put a specific time on it) when I have genuinely felt that the Lions could be fully fit, playing at their absolute peak, yadayadayada, and still get beaten.

I watched the Saints in what was the so called match of the round on the weekend, and they just beat the living suitcases out of the Kangaroos. The hard-as-nails Kangaroos more to the point.

Compared to the Lions I don't think they lack anything in skill, composure, or game plan. I think they have a clear edge in speed, they have youth on their side, and the only advantage I can see Brisbane having over them is maybe a slight edge in physical strength, and possibly a bit of experience and footballing "know how".

Does anybody else share my concerns?

 

[roostersgal4eva]

sort of

All your idear are true but it seems to me that the players play at their best as a group when the Lions are challenged. Its when they get 'board' with the game that they don't play as well!

In 2001 the challenge came from Essendon and in 2002-3 it was Collingwood who threw everything at us and yet we managed to rise to the occasion! We play our best Football in the games that really matter.

Our advantage is that we have a better defensive half then the saints - we have the players to cover Hamill and Gerig but Rewalt is a worry I must admit. Also, I cant see anybody the Saints in their defence that can physically go up against Browny and Lynchy especially in the form they are both in!

I beleve that we can and will win - have a little faith rchowell

 

[kimp]

While I am very concerned about this match, I don't think they would match us if we were playing at full strength. We seem to be running on 2nd gear of late (especially against Hawthorne) and that's what my real concern is.

 

[cjwalkley]

Not having a decent hit out against Hawthorn may hurt us early. I actually think we may lose this round, but anywhere other than Telstra Dome we will beat the Saints. They have a lot of quick, skilful footballers who won't be able to cope as well with a defensive game in the elements.

Ideally for the defensive match ups we would have Michael on Gehrig and Leppitsch on Hammil and Bradshaw on Riewoldt, but with Bradshaw out it will be an interesting restructure. Leigh will no doubt play about with the midfield structures to see what works and what doesn't, but I would put anything on our boys whenever they are seriously challenged.

It would be nice to have Keating in the side to really ram home our decisive ruck advantage, but Charman should towel Knobel up especially around the ground. Brennan will be given a new lease on life i think with a following role as well.

 

[Tim the Toolman]

I think White may be a better option for Riewoldt due to his leap and pace? He will be hard to match up no doubt and further proof that the Saints may have what it takes in 2004?

I heard Aussie Jones gave Acker a bit of ammunition after last year's debacle. That may give our boys a bit of extra inspiration!

 

[St-KriS]

Originally posted by cjwalkley
Michael on Gehrig and Leppitsch on Hammil and Bradshaw on Riewoldt, but with Bradshaw out it will be an interesting restructure.

Why wouldn't you put Lepper on Riewoldt?

I was wondering the same thing last year when Riewoldt had a killer game against you lot?

 

[weevil]

That’s funny; the height of my frustration came the week before that Adelaide game, when we got flogged by Carlton. I remember complaining long and bitterly that I had been supporting a team for years that never seemed to play to their potential.

This is a real possibility that this could be a changing of the guard game. By far the biggest game of the year so far.

 

[Slax]

A definite changing of the guard is about to happen from Brisbane to St. Kilda. I believe it to be very similar to 1999 when North were the bench mark that everyone judged themselves by. This is probably just about the last shot we have at a priemership with this lot and if St. Kilda keep their kids together then they definitely win one or two with them.

 

[cjwalkley]

Originally posted by St-KriS
Why wouldn't you put Lepper on Riewoldt?

I was wondering the same thing last year when Riewoldt had a killer game against you lot?

Leppitsch would struggle a little with the leg speed of Riewoldt. He prefers, and it is preferable for the Lions structure, for Leppitsch not to be chasing his man out onto the wings. It enables his to zone off and provide the third man in the contest more regularly.