There's no shirking the obvious - this is a massive game for us.

We know we haven't beaten anyone better than North. We know we haven't won the "big" games we've played this year. And we also know that if we win this game, and we end up two games and percentage clear of Geelong, our path to finals gets significantly easier, whilst if we lose it, our path remains tricky and with an enormous question mark hovering over it.

They don't have a decent ruckman so hopefully Gawn can get on top and help our midfield beat theirs. If we can get enough ball inside 50, and our press can hold up on a narrow ground (which should be precisely what we want), then we can definitely win this game.

The pressure will be enormous, though, so it remains to be seen how we cope.

I'm really looking forward to this game, Cats are out of touch, ageing stars, a few sore guys and their disposal was quite poor last week v us, trying to beat the old dog and make a name for ourselves with a half decent scalp. Huge game for both teams, we can't blame injuries as much as they hurt, other clubs have the same or worse. Saturday night we see who stands up, who leads, who wants it more. Going to be a ripper, can't wait.

12 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

Harmes

Harmes firstly has the power to take on Danger. Harmes can compete with Danger in the air. Harmes has just a bit of pace over Danger but not as much agility (turns, baulks, returns to feet after knockdowns).

Harmes does not have the game instincts that Danger has displayed for years, now ... unlikely, therefore, to dominate a space on the ground or move into space to receive, or feed a running teammate with h/ball, short kicks and/or read the play in advance of opportunities.

Harmes is not loved by the umpires and his fraternal onfield relationship with umpires is not as good as that of Danger's, either.

Harmes is no sook, unlike Danger. Harmes must get really badly infringed to earn a free kick and seldom stages for frees, unlike Danger.

Danger wins cheap possessions from any opponent if that opponent is within a 5 metre radius of Danger and yells 'Boo!', unlike Harmes.

So, on balance, if a tag on Danger is required and if he is not taken out of the game by a terribly unfortunate collision with Pedo or Petracca, my selection for the tag on Danger would be: Fritsch rotating with Harmes from the wing. 

1 hour ago, titan_uranus said:

The pressure will be enormous, though, so it remains to be seen how we cope.

We are going to need to exploit the Catty Put's weaknesses. Pace is the key. Garlett, Spargo, Baker, Harmes, Fritsch must run for space and lead for space all game. Toss in Hannan and Wagner for pace, as well. Give these guys some credibility and responsibility - run, run, run and anticipate.

1 hour ago, MSFebey said:

I'm really looking forward to this game, Cats are out of touch, ageing stars, a few sore guys and their disposal was quite poor last week v us, trying to beat the old dog and make a name for ourselves with a half decent scalp. Huge game for both teams, we can't blame injuries as much as they hurt, other clubs have the same or worse. Saturday night we see who stands up, who leads, who wants it more. Going to be a ripper, can't wait.

Flashing red light contra indicator 

no ruckman of note

ao called aging stars

if ever there was a high probability MFC thrashing scenario this is it 

Cockatoo re injured his knee so he might end up missing the whole season

McCarthy is out, as is Ratatouille. Taylor would be unlikely you'd imagine.  aside from that they are in good shape. imo Ablett and Danger look like they are carrying injuries so a nice hard game would be good, with the younger, fitter midfield prevailing!

http://www.afl.com.au/news/injury-list

2 hours ago, titan_uranus said:

he pressure will be enormous, though, so it remains to be seen how we cope.

It is not going to be a matter of 'coping', I would hope. It will be a matter of controlling the Cats across the board with fast, innovative play. We need to be dominant through disregard of our opponents' reputations by forcing the issues with confidence. We must man the field with assurance and positivism.

19 hours ago, MSFebey said:

I'm now convinced that many of our players are either injured or playing quite sore after the Viney debacle. Viney, Jones, Hannan, Jetta and I wouldn't be surprised if Hibberd has been injured for a few weeks. I could be wrong, but now I'm suspicious. I have lost faith in the medical team and the players to do the right thing. Jetta hasnt really been the same since his head knock and Hannan had scans only a few weeks ago.

We're no different to any other side at this time of year everybody who has played a large chunk of the season is sore. You just got to battle through it

Massive advantage down there for the Cats.

Hibbo out is huge. Defense is starting to look awfully thin.

Would be a huge win if we can pull it off, but cant see us winning this.

2 hours ago, MSFebey said:

I'm really looking forward to this game, Cats are out of touch, ageing stars, a few sore guys and their disposal was quite poor last week v us, trying to beat the old dog and make a name for ourselves with a half decent scalp. Huge game for both teams, we can't blame injuries as much as they hurt, other clubs have the same or worse. Saturday night we see who stands up, who leads, who wants it more. Going to be a ripper, can't wait.

Me too. These are the sorts of games we seem to win each year. I.e. One game when the odds are truly stacked against us. Think West Coast last year.

This is it. I reckon we'll win this week and then drop the following two games in true MFC style.

Go Dees

Yeah Brownie

Should get some  $9 on GC to win

get on board

15 minutes ago, Pennant St Dee said:

We're no different to any other side at this time of year everybody who has played a large chunk of the season is sore. You just got to battle through it

I realise that, but that wasn't really the crux of what I was saying.

If we manage to get over the line here it will be the biggest win for this club in the last 10 years. Absolutely hostile down there, a few soldiers short, oppo at near full strength. Monumental task. All I ask for is maximum effort and whatever happens happens. Go Dees

19 minutes ago, DSP said:

Massive advantage down there for the Cats.

Hibbo out is huge. Defense is starting to look awfully thin.

Would be a huge win if we can pull it off, but cant see us winning this.

Pop the 'bruiser' into CHback for a week, (Pedo) and let the little blokes run wild.

Jetta in doubt...

1 minute ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

Jetta in doubt...

We might as well rest OMac and Frost too just to make it the full backline monty!

18 minutes ago, whatwhatsaywhat said:

Jetta in doubt...

Can you expand a little more?

if we lose Jetta in additon to Hibbo and Lever we are in trouble.   not many leaders left down back!

Just now, DubDee said:

if we lose Jetta in additon to Hibbo and Lever we are in trouble.   not many leaders left down back!

Good. We will see just how accountable our midfield is, see if they can defend like finals.

Not sure when the Misson report was posted but he stated Jetta had a tight glute last week against the Dogs. Went on to say they expect Jetta to play this week. 

2 minutes ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Not sure when the Misson report was posted but he stated Jetta had a tight glute last week against the Dogs. Went on to say they expect Jetta to play this week. 

It should be called Misson Control

I love it when people drop a comment like 'Jetta in doubt...' and then don't back it up in any way, shape or form.  It's ridiculous.

If we're talking the report from Misson, then he said he expects him to play.  I've yet to see anything that contradicts this.

Its been mentioned on the Demonland socials, but congratulations on 50 games to Gus Brayshaw! 

All of Salem, Harmes, Petracca, OMac, Oliver, ANB and now Gussy have passed 50 games this year. Not a bad group.

EDIT: On a similar note, Melksham plays his 150th game this weekend. Congrats Milkshake!

 

Edited July 19, 20187 yr by Demon Jack

23 minutes ago, Demon Jack said:

Its been mentioned on the Demonland socials, but congratulations on 50 games to Gus Brayshaw! 

All of Salem, Harmes, Petracca, OMac, Oliver, ANB and now Gussy have passed 50 games this year. Not a bad group.

EDIT: On a similar note, Melksham plays his 150th game this weekend. Congrats Milkshake!

 

That is a nice dose of perspective, these guys are an enormous part of our core and will only get better with 75+ games under their belt

Just watching Scott's pre-game presser and Geelong have had umpire Troy Pannell down to Geelong to "help" them with some of the rulings and how they're applied.

My tip is we'll not even be offered KY from the Umps this weekend.