The 2014 finals thread

[Cards13 9,117]

One thing I've noticed about Port Adelaide that we don't do is they shepherd extremely well for each other, as well as running both ways HARD all game.

Those two things are purely effort and fitness.

Port fitness levels are anove Hawks, their descision making is letting them down terribly.

Roughy is the worry for Port fwd.

[Gorgoroth 13,188]

Cornes has made some terrible decisions today.

Wingard needs to get into the game more.

[45HG 1,559]

They'll either rue these misses and let Hawthorn off the hook or eventually start drilling them and move away. I think the Hawks will have it.

[Sir Why You Little 37,342]

Whorethorn have made the most of opportunities.

Hinkley is going to have to earn his pay at half time.

[Gorgoroth 13,188]

Port are def kicking themselves out of the game, if they don't remedy this in the third the game will be over at 3/4 time.

[Earl Hood 6,152]

Who is blanketing Wingard? He needs to fire up in the second half.

[rjay 25,347]

Who is blanketing Wingard? He needs to fire up in the second half.

Lake, early at least. Probably a bit more team defence.

[Chook 15,023]

In the game of australian rules football, virtually every skill pales into insignificance next to the ability to kick goals instead of points. It's the great undeveloped skill of our game.

[Meggs 598]

Yes Hawthorn is getting all the 50:50's.

Port bad kicking but I think they still have the ability to win this game. Many of the Hawks are just too slow.

I loved watching Sydney last night. Their midfield is what we should aspire to not the Hawks.

[Cards13 9,117]

In the game of australian rules football, virtually every skill pales into insignificance next to the ability to kick goals instead of points. It's the great undeveloped skill of our game.

Chook without having stats of goal kicking efficiency over the years it appears to be getting worse. Either it is not practised enough or the flip side is the change in game. We no longer have specialists who's sole job (even is listed as a fwd they move up and down the ground) is to stand within 20 of goal and lead to the ball. It is a team offence and defence. Fatigue is the other point, with the 30 second rule along with the need to run both ways and zonal defence pushing teams wider tends to lead to poorer set shots and finishing.

[dazzledavey36 55,990]

Wines has come crashing back to earth today

Having a stinker.

[Gorgoroth 13,188]

Yep, saw Monfries before, forgot he was playing, Cornes been average, boak ok, wingard not seen, getting smashed in the ruck.

But if they had kicked straight early then I bet all would be playing a bit better as the Hawks would be on the back foot.

[Cards13 9,117]

Not looking good for Port now.

[Gorgoroth 13,188]

Oh.... Hi Monfries.....

Lol

[Sir Why You Little 37,342]

Game on still

[MO FINE 171]

Where are Wines & Wingard?

[Gorgoroth 13,188]

Robbie Gray has been fantastic today.

[Cards13 9,117]

Not going to win bombing to Wingard and Neade

[Sir Why You Little 37,342]

Roughnut could kick 10.

It is depressing...

[Earl Hood 6,152]

Wasn't that holding the ball against the Hawks right at the end. Just because the player thought it was going to be a free to the Hawks shouldn't matter, he just stood there with the ball in hand with plenty of prior and was then tackled. Free kick to Port with 10 seconds to go.

[Chook 15,023]

Yet again no team outside the top four in the Grand Final. The current finals system gives too much of an advantage to the top four sides.

[Sir Why You Little 37,342]

Birds will once again represent the AFL Grand Final

There are far too many varieties of Birds in this competion.

Bush Junk

[Sir Why You Little 37,342]

Yet again no team outside the top four in the Grand Final. The current finals system gives too much of an advantage to the top four sides.

So make the top 4.

It will be a cracking game next week

[Cards13 9,117]

Horrible call. Both had eyes for the ball.

Come on Port!

[Chook 15,023]

So make the top 4.

It will be a cracking game next week

Then give us an even draw so that teams make the top 4 based on something other than which of the other teams they happened to play twice. If you make the top four then you're probably good enough to win it anyway. Why make it a fait accompli?

It's like "If you make the top 8 you can win the flag...except you can't unless you get the double chance, so don't even bother."

I so wanted Port or North to win this weekend, just to validate the system. But the system seems once again to be broken because probably the strongest 5th spot team in a long time still won't be able to get over the line.