How important is next week ??

[Dreamin' Demon 10]

Long-standing records don't hold much weight due to constant list turnover.

We've played at Football Park (AAMI) 26 times since 1991 when Adelaide entered the competition, then Port some years later. In the 26 times, we've won 5 games & lost 21.

We've had massive list turnovers, ups & downs with success over those years, yet we struggle over there. Subiaco is a similar story. We played 26 games, yet only won 8.

An earlier poster stated that it may be the ground dimensions that cause us problems, like Kardinia Park however, how do we explain the 70+ points thrashings in our good years?

Hope we break the hoodoo & win.

[Weedster 174]

Psychologically impossible to win in Adelaide.

That's a crock - it's high time we stood up and developed some grunt. Too many excuses for poor performances here

[titan_uranus 24,990]

If Melbourne are switched on (a big if as we get beaten by teams like West Coast at the G if we're not), then the Demons should beat Adelaide and do it again to Port later in the year.

That's the key to every week. If we're on, then we all know we can go with the best of them (Collingwood x 2, Bulldogs, Brisbane). If we're not we can lose to anyone (West Coast).

If we're on this week we are good enough to beat Adelaide by 5 goals. If we're not we could go down by 10 goals.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

I can't agree with that line of thinking.

Howcome 45?

Given how much we've improved, and hopefully considering we'll have taken more steps by the time we see them again... And the fact they've also improved in form, I reckon a good showing will go a long way to exorcising the demons against them. Unlike sides like Port and the Pies, we seem to match up terribly with them, and no matter what our standing is, they make us look like we've taken steps back.

Likewise if we lose by 10 goals it'll make our improvements since round one seem a little less impressive.

[45HG 1,539]

I just don't think improvement can be measured on any individual performances.

2008 against Hawthorn round one we got done by over 100 but the second time we played we were leading halfway through the last - we hadn't improved by over hundred points and the next two years certainly proved that.

I'd expect a good performance, but probably no moreso than any other week.

[mordja 187]

I think the boys would take a lot from a win over there, but i dont think that a win is highly important.

Overall team improvement (as has always been put forward) and individual development (not looking at you here at all Mr Watts) is what Id like to see.

I dont think Bails would place any more importance on this game, or at least I havent heard it said yet.

[sylvinator 96]

This game is absolutely CRUCIAL.

If we win then we'll be above the bombers on the ladder, and give me perfect ammunition over my friends, who all happen to be bombers supporters

[RalphiusMaximus 6,046]

In the grand scheme of things, next week really isn't anything to stress about. However, it would help my tipping if we won, so I guess moderately important.

[Sir Why You Little 37,016]

Beating Adelaide at this point in time will do little

for our rep. Winning away is a good habit to get into, but that doesn't make this game more important than any other away game this year.

If it's about the players confidence of winning at a foreign ground, then the Port win becomes relevant.

I also wouldn't say we have less respect than Richmond; they are merely in vogue right now.

For an example, that BackPageLead article where Dwayne Russell "stuck the boot in" had most "experts" choosing us as having the most promise going forward.

I win at AAMI is critical in terms of player confidence. To win without crowd support, just the team working for each other.

Hopefully Beamers Boxing & Bonding camp down at warnnabool last week will help to build confidence.

[e25 5]

I win at AAMI is critical in terms of player confidence. To win without crowd support, just the team working for each other.

???

How is that any different to what the guys did in Darwin?

Once again, in the scheme of things this game is no important than any other.

[Sir Why You Little 37,016]

???

How is that any different to what the guys did in Darwin?

Once again, in the scheme of things this game is no important than any other.

Darwin was a "home" game with a neutral opponent. It was a great win, but we need to win on opposition soil.

That's why it's important.

[dee-luded 2,959]

This game is absolutely CRUCIAL.

If we win then we'll be above the bombers on the ladder, and give me perfect ammunition over my friends, who all happen to be bombers supporters

I'd trade that now for a HUGE last laugh over them in 4 Years time when they trudge off the MCG in September, heads bowed as they depart us as we wait for our Medals...

[binman 42,842]

Hoodoo schmoodo. Hell we just moved into AAMI park. We love the place. Its our new home!

[pringle 42]

How can anyone say this game is not important? If the boys have any ambition, they will all be aiming for finals. Whether or not any of us believe finals is a possibility this year (I personally don't think we can make it) is irrelevant. These guys play football professionally. Whilst there is hope of making the finals, every single one of the players will see this as a must-win game to stay in touch with the top 8. If they don't, they have no pride. A win gives them a lot of confidence and impetus going into the 2nd half of the season. A loss is deflating and could affect the way they go about their footy for the remainder of 2010.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

I just don't think improvement can be measured on any individual performances.

2008 against Hawthorn round one we got done by over 100 but the second time we played we were leading halfway through the last - we hadn't improved by over hundred points and the next two years certainly proved that.

I'd expect a good performance, but probably no moreso than any other week.

Fair enough.

Personally I want to see us make that round 1 debacle a distant memory by bringing it to the Hawks. But then I rate them higher than most.

But each to their own.

[dee-luded 2,959]

How can anyone say this game is not important? If the boys have any ambition, they will all be aiming for finals. Whether or not any of us believe finals is a possibility this year (I personally don't think we can make it) is irrelevant. These guys play football professionally. Whilst there is hope of making the finals, every single one of the players will see this as a must-win game to stay in touch with the top 8. If they don't, they have no pride. A win gives them a lot of confidence and impetus going into the 2nd half of the season. A loss is deflating and could affect the way they go about their footy for the remainder of 2010.

Of course they should, they're out there playing getting hit, they should be busting it.

That doesn't mean that all of us want to jump high This Year.

I'd like to climb, with an end result 2010 of 12th. Next year I'd like to continue the climb with a bit more maturity in our main kids, but a little lost through less experienced players in the side, so I'd hope for a finish of 8th in 2011.

The Year after is the one that I think will show some hardness appearing with a jump to 6th or 5th, 2012.

From here (2013), we can launch our window of realistic ambitions.

[pringle 42]

If we lose this week we are a huge chance of nabbing another wooden spoon.

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,815]

If we lose this week we are a huge chance of nabbing another wooden spoon.

Sadly, I agree with that....

We're actually flying under the radar with regards to spoon calculations.

[Jonesy!!! 27]

we just drew with a very competent top 4 side.. and yet people are talking about spoon? jee wiz

i agree that this weekend is a massive game for us and our season, but look at our run home, easily 2 more win out of our next 11 games, and if you get the spoon with 6 and a half wins then i will eat my shoe!

[Flemo56 396]

the crows game is as important as any other for this young crew, they have a lot to learn and a long way to go, winning away is a must learn.The weeks rest could only b good for the young bodies, let's hope there up for another challenge.

[stueyspencer no12 73]

???

How is that any different to what the guys did in Darwin?

Once again, in the scheme of things this game is no important than any other.

Well, mate, I noticed that Chris Connolly emphatically disagreed with you in yesterday's Hun! Seemed to think it's critical that we improve our AAMI record

[old dee 23,786]

Well, mate, I noticed that Chris Connolly emphatically disagreed with you in yesterday's Hun! Seemed to think it's critical that we improve our AAMI record

We have taken a few steps forward but still have a long way to go.

Look who we have beaten!

No one of consequence, not one of our victims is a danger to the finals this year.

If we have improved on last year knocking over Adelaide is a must. they are below us and have IMO a poor side that is not playing well.

The only option is a win, if we cannot beat Adelaide then the number of wins we get in the next 10 weeks looks a low number.

[e25 5]

Well, mate, I noticed that Chris Connolly emphatically disagreed with you in yesterday's Hun! Seemed to think it's critical that we improve our AAMI record

I think you need to re-read that article because he didn't.

"It's not a one-game thing. It needs to be a consistent approach over a period."

Connolly said there were four key travelling assignments remaining, including Adelaide.

"Those games will tell a lot about this group," Connolly said. "Players who can perform consistently in that environment will become leading players in the future, no doubt."

At no point has Connolly said that this game is more important for us than any other.

Merely that over time we have had a poor travelling record and over time we need to rectify that.

Pretty simple.

Edited June 24, 2010 by Enforcer25

[e25 5]

Dean Bailey also doesn't tend to agree that it makes much of a difference to the importance of the match:

Bailey said while Melbourne had not performed well in away games, their slow starts were more concerning.

"We've spoken about our starts, the first five to 10 minutes in games," Bailey said.

"And when you haven't won too many games in the last three or four years, the travel record in recent times won't look good anyway.

"It's more our starts. We've got to get some intensity back and probably make some tackles stick early in the first quarter.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/bailey-gives-dees-five-out-of-10/story-e6frf9jf-1225883845341

Edited June 24, 2010 by Enforcer25

[45HG 1,539]

Be kind E25