AFL Finals - Week 1

[hemingway 7,632]

Agree have to admire the Tiges.

Their pressure all night and numbers around the ball and opponent was fantastic. But when the game was there to be won they cracked Geelong and put the foot down. 

The Cats were tired, injured and lost their way.

It was just another reminder that successful teams need stars, matchwinners that can create play and finish play. Martin is a superstar. He does everything and is a team player. He alone was almost the difference. Throw in Cotchin, Rance, Riewoldt and the Tigers have a number of players that can influence the outcome. These guys bring their teammates into the game.  Without the influence of Dangerfield, Selwood, Taylor, and Guthrie, the Cats lost complete momentum. 

Again, the match showed the importance of having a full list come finals time and having your best players fit, injury free and in form. 

The Tigers show what can be done. Down and out last season, they have transformed themselves and now have momentum and belief in themselves. They have some ordinary players but success brings belief and confidence. The dream can become the reality. 

The Tiges win was a great example of being able to win the contested ball and pressure opponents into turnovers but also being able to run, carry and attack the goal when you have your opponent on the ropes.  

[SaberFang 7,151]

11 minutes ago, hemingway said:

Down and out last season, they have transformed themselves and now have momentum and belief in themselves. They have some ordinary players but success brings belief and confidence. The dream can become the reality. 

A champion team will always defeat the team of champions. A lesson GWS need to overcome before they achieve anything.

[Dee Zephyr 19,269]

My uncle and my cousins are all Richmond fanatics. We've had running feuds the last 30 years about which club is better.

The arguments have been spiteful at times especially on their end which makes me dislike Richmond.

As much as it pains me to say this, I have to give the Tigers credit, they fell off the face of the earth last year and had no expectations this year and have caught everyone by surprise. They have a system in place and they believe in it, only need to look at their body language. Neil Balme must have weaved some magic down at Punt Rd.

I believe, pound for pound we have a better list but this is yet to be proven.

It will cut deep even if they just make it to the big dance but I won't begrudge their long suffering fans the joy except maybe my uncle and cousins.

BTW, I'm still shaking my head at our epic fail in the last round.

Edited September 8, 2017 by Demon77

[puntkick 325]

15 hours ago, old dee said:

I have seldom cared less about a final series.

Try the channels of 7 at 1230 today and you'll really despair !

[puntkick 325]

5 hours ago, monoccular said:

This is one hell of a better game than last night.

We have a long way to go in terms of sustained intensity.  

and intense sustainability ! 

[puntkick 325]

4 hours ago, SaberFang said:

Geelong look absolutely [censored] terrible. How did this team finish second on the ladder?

It used to be called fixture and home ground advantage which was annually adjusted supposedly

unfortunately all the manipulaters have been moved onto to more greener pastures and the records are lost and its now anally adjusted

didn't you hear Lingy say tonight before the game that when Jeelong won tonight that their next game should be down there

fortunately Gil will  help the sainters with games at the home of the AFL ,seaford, or Moorabbin next

 

[whatwhat say what 22,964]

Tigers play with an intensity that you can't help but admire

I love their 'small ball' approach to the forward 50 - their pressure is incredible and they're very very hard to match up on

[deelete my account 1,194]

6 hours ago, Demon77 said:

My uncle and my cousins are all Richmond fanatics. We've had running feuds the last 30 years about which club is better.

The arguments have been spiteful at times especially on their end which makes me dislike Richmond.

As much as it pains me to say this, I have to give the Tigers credit, they fell off the face of the earth last year and had no expectations this year and have caught everyone by surprise. They have a system in place and they believe in it, only need to look at their body language. Neil Balme must have weaved some magic down at Punt Rd.

I believe, pound for pound we have a better list but this is yet to be proven.

It will cut deep even if they just make it to the big dance but I won't begrudge their long suffering fans the joy except maybe my uncle and cousins.

BTW, I'm still shaking my head at our epic fail in the last round.

Pound for Pound, Do we match Riewoldt, Rance, Cotch & Dusty?  As Hemingway succinctly said, they brought their team mates into the game with the desperation and aggressiveness that they played with. Who are our elite 4 that do the same across our spine? Perhaps our 22 are not far off, but what of our leadership in the games we should put away (when opposition is obviously inferior, like even "2nd place" geelong were tonight) ?

One poster on reddits afl sub said richmond would make a GF 2 years ago based on their age list profile and elite talent, i think that may suggest the importance of having your elite talent in that 25-30 yr bracket. It still may still may mean that you can snag one premiership early (Dogs, Hawks) but you'll generally have a few years of heartbreak as you mature, before youre ready to make a big impact with a few years of success which the Tigers seem destined for with Martin Cotchin Rance and co.

Edited September 8, 2017 by Wrecked Owl Dees Function

[Whispering_Jack 30,728]

As I watched last night's game, I couldn't help but think of that three-game horror stretch covering rounds 3 to 5 where but for injuries and suspensions we should have beaten both of these sides and Freo in the middle of that period.

Despite the issues we were having at the time with important players missing, we had the measure of all of those sides at various times in those games. 

Leaving aside the obvious wouda, shouda, couda element, it shows how that time might have become a springboard for us to be where Richmond are now. There's often a fine line between success and failure in this sport; Hogan and Lewis' indiscretions and Maxy's hammy delineating one side of that line.

We had a bad year with those aspects of our game and we fizzled out a month or so before finals. I think that what happened in those early rounds and our physical and mental condition at the end will all be looked at in the planning for 2018.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,408]

In what has been the most even season of all time, the first two finals have been really disappointing.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,408]

8 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

As I watched last night's game, I couldn't help but think of that three-game horror stretch covering rounds 3 to 5 where but for injuries and suspensions we should have beaten both of these sides and Freo in the middle of that period.

Despite the issues we were having at the time with important players missing, we had the measure of all of those sides at various times in those games. 

Leaving aside the obvious wouda, shouda, couda element, it shows how that time might have become a springboard for us to be where Richmond are now. There's often a fine line between success and failure in this sport; Hogan and Lewis' indiscretions and Maxy's hammy delineating one side of that line.

We had a bad year with those aspects of our game and we fizzled out a month or so before finals. I think that what happened in those early rounds and our physical and mental condition at the end will all be looked at in the planning for 2018.

Don't think Richmond have the game or the skills to beat the Crows but I will give them this, they come to play just about every week, something we still fail to understand.

[BillyBeane 253]

43 minutes ago, Wrecked Owl Dees Function said:

Pound for Pound, Do we match Riewoldt, Rance, Cotch & Dusty?  As Hemingway succinctly said, they brought their team mates into the game with the desperation and aggressiveness that they played with. Who are our elite 4 that do the same across our spine? Perhaps our 22 are not far off, but what of our leadership in the games we should put away (when opposition is obviously inferior, like even "2nd place" geelong were tonight) ?

Great Question.  

The skill level of the game last night made me feel much better about our progress this season.  Great pressure, but both teams made the same skill errors that we did at various times during the season.  

In most premiership teams in the modern era (except for perhaps both Collingwood flags!) there are at least 1-2 absolute bonafide champions who a team you can rely on (Judd, Goodes, Franklin, Hodge, Cousins, Hird, Carey). It looks like Martin is on this path. Can any of Hogan, Viney, Petracca, Oliver get to this level?

We haven't had a player of this level (with respect to Flower, Lyon, Neitz) since our last flag.

Edited September 8, 2017 by BillyBeane

[deelete my account 1,194]

56 minutes ago, BillyBeane said:

Great Question.  

The skill level of the game last night made me feel much better about our progress this season.  Great pressure, but both teams made the same skill errors that we did at various times during the season.  

In most premiership teams in the modern era (except for perhaps both Collingwood flags!) there are at least 1-2 absolute bonafide champions who a team you can rely on (Judd, Goodes, Franklin, Hodge, Cousins, Hird, Carey). It looks like Martin is on this path. Can any of Hogan, Viney, Petracca, Oliver get to this level?

We haven't had a player of this level (with respect to Flower, Lyon, Neitz) since our last flag.

One poster on DL that was derided, suggested we trade Gawn for Kelly. We've had 3 of the best innovative ruckmen of the modern era, but no premerships. But how many elite A grade Judd like mids? None. And yet Gawn is our best collateral for bringing in an elite mid like Kelly. Do we make a big and bold enough future changing move like the Boyd Trade and look to our depth ruck stocks or future ruck trades to add to an elite midfield group with Kelly and Oliver? Or give it a few years for this group to grow together and try and win a premiership?

Oliver is the only elite consistent A grade mid i could put on the 'definite' list currently. Gawns year has me taking him off that list and into the 'unknown' category.  Only Dean Cox is the premier year-long ruckmen I think that has had a massive influence on a premiership over the years, Ottens, Jolly, Keating were surrounded by elite mids. Most ruckmen have been. So how much do we actually need Gawn? 

Edit: Sorry for so many edits, had a few beers. Had to re-write this one as I know i'll be mocked for this.

Edited September 8, 2017 by Wrecked Owl Dees Function

[Lucifers Hero 40,375]

 

9 hours ago, Demon77 said:

My uncle and my cousins are all Richmond fanatics. We've had running feuds the last 30 years about which club is better.

The arguments have been spiteful at times especially on their end which makes me dislike Richmond.

As much as it pains me to say this, I have to give the Tigers credit, they fell off the face of the earth last year and had no expectations this year and have caught everyone by surprise. They have a system in place and they believe in it, only need to look at their body language. Neil Balme must have weaved some magic down at Punt Rd.

I believe, pound for pound we have a better list but this is yet to be proven.

It will cut deep even if they just make it to the big dance but I won't begrudge their long suffering fans the joy except maybe my uncle and cousins.

BTW, I'm still shaking my head at our epic fail in the last round.

Balme has been huge for them mainly in list management and game plan. 

Plus I believe Caracella has totally transformed their ball movement.  Last year they were hand balling in circles in their back half until they turned it over.  Last night we saw the difference he, almost single handedly has made. 

We don't have a ball movement coach and other than a couple of key players that is our biggest need, imho.  We have about the worst conversion of i50 and not having such a coach is costing us games.  I assume Troy Chaplin as 'Offensive Coordinator' is the nearest we have but his ideas haven't worked this year. 

We talk about having the right balance on the field but Goodwin may need to look at having the right balance off the field as well - they are a relatively inexperienced lot in key areas of the game.

Edited September 9, 2017 by Lucifer's Hero

[BillyBeane 253]

11 minutes ago, Wrecked Owl Dees Function said:

One poster on DL that was derided, suggested we trade Gawn for Kelly. We've had 3 of the best innovative ruckmen of the modern era, but no premerships. But how many elite A grade Judd like mids? None. And yet Gawn is our best collateral for bringing in an elite mid like Kelly. Do we make a big and bold enough future changing move like the Boyd Trade and look to our ruck stocks or future ruck trades to add to an elite midfield group? Or give it a few years for this group to grow together and try and win a premiership?

Oliver is the only elite consistent A grade mid i could put on the 'definite' list currently. Gawns year has me taking him off that list and into the 'unknown' category.  Only Dean Cox is the premier ruckmen I think that has had a massive influence on premierships over the years, so how much do we actually need Gawn?

Edit: Sorry for so many edits, had a few beers. Had to re-write this one as I know i'll be mocked for this.

Interesting point.  Jeff White, Stynes, Gawn.  From a clubmanship point of view would hate to lose Maxy, but I probably agree that he is expendable.  We have 4 "untouchables" in terms of trading. Viney, Oliver, Petracca, Hogan.

[buck_nekkid 6,046]

I am so bloody sick of all of this 'redemption' [censored] about the bombers.  It was self imposed, knowingly CHEATING on an organisational scale.  No fairytale here.  I hope the Swans absolutely tear them a new one tonight.  Shame, scum, shame.

[trout 385]

56 minutes ago, Wrecked Owl Dees Function said:

One poster on DL that was derided, suggested we trade Gawn for Kelly. We've had 3 of the best innovative ruckmen of the modern era, but no premerships. But how many elite A grade Judd like mids? None. And yet Gawn is our best collateral for bringing in an elite mid like Kelly. Do we make a big and bold enough future changing move like the Boyd Trade and look to our depth ruck stocks or future ruck trades to add to an elite midfield group with Kelly and Oliver? Or give it a few years for this group to grow together and try and win a premiership?

Oliver is the only elite consistent A grade mid i could put on the 'definite' list currently. Gawns year has me taking him off that list and into the 'unknown' category.  Only Dean Cox is the premier year-long ruckmen I think that has had a massive influence on a premiership over the years, Ottens, Jolly, Keating were surrounded by elite mids. Most ruckmen have been. So how much do we actually need Gawn? 

Edit: Sorry for so many edits, had a few beers. Had to re-write this one as I know i'll be mocked for this.

That was me who suggested the idea of trading Gawn for Kelly and I stand by it. Even though others thought it was the silliest thing ever posted on Demonland and that is fine, everyone has there own opinion. But for me we would be a better side with Kelly than Gawn in it and you have to give something to get something. If we could add two young future captains in Kelly and Lever in the off season it would be huge.

[Return to Glory 8,448]

7 minutes ago, buck_nekkid said:

I am so bloody sick of all of this 'redemption' [censored] about the bombers.  It was self imposed, knowingly CHEATING on an organisational scale.  No fairytale here.  I hope the Swans absolutely tear them a new one tonight.  Shame, scum, shame.

But don't you know, they're everybody's second side.

I've rarely wanted a team to lose so badly.

 

[Jibroni 5,018]

Tigers were great last night, you have to give credit were its due and played to the occasion.

As for the bombers, they can get stuffed!

[daisycutter 29,748]

geelong home ground final at the mcg....bwahahaha

[DubDee 26,141]

Aside from the frantic pressure being impressive the quality of football last night was terrible. 

Like watching under 8's play chasing the ball. Every kick went down the line

Hopefully with lever hibberd Lewis Salem ect down back we can kick through this pressure like the Hawks used to. Whilst also applying the pressure up fwd

[Return to Glory 8,448]

A highlight for me was Joel Selwood ducking into a tackle and looking incredulous that he didn't get a free. It would've been a free at Deliverance Park, no question.

[Lucifers Hero 40,375]

28 minutes ago, daisycutter said:

geelong home ground final at the mcg....bwahahaha

...and interestingly next week's Second Semi which should be their Home final is also at the 'G'.   Haven't heard them whinging yet but am sure it will come.

Friday, September 15. Second semi final:  Geelong v Winner of Sydney v Essendon at the MCG, 7.50pm AEST

Maybe the AFL is hoping for an Ess win...

Bit of a two edged saw for Geelong.  Sydney have beaten them the last 3 or 4 times at Kardinia Park and Ess beat them at the G earlier this year.  Might be out in straight sets for Geelong! 

Maybe Scott isn't the coach people think he is.  His one premiership, in his first year, came off the back of a well drilled premiership list.  A list that was determined to prove that they could do without their coach (Bomber) and their best player (Ablett) who had just walked out on them.  Their Home ground advantage gets them into the finals in most other years. 

But he has now lost 7 of his past 9 finals...not too flash.  No wonder they are desperate to play finals at Kardinia Park!

Could 2018 be the year when both twins crash   Popcorn time?

Edited September 8, 2017 by Lucifer's Hero

[beelzebub 23,383]

Ah finals. It's like looking at your mates pix of his holiday o/s..

Its all FOREIGN and not about US.

Be interesting to see how far the Swines get.

Cant see Scott's lot going anywhere ...The druggies will be having a Hitchcock nightmare soon enough. 

Not convinced Port have the ammo.

Giants... finals stage fright.

Will be out of Syd, Adel.. and watching last night... don't dismiss Ninthmond... ( oops.....now handed to the Ninemons !! )

[Guest]

Dustin Martin has the best balance of power, strength and class since Matthews