OK - I've said it already but today's game will go a long way to telling us about our team. We've had some real highs as well as a couple of really poor efforts. Our defence in particular has been questioned. 

However, this is the first time in a decade that we've played to defend a place in the top 8 against a very good side. 

This is the moment.

4 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

OK - I've said it already but today's game will go a long way to telling us about our team. We've had some real highs as well as a couple of really poor efforts. Our defence in particular has been questioned. 

However, this is the first time in a decade that we've played to defend a place in the top 8 against a very good side. 

This is the moment.

Yes it is the moment indeed,   And not to get ahead of things but we play a very very poor Brisbane team at the G next week too.

The opportunity is there not just to stay in the mix but to cement ourselves in the 8 and get confidence sky high,

But its all about today.

2 minutes ago, Petraccattack said:

Yes it is the moment indeed,   And not to get ahead of things but we play a very very poor Brisbane team at the G next week too.

The opportunity is there not just to stay in the mix but to cement ourselves in the 8 and get confidence sky high,

But its all about today.

Nar ... it's because next week we play Brisbane who were monstered by Collingwood last night that makes today so important. We always lose to teams in hopeless situations  like Brisbane so we have to make up for next week by beating the dogs today.

Can't wait, V8's at Winton next weekend so gotta go cut a load of wood then back in time for the bounce, Dee's by 9.5+ points paying 4 bucks, I'm just sayin...

Feeling really good about today's game!! 

I think the battle of the midfield will be very even and the game will be won and lost in the efficiency of balls inside 50 for both teams. We really need to make the most of our entries and can't afford to just bomb the ball in because we are going to have a height advantage... I'd like to see Salem play a mid/HF role and just lace the ball out to our talls all day! 

Dees to shock the footy public and win by 45  

 

Go Dee's!!!!! 

If we win the clearances and get the ball in the forward 50 we should win.

The doggies back line has been decimated with injury in he past few weeks.

Not confident at all, dogs are the better more consistent side in the contest at this stage and have had real tests already in north, adelaide and hawthorn. They kept the saints to 36 points and the saints put 135 past us. 

Always hopeful, them playing at the g and without marcus adams makes it a bit unknown. Go dees!

Confident, because I find a win when I was confident far more satisfying than a surprise win. Of course, losing feels heaps worse, but we're a good enough side that I'm happy to take that risk with my own emotions. 

50 minutes ago, Hulett Packard III said:

Nar ... it's because next week we play Brisbane who were monstered by Collingwood last night that makes today so important. We always lose to teams in hopeless situations  like Brisbane so we have to make up for next week by beating the dogs today.

We *always* lose to teams in hopeless situations? I know we like to have really short memories around here, but have you already forgotten last week? We're fresh off demolishing a team in a hopeless situation. 

Making a day trip from country sa. looking at 10 hour return drive. Last time I get to see them play before Queens birthday. Very nervous as I've only seen 2 games this year- essendon and St. Kilda. In fact, you have to go back to the carlton game, round 4 of Paul Roos' first season in charge to recall my last win. Yes ladies and gentleman I have witnessed us lose at adelaide oval, Alice Springs, Darwin, etihad stadium and of course the mcg. 

Whilst I look like a bad omen, I'm fairly certain that I am not responsible for errant kicks and missed tackles and will head along today anyway to watch the boys win by 27 points.

I've tipped the Bulldogs simply because our defence still concerns me greatly and they now have a couple of tall marking options plus Stringer.

Line by line we look good compared to them.  However, I think this will be won on structures, esp how we break down their defense and make use of it inside 50.  We have to win it in the middle and run super hard both ways, or we will be made to look like fools.  Looking forward to it, see you at the 'G!

This is 'show us the money' day.

30 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

I've tipped the Bulldogs simply because our defence still concerns me greatly and they now have a couple of tall marking options plus Stringer.

Sorry to put a mozz on you Clint but I hope that you lose!

7 minutes ago, CBDees said:

Sorry to put a mozz on you Clint but I hope that you lose!

So do I.

We simply must find a way to vary our movement into the forward line. If we keep banging the ball towards Hogan we will be cooked. We were even a bit one dimensional against The Suns and need to get better value out of our forward thrusts. Yes, we flogged The Suns in the end, but they were pitiful. We wont get their charity from the Dogs.

As I've been banging on about since last year - we need to find a way through the Clarko system.

I think this game will be won by whose 'bottom four' stands up the most.  For us, it's guys like Stretch, Hunt, Michie, Wagner - if they can play their roles really well today, beat their opponent and give us some drive from the back half and through the middle, then we go a long way to winning this game of footy.  

Big Max SHOULD give our players first use as they really don't have a proper ruckman in their side, and Max should monster Roughhead, but we need to be disciplined in our use of the ball and not allow them to run it out easily from half back.  If we do that then we are in loads of trouble.

I'm feeling good about today's game, though.  Would love to see us to 5-3, which would be an excellent sign that we have truly turned the corner.

2 hours ago, Nasher said:

We *always* lose to teams in hopeless situations? I know we like to have really short memories around here, but have you already forgotten last week? We're fresh off demolishing a team in a hopeless situation. 

The difference was that GC went in favourites last week.

Brisbane are about $5 to beat us.

We can't handle being favourites.

2 hours ago, Nasher said:

We *always* lose to teams in hopeless situations? I know we like to have really short memories around here, but have you already forgotten last week? We're fresh off demolishing a team in a hopeless situation. 

I think that loss put a full stop on the fact that they were (are) in a hopeless situation. Some people were actually tipping the Gold Coast before the first bounce last week. 
I think a better point would be that we often get complacent when people expect us to win by the length of the straight. This is a completely legitimate point and was demonstrated not just this year but last year as well (vs. Essendon and Carlton).

if its a open game we will be beaten comfortably, defensive with numbers back & we will win. 

1 hour ago, Clint Bizkit said:

So do I.

I have picked them all so far except for the Collingwood vs Brisbane match ( but I let sentiment get in the way because I detest Collingwood).

A win today we consolidate our spot in the 8 (for now) and have Brisbane and Port the following weeks,  could potentially be 4 from 4 for the first time in God knows when,  could get a handy gap on those below us and give some breathing room and also signify to those who may still be doubtful that we are on the improve,  this is the place to be,  and finals is just around the corner. Massive, must win game.  This is huge! 

It's pretty simple with us at the moment. If we show up and bring intensity around the contest, we win, or at least go close (North game). If we don't show up and bring intensity around the contest we get blown away in an open game.

Bring intensity, hope Nathan Jones starts a fight, and enjoy the ride to victory!

Can someone do the ladder predictor and see what happens if we win today and the next couple of weeks,  while pencilling in a loss for dogs against GWS? 

I know its hours away from kickoff but it has turned very dark here in Melbourne after a beautiful morning. If the forecasted showers come thru I cant help but think a slippery ball will work very much in our favour. We played in slippery conditions last week and they have played in pristine dry conditions all year under a roof. The sky will spook them!