AFL Semi Finals Weekend 2016

[Rod Grinter Riot Squad 5,636]

46 minutes ago, Deestroy All said:

Why aren't GWS forced to play at ANZ like the Swans were? Soulless Stadium holds 24k, more than 24k will want to go. 

 

Because the AFL will do anything to see GWS in the GF.

 

if ANZ is too big, they should be forced to play at the SCG, but looking after heart and soul supporters is not a priority for the AFL

[Pates 9,537]

I have to admit I was on the fence about the whole debate with GWS playing at spotless. Seeing the G packed to the rafters with a large amount being dogs fans you know the AFL have screwed the dogs fans out of being able to go the final just to look after their love child. 

Well done to the doggies, hard to know what I'm happier about: Dogs going through or Hawks out!

Edited September 16, 2016 by Pates

[deelete my account 1,194]

This upcoming prelim with GWS is almost replicating last nights game v Hawthorn. Many people have a sneaking feeling that this might be the Dogs only shot at a premiership for another 3+ years, with this frankenstein GWS team. GWS = Hawthorn

Edited September 16, 2016 by DominatrixTyson

[What 18,810]

Praying the Crows get into the granny, the Cats and Swans have had enough success the past 10 years.  At least we are guaranteed one fresh team making it in (Gws or Dogs).

Crows vs Bulldogs grand final would be amazing.

Edited September 16, 2016 by Petraccattack

[Whispering_Jack 27,999]

A lot was made earlier in the season about Hawthorn's ability to get out of tight squeezes and win the close ones. I said at the time that I thought it was an indicator that their years of ruling over the competition were coming to an end because those were often games that they would once have won comfortably.

As much as football has changed in the time that I've followed it, the trend was much the same as what happened at the end of Melbourne's era in 1965 when it scrambled home to win its early games but failed to make the top four. The circumstances were a little different (we had a board that sacked a 6 time premiership winning coach) but the reality for the Hawks is that they've missed out on making the top four.

And I believe that, despite them having a great coach, good finances and a strong following, the end will come fast. They're facing a cliff and when their stalwarts have gone, they'll be left with their mercenaries and they will plunge down to a place where James Frawley is all too familiar.

[Lucifers Hero 37,086]

9 hours ago, DominatrixTyson said:

 

103 tackles and only 3 HTB, HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? 

SALT.

 

Clarkson highlighted that in his press conf...said the games changed in its interpretation...a thinly veiled dig at the umpires! 

Right to the end the Hawks were whinging!

[boydie 653]

6 hours ago, Petraccattack said:

Praying the Crows get into the granny, the Cats and Swans have had enough success the past 10 years.  At least we are guaranteed one fresh team making it in (Gws or Dogs).

Crows vs Bulldogs grand final would be amazing.

Agree, when was the last time that two sides outside the top 4 played off in the granny?

[Maldonboy38 5,926]

6 hours ago, Petraccattack said:

Praying the Crows get into the granny, the Cats and Swans have had enough success the past 10 years.  At least we are guaranteed one fresh team making it in (Gws or Dogs).

Crows vs Bulldogs grand final would be amazing.

Totally agree. It is probably based on envy, but I am always glad to see a dominant era finish. Blues 79-82, Hawks 83-91, Lions 01-03, and now the Hawks/Cats/Swans of the last decade. 

Crows v Bulldogs are 2 teams who play the most attractive footy, and means a fresh premier. If GWS win I will be more disgusted than I have ever been at the AFL. 

[spirit of norm smith 12,958]

Sorry Cats v Bulldogs in GF would be amazing.  Go Bulldogs.  Matty Boyd is a star.

The Giants will get their turn. 

[Akum 2,660]

8 hours ago, DominatrixTyson said:

This upcoming prelim with GWS is almost replicating last nights game v Hawthorn. Many people have a sneaking feeling that this might be the Dogs only shot at a premiership for another 3+ years, with this frankenstein GWS team. GWS = Hawthorn

Except that the Dogs couldn't possibly have a worse run with injuries than they've had this season.and they're still in the last 4.

[Akum 2,660]

1 hour ago, Maldonboy38 said:

...

Crows v Bulldogs are 2 teams who play the most attractive footy, and means a fresh premier. ...

They've also had to battle the most adversity, lost critical personnel at crucial stages etc.

Cats, Swans & GWS by comparison have all had it handed to them on a plate, either by draft concessions, COLA, FA or a combination. They also, like Norf & Horks, tend to whinge when they lose.

Just love to see Crows beat the Swans, then smash the Cats, so that the latter can slide without any reward.

[monoccular 16,094]

11 hours ago, DominatrixTyson said:

 

103 tackles and only 3 HTB, HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? 

SALT.

 

Pretty pathetic effort by Clarkson trying to blame umpiring for what was a heavy loss after relinquishing  a four goal lead.  

Still, typical. They are after all not used to not getting a free ride from the maggots.

Those two frees against Cyrrrrrrrilllllll in a couple of minutes must have broken their hearts - it did to Bruce.

Edited September 17, 2016 by monoccular

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

It's amazing that a former premiership captain in Cameron Ling doesn't understand holding the ball.

[Sir Why You Little 34,539]

Whorethorn Booted out in Straight Sets

Savour the moment. 

[sue 8,441]

Not a word of criticism from the TV commentators of what a poor effort the Hawk's leaders did in the second half.  Cyril (who I like, but hate the way they fawn over him) had only about 3 possessions (that I recall) and 2 of them were turnovers, but the commentators made it sound like it had nothing to do with him.

[Lord Byron 32]

Missed the game last night due to a birthday.

Just wondering if Chip showed any interest in chasing the Bont around this time?

[Bombay Airconditioning 5,935]

1 hour ago, Akum said:

Except that the Dogs couldn't possibly have a worse run with injuries than they've had this season.and they're still in the last 4.

Someone rang KB yesterday with a 2nd team of Dogs who were either injured or not selected, was a reasonable side.

[Bombay Airconditioning 5,935]

Dogs are blowing all kinds of theory's (excuses) out of the water.

- injuries 

- playing underdone players

- lack of finals experience 

- the travel factor from the week before

With the exception of rd 23 against Freo and round 13 against Geelong they have come switched on to play every week. Yes they had other losses but were still competitive in those games.

Time for us to cut the crap and switch on mentally for a whole season.

Edited September 17, 2016 by Bombay Airconditioning

[Redleg 37,652]

49 minutes ago, sue said:

Not a word of criticism from the TV commentators of what a poor effort the Hawk's leaders did in the second half.  Cyril (who I like, but hate the way they fawn over him) had only about 3 possessions (that I recall) and 2 of them were turnovers, but the commentators made it sound like it had nothing to do with him.

Actually sickening commentary.

[Sir Why You Little 34,539]

20 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Dogs are blowing all kinds of theory's (excuses) out of the water.

- injuries 

- playing underdone players

- lack of finals experience 

- the travel factor from the week before

With the exception of rd 23 against Freo and round 13 against Geelong they have come switched on to play every week. Yes they had other losses but were still competitive in those games.

Time for us to cut the crap and switch on mentally for a whole season.

Yes i hope Goodwin was in the crowd. 

The Dogs tackling pressure was immense 2 weeks in a row. 

Next week against a tall forward line, that will really test them..

But they should fear no one

[pitmaster 3,064]

14 hours ago, Petraccattack said:

A reminder that when we played the Hawks, they were two games clear on top of the ladder.

We started their downfall.  

Not an idle boast. They laughed us off at the time but all the signs that day were there again last night - the loss of skills under pressure, miskicks as they tried to control the ball in their back half and overrun late in a game. We finished all over them just as the Doggies did but for that late let up that enabled Hawks to score some junk time respectability.

We looked similar to the 'Dogs but with more skill errors. Hopefully we can work on eliminating them. As for Hawks...I am so glad they have kept those old blokes because they aren't getting better. And if the future is Sicily, then they're rooted. His skills disappear as quickly as he is pressured. He was lucky with a couple of uncontested marks early when others misjudged the ball but once the heat was on he melted.

Edited September 17, 2016 by pitmaster

[pitmaster 3,064]

1 hour ago, sue said:

Not a word of criticism from the TV commentators of what a poor effort the Hawk's leaders did in the second half.  Cyril (who I like, but hate the way they fawn over him) had only about 3 possessions (that I recall) and 2 of them were turnovers, but the commentators made it sound like it had nothing to do with him.

Cyril's not a leader though. He manages comparatively few possessions but usually makes great use of the ones he has. He is a highlight reel able to pick up three goals and some goal assists from a dozen possessions, but he is more icing than the cake. 

I agree, though Sue, that he was ordinary last night. And long may it be so. 

[Satyriconhome 9,982]

I wonder if the Bulldogs keep their nucleus together, and with a bit of canny trading and drafting, manage to put together 2 or 3 premierships on the bounce whether posters on here will hate them as well?

[Lucifers Hero 37,086]

1 hour ago, Satyriconhome said:

I wonder if the Bulldogs keep their nucleus together, and with a bit of canny trading and drafting, manage to put together 2 or 3 premierships on the bounce whether posters on here will hate them as well?

Of course they will be hated!!! 

If for no other reason that they will have to beat us to get them!!

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 10,586]

4 hours ago, sue said:

Not a word of criticism from the TV commentators of what a poor effort the Hawk's leaders did in the second half.  Cyril (who I like, but hate the way they fawn over him) had only about 3 possessions (that I recall) and 2 of them were turnovers, but the commentators made it sound like it had nothing to do with him.

Yet had they won, it would have been this old guard of Leiwis, Hodge, Burgoyne, Mitchell, Gibson that the commentators would have lauded as ageless superstars.

I actually think that the writing wason the wall for these guys back in rd 11 when we played them.  We had the better of them in general play and if it wasn't for Gunstan kicking 3.1 and a few other toss of the coin opportunities, we would have won that game.  In our second match-up, their old guard practically disappeared and only Cyril kept them in that game (similar to last night).  All of a sudden, this great depth and wave of young talent that Hawthorn had doesn't looks so good either as it's far easier for average players to look good in great sides.

Whilst our respective seasons both died somewhat inglorious ends, the underlying reasons were different and the two teams are heading in different directions.

Edited September 17, 2016 by Rodney (Balls) Grinter
fat fingers and auto correct