- Aug 15, 2013
- 3,943
- 10,299
- AFL Club
- North Melbourne
Blues at Etihad
Sydney at the SCG (6 day break)
Tiges in Hobart
Cats at Etihad
Hawks at Etihad (6 day break)
Crows in Adelaide (6 day break)
Although the Blues should be number 9 on the W column, the test begins in the run up to the bye. Probably a good time to look at how we are tracking for the next 6 games.
I wouldn't see the last fortnight as much of a gauge but the resting of players, the drop off in intensity, and the burst of injuries has changed the picture a bit.
My take on things?
1. In defence of our defence
After copping early criticism, our defence is looking good recently. Taz has been top class all year and LMac a bit of a revelation. JMac, Wright and Spud have been steady. But the great thing has been the return to form of Thommo and Ats and with BMac having an impressive first game back, this is a big positive.
2. Depth is deep
The injuries and resting has given opportunities to Wood, Daw, BMac, Nahas, and Mullet and none look out of place, with Wood, BMac, and Maj showing more than enough. And with the other second tier players, Dumont and Black, in good form in the 2s, we look like we have good cover.
3. Return of the 2 weeks
The injuries have been slowly creeping up on us, with Anderson, Garner, and Turner all happening without much fanfare. But with Higgo, Wellsy, and Wrighty all being hit, we are all getting ourselves prepared to jump into panic mode. Wells and Wright come in for the Swans (he says nervously). Higgo becomes a finals wildcard. The question is whether the 3 hammies (Garner, Anderson, and Turner) are all tracking at the same rate or if one of them will be ready by the Geelong game.
4. Class crisis
The Higgins knee and Wells achilles might be the difference between a flag or an early September. Although reading the word 'achilles' today has raised the blood pressure, I'm still assuming (hoping) Wellsy in being managed for an SCG return. The loss of Higgins is hurting big time. Take those 2 out and we are short on match winners.
5. Well managed 8 & 0
Undefeated on top of the ladder coming off 2 games where we have been in second gear, giving Spud a spell, Goldy a reduced load, and a bunch of players a bit of a chance to recharge. We haven't been in a position like this for decades and look well prepared for the tough run ahead.
With all the debate over whether we are the real deal or not, be curious to hear what the brethren/sistren expect from the next 6 weeks, especially as we face 3 of the potential premiership contenders.
Personally, would rate a victory over the Hawks as a priority, but would love to burst the Cats' bubble too. I could see us dropping the Swans game, especially as they are at home, have an extra day's rest, and the revenge factor after the finals loss last year. Carlton and Tiges are must wins. Crows a 50-50.
Sydney at the SCG (6 day break)
Tiges in Hobart
Cats at Etihad
Hawks at Etihad (6 day break)
Crows in Adelaide (6 day break)
Although the Blues should be number 9 on the W column, the test begins in the run up to the bye. Probably a good time to look at how we are tracking for the next 6 games.
I wouldn't see the last fortnight as much of a gauge but the resting of players, the drop off in intensity, and the burst of injuries has changed the picture a bit.
My take on things?
1. In defence of our defence
After copping early criticism, our defence is looking good recently. Taz has been top class all year and LMac a bit of a revelation. JMac, Wright and Spud have been steady. But the great thing has been the return to form of Thommo and Ats and with BMac having an impressive first game back, this is a big positive.
2. Depth is deep
The injuries and resting has given opportunities to Wood, Daw, BMac, Nahas, and Mullet and none look out of place, with Wood, BMac, and Maj showing more than enough. And with the other second tier players, Dumont and Black, in good form in the 2s, we look like we have good cover.
3. Return of the 2 weeks
The injuries have been slowly creeping up on us, with Anderson, Garner, and Turner all happening without much fanfare. But with Higgo, Wellsy, and Wrighty all being hit, we are all getting ourselves prepared to jump into panic mode. Wells and Wright come in for the Swans (he says nervously). Higgo becomes a finals wildcard. The question is whether the 3 hammies (Garner, Anderson, and Turner) are all tracking at the same rate or if one of them will be ready by the Geelong game.
4. Class crisis
The Higgins knee and Wells achilles might be the difference between a flag or an early September. Although reading the word 'achilles' today has raised the blood pressure, I'm still assuming (hoping) Wellsy in being managed for an SCG return. The loss of Higgins is hurting big time. Take those 2 out and we are short on match winners.
5. Well managed 8 & 0
Undefeated on top of the ladder coming off 2 games where we have been in second gear, giving Spud a spell, Goldy a reduced load, and a bunch of players a bit of a chance to recharge. We haven't been in a position like this for decades and look well prepared for the tough run ahead.
With all the debate over whether we are the real deal or not, be curious to hear what the brethren/sistren expect from the next 6 weeks, especially as we face 3 of the potential premiership contenders.
Personally, would rate a victory over the Hawks as a priority, but would love to burst the Cats' bubble too. I could see us dropping the Swans game, especially as they are at home, have an extra day's rest, and the revenge factor after the finals loss last year. Carlton and Tiges are must wins. Crows a 50-50.
