Will You Be Happy With The One Flag??

[Copernicus]

Hell no, not with this group. Although I was overjoyed with the win in 2007, there's no doubt that this squad is capable of far more than just one flag. In fact I see us competing for the flag for the next 4 or 5 years. Just one will certainly not be enough for me!

 

[krisholio14]

No I would not be happy with only one flag.

 

[KardiniaPark]

I said in 2007 i didnt care if we won again, but then you think about the previous 30 years of Grand Final hell and think fk that we deserve more than one after all that bullshit!

 

[watermelonslice]

Since 1992, WCE have won 3 out of 4 Grand Finals, we've won 1 out of 5!

Oh thanks for the stat. I wasn't aware of that. (I'm pretty ignorant to going ons in the AFL pre-2002.)

 

[Topper]

1 flag with the stars and the amount of All Australians we have would be embarrassing. We have to capitalize with this list and win it this year

 

[Cattery]

They have taken us from being the butt of jokes, to being one of the most highly respected clubs in the league.

And the "butt of jokes" is what we'll become again if this playing group only manage to win the one flag.
Imagine a side winning 43/44 games over two seasons and having nothing to show for it at the end of the day ..... chokers, underachievers, handbaggers, all the old cliches will be trotted out again, and not without some justification, having record win/loss ratios during the H&W season really amounts to nothing if we fall over at the business end of the season, fantastic to watch and thoroughly enjoyable while it's happening, but ultimately pointless.

Brisbane will always be remembered as a great team, not because of what they did during the H&W season but because they won three consecutive flags.

Going back to the Geelong teams of the sixties, 89 through to the mid nineties and the current crop we've had enough talent to win half a dozen flags, to score just two would be a monumental waste of talent.

Not trying to sound pessimistic, ......... making a prelim final this year, would be a bonus, .

Suggesting we'll go out in straight sets, heck I'm glad you're "not" being pessismistic.

 

[ninjacat]

If we had won last year and made it 2 in a row, I would not have cared where we finished in the next 5 years. This team was good enough to make it 3 in a row but that won't happen now.

Two flags in three years is good. So regardless of St Kilda we really have to push hard for this year and I think the players know it. 2010-11 is still pinchable I think with the current crop of guys but they will be starting to age a bit like Sydney 2005. It will probably be 20 years until we get a team this good again so let's make the most of it.

 

[Jumping Jack]

There is a hell of alot of luck involved in winning a flag .... injuries suspensions etc play a big part as we all know.

I feel privelged to have watched this group and very proud to be a GFC supporter / member ..... I would'nt have said that a few years back.

I have no real basis for the following statement, but ... I just have a sneaking suspicion that we may not see another flag from this group. In 2007 all the planets were aligned .... hardly any injuries apart from Egan and nearly a full list to pick from. We have to remember that some of our key 'book end' type players are nearly 3 years older and whilst the mind might be willing - for some of these blokes I'm not sure their bodies are - and that might be the story when we review 2009.

Ottens impact must be doubtful having missed so much football - Milburn and Harley are 31+ - Scarlett is 30 and still playing great football (but not getting the help he used to) - Mooney is close to 30 and does'nt seem to be as physically imposing or as mobile as he was a couple of years ago (go back and check some 2007 highlights) - the loss of Josh Hunt should'nt be underestimated - Blake has'nt developed as many predicted.

Finally, I reckon we were lucky in 2007 in some respects to survive without an AA CHB in Egan. Last year he might have made a big difference and I suspect this year if we come up against StK with a fit Reiwoldt and Kosi then the lack of a big power CHB might be our short-coming.

Don't interpret this as negative ...... just a gut feel and I'd love to be proven wrong.

 

[year of the cat]

I have a similar "nagging feeling". If however we could somehow squeeze one more flag this year I could see us having a hell of a hangover next year!!!

 

[crunchola]

Jumping Jack, you and veedubs say the same thing,you say it nicer, but I agree with you both, very sadly. Would be surprised, elated, relieved if we happened to get another flag with this group.

 

[The rabbi]

No. Not at all.

 

[crunchola]

everything that fell into place for us in 07 is happening for saints, and most media and probably umps want saints to win, and they look the goods. we look far from settled and less imposing than any time over recent 2 years, and even this week melbourne are a real chance to beat us. who would have said that after that slaughter last year.talking flags right now is fanciful

 

[barmy44]

guys, our team is an amazing team. look at how many other teams have won just the one premiership at a time. since 1990, only four teams - adelaide, west coast, north and brisbane. brisbane won 3 in 3 years, west coast 2 in 3, north won 2 in 4 years, adelaide 2 in 2. it is really, really, hard to win consecutive premierships.

i think its horrible that people could say theyd be angry at our current situation to not capitalise, with the talent weve got. there are a few other very talented sides in the comp right now. and there are always, come september, 7 other teams who want to win.

i think we should all understand that our boys want to win very badly. they will do their very best to win the premiership. if they came out this week and said "we lost the '08 GF just for a laugh! just to see how it felt!" id be angry. im not angry. im proud. they played and trained so damn hard last year. imagine the effort and pain that went into it. egan will probably never play again, may even walk with a limp for the rest of his life, chasing a premiership that we all took great delight in.

i think we need to unify our support a little. unlikely any geelong staff or players will come on BF, read some negative comments, and pack up their season. however, we are probably the most divided team forum on the net right now. look at st kilda. theyre falling all over each other. the adelaide board is falling all over each other. so is the bulldogs one. we are very well placed, still well within our premiership window, and i have strong belief they can do it this year. if they dont, theyre going to put everything into the attempt. and if there is a better team this year than geelong, that is our shared bad luck, but amplified for the players, who have worked so hard to get there.

i wrote a post like this in the geelong forum, trying to get some spirit up, and instead people complained about paying to see an undermanned geelong side. put any other team at 13-2 with the quality of players we have available right now, and their supporters would be off their nuts. richmond, north, fremantle, west coast, hawthorn, melbourne, collingwood, essendon, carlton, adelaide, port, sydney, brisbane, in fact, pretty much all bar us, saints, and maybe bulldogs.

come on, guys. what is going on here is the equivalent of winning 2 million in the lottery and being annoyed it wasnt the 90 million. we are a brilliant team, with hunger, great players, a coach who has two seasons of experience at the top to fall back on, and a top two position. bring on september, cause i cant wait to watch the fittest team we have go deep into september. its going to be great. and if we dont win it, ill watch the 07 GF, and wait with excitement until 2010. the boys have been training hard since december. if you dont think theyre going to put in 100% effort to win the flag, then WTF?

sure, id much rather 2, or 3 premierships to 1, but i will never question our talent, desire or anything associated with GFC, cause what were watching is the GFC. if they come away in 3 years time with only the one flag, i say good luck to all involved in that one flag, and well done. this year is 11 weeks from over, and our position in the finals is secured. lets enjoy it.

 

[The Governor]

Hi,

As a Geelong supporter, I will be never happy with one flag.

THis current Geelong side has the ability to win 2 to 3 flags over the next 3 years. We blew our chance last year and this year is the year to do it.

Otherwise, we will be known as Sleepy Hollow forever.

In the 1960s, we should have won flags in 1962, 1964, 1965 and 1967.

IN the 1980s, we should have played off against the Tigers in 1980 and Carlton in 1981.

DUring the Malcolm Blight years, selfishness and ignorance cost us the 1989 and 1992 flags. You just wonder why Leigh Colbert walked out of the Geelong FOotball CLub in 1999. He knew that Stoneham and Hocking were selfish footballers. He informed Brian Cook and Frank Costa of the situation in 1999 and they have recitified the situation.

So, this current crop is capable of winning a flag in 2009 and 2010.

If this current group does not win a flag this year, this Geelong side will be known as the CHOKERS of the 21st Century.

Finally, the selection committee did the right thing in dropping Mark Blake.

 

[Hinkley29]

Hi,

As a Geelong supporter, I will be never happy with one flag.

THis current Geelong side has the ability to win 2 to 3 flags over the next 3 years. We blew our chance last year and this year is the year to do it.

Otherwise, we will be known as Sleepy Hollow forever.

In the 1960s, we should have won flags in 1962, 1964, 1965 and 1967.

IN the 1980s, we should have played off against the Tigers in 1980 and Carlton in 1981.

DUring the Malcolm Blight years, selfishness and ignorance cost us the 1989 and 1992 flags. You just wonder why Leigh Colbert walked out of the Geelong FOotball CLub in 1999. He knew that Stoneham and Hocking were selfish footballers. He informed Brian Cook and Frank Costa of the situation in 1999 and they have recitified the situation.

So, this current crop is capable of winning a flag in 2009 and 2010.

If this current group does not win a flag this year, this Geelong side will be known as the CHOKERS of the 21st Century.

Finally, the selection committee did the right thing in dropping Mark Blake.

You have set the bar high (or is that low?) with your previous posts, but this is probably the biggest load of crap I have read on this site.

 

[catspremiers2007]

There is a hell of alot of luck involved in winning a flag .... injuries suspensions etc play a big part as we all know.

I feel privelged to have watched this group and very proud to be a GFC supporter / member ..... I would'nt have said that a few years back.

I have no real basis for the following statement, but ... I just have a sneaking suspicion that we may not see another flag from this group. In 2007 all the planets were aligned .... hardly any injuries apart from Egan and nearly a full list to pick from. We have to remember that some of our key 'book end' type players are nearly 3 years older and whilst the mind might be willing - for some of these blokes I'm not sure their bodies are - and that might be the story when we review 2009.

Ottens impact must be doubtful having missed so much football - Milburn and Harley are 31+ - Scarlett is 30 and still playing great football (but not getting the help he used to) - Mooney is close to 30 and does'nt seem to be as physically imposing or as mobile as he was a couple of years ago (go back and check some 2007 highlights) - the loss of Josh Hunt should'nt be underestimated - Blake has'nt developed as many predicted.

Finally, I reckon we were lucky in 2007 in some respects to survive without an AA CHB in Egan. Last year he might have made a big difference and I suspect this year if we come up against StK with a fit Reiwoldt and Kosi then the lack of a big power CHB might be our short-coming.

Don't interpret this as negative ...... just a gut feel and I'd love to be proven wrong.

Nope, pretty sure people only age 1 year per year


Just kidding

 

[Catsace]

I am pretty sure the players will be steeling themselves for a huge push in September this year. Last year would have rankled big time with the group, and the pain of the unrewarded efforts of last year will drive them to give it all for a shot at the title this season.

Also, if the top 4 sides remain as they currently are, just have a look historically at them! I've said this before, but St.Kilda are hardly a benchmark for success in September...they have been a little like Geelong lite over the years, same as the Bulldogs in the sense that they have made several preliminary finals/semi finals in the last 20-25 years but have not won a flag at all. The Dogs have lost 6 finals to us in a row stemming back to 1976...we are to them what Hawthorn are to us in Finals. Collingwood has one a single flag in what is clearly regarded as a moderate season in 1990, and have lost in 1960, 64, 66, 70, 77, 79, 80, 81 and also 2002 and 2003. Geelong since 1989 has actually won 6 preliminary finals out of 8, losing in 1991 and 2004 in that time. The Dogs for that matter have not won a preliminary final since 1961....indeed that is their singular such win!

I'm suggesting that if Geelong can steel themselves, they have a great chance to overcome what is presented to themselves if this current top 4 remains in September. Geelong know what it takes to win finals, and under Bomber since 2004, we have won 7 of 11 finals, including a flag. Just reckon history does have a role to play in such scenarios, and i know it's clutching at straws a bit, but the fact that Adelaide was able to defeat both the Dogs and St.Kilda in 1997, when they were the 'new kid on the block' suggests that the sheer lack of finals success of those two sides in particular, and Collingwood in Grand Finals, does play psychological tricks on you when the crunch comes.

Anyway, that's my two cents worth!

 

[krisholio14]

Since 1992, WCE have won 3 out of 4 Grand Finals, we've won 1 out of 5!

Last 6 GF's....

Hawthorn - 5 out of 6 (including two against us)

Geelong - 1 out of 6

 

[krisholio14]

everything that fell into place for us in 07 is happening for saints, and most media and probably umps want saints to win, and they look the goods. we look far from settled and less imposing than any time over recent 2 years, and even this week melbourne are a real chance to beat us. who would have said that after that slaughter last year.talking flags right now is fanciful

That is a joke right?

 

[crunchola]

That is a joke right?

won't be in a joking mood if it happens

 

[year of the cat]

I am pretty sure the players will be steeling themselves for a huge push in September this year. Last year would have rankled big time with the group, and the pain of the unrewarded efforts of last year will drive them to give it all for a shot at the title this season.

Also, if the top 4 sides remain as they currently are, just have a look historically at them! I've said this before, but St.Kilda are hardly a benchmark for success in September...they have been a little like Geelong lite over the years, same as the Bulldogs in the sense that they have made several preliminary finals/semi finals in the last 20-25 years but have not won a flag at all. The Dogs have lost 6 finals to us in a row stemming back to 1976...we are to them what Hawthorn are to us in Finals. Collingwood has one a single flag in what is clearly regarded as a moderate season in 1990, and have lost in 1960, 64, 66, 70, 77, 79, 80, 81 and also 2002 and 2003. Geelong since 1989 has actually won 6 preliminary finals out of 8, losing in 1991 and 2004 in that time. The Dogs for that matter have not won a preliminary final since 1961....indeed that is their singular such win!

I'm suggesting that if Geelong can steel themselves, they have a great chance to overcome what is presented to themselves if this current top 4 remains in September. Geelong know what it takes to win finals, and under Bomber since 2004, we have won 7 of 11 finals, including a flag. Just reckon history does have a role to play in such scenarios, and i know it's clutching at straws a bit, but the fact that Adelaide was able to defeat both the Dogs and St.Kilda in 1997, when they were the 'new kid on the block' suggests that the sheer lack of finals success of those two sides in particular, and Collingwood in Grand Finals, does play psychological tricks on you when the crunch comes.

Anyway, that's my two cents worth!

Good post. It is obvious the club are taking a different approach this year, not putting too much emphasis on the remaining H&A matches to have themselves fit and firing in September. After 3 seasons as ladder or near ladder leaders it has to take it's toll both physically and mentally. So if the playing group go through a bit of a down patch at the moment it is probably to be expected.

My concern is that we are having a year with ongoing "niggly" injuries. Ottens is a real concern, SJ has missed a few weeks now, Harley is clearly underdone and showing the effects of missing a pre-season, Ling has ongoing problems with his knee which is hampering his movement, and even Ablett has developed groin soreness over the past month. Can all of these players be peaking in September? Can Stokes get back to his old form? Can Hawkins have an impact? That will be a challenge.

If the answer is "YES" to all of the above then I am confident we will win the flag because we are still the best team. If "NO" then we may just end up following a similar path to Essendon of 2001.

 

[cancat]

Bollocks to one flag. We dominated the comp the last 2 years and are flag favourites for this year.

 

[Fuzzyash]

Hi,

DUring the Malcolm Blight years, selfishness and ignorance cost us the 1989 and 1992 flags.

Actually, Hawthorn and West Coast cost us the 1989 and 1992 flags.

 

[Cohzee]

We don't have a choice. We are not as good as 2007, and the opposition are better than what we had then. Our defence has not adequately replaced Egan, Harley is in decline, Hunt is a big loss in many ways, Milburn is injury prone, Harry is a gun, Enright a star, Mackie iffy. Our forward line seems less potent, and Mooney admits he struggled without Nathan Ablett. Ottens had his best ever season in 07, and we haven't replaced him. Our mids are awesome, but can they spend all year covering the holes in defence and forward without a cost.
Not trying to sound pessimistic, but in reality, that's how I perceive our current and likely future for this season, and making a prelim final this year, would be a bonus, and anything more, HUGE. Not necessarily happy with just the 1 flag, but let's be realistic. Everybody media-wise seems to have our many weaknesses analysed and we are so heavily scrutinized mainly due to what we have achieved past 2-3 seasons.

Not sure how we win at all.

 

[AidanNelson2009]

No, it would be a disappointment if Geelong only win 1 flag in 3 years considering that they have been the best team in the past 3 years, we have won about 55 out of our last 60 games or something, that is outstanding, we have dominated the leage and winning just 1 flag wouldn't be enough, i'm not being greedy but i think everyone would agree with me. We won the 2007 flag and that was unbeliveable, i was so happy, but we should have won the 2008 flag but were robbed by Hawthorn who this year have just proved what a pathetic team they are, if we do not win the 2009 flag then i will be very disappointed, because teams are catching upto us and are closing the gap, in 2 years time Geelong won't be dominating the league, teams like Carlton, Hawthorn, Essendon, Adelaide and Western Bulldogs will be major contenders, this year is a must win premiership year because if we don't then we might see an end or an era with Geelong, most teams are familier with the way Geelong play, so that's why they are closing the gap, people say Geelong's current team is better than Brisbanes premiership years, i say no way because they won 3 straight and to do that you have to be a very very good team, and Brisbane were back then, we are too right now but really have nothing to show for it other then the 07 flag.