Houli also did his calf straight after the Vlastuin incident. So Houli and Ablett pretty much cancel each other out. Vlastuin being done seriously rattled our defence, very relieved we were able to steady.So Brisbane finished high because they play well at home.... we beat them at home and it is flattering for Geelong.
Richmond lose Vlastuin and it hurts them - geelong more or less lose the greatest player of the millenium (yes I realise he wasn't still at that level but he's still a more than handy player) and it doesn't get factored into the outcome.
(nevermind that they finished top four the previous year as well without the home ground advantage that Victorian fans seem to love bringing up in the one season in 123 years that didn't favour them)