The pies will win comfortably and the reason is simple:

We still haven’t developed a corridor game and we simply won’t be able to score enough without one.

Meanwhile the Pies will get to 80 points no matter how good we are defensively because they’re a constant attacking threat. They consistently open the corridor which creates space and wrecks defensive structures.

Salem played his best game since the grand final, Rivers is trying to do the right things and McVee is showing promise but there’s still not enough bounce at half back. If Gus goes back to replace Bowey that isn’t helped either.

Langdon creates overlap run in his own way but it takes a lot to go right to goal from Eddie overlaps against elite defences. Our forwards haven’t timed their leads to his kicks at all this year.

Hunter plays slow and gets the ball almost exclusively in the Wayne Harmes zone millimetres from the boundary and doesn’t have the confidence or penetration to kick the ball back to the corridor. I’d play him on the right wing so he is forced to roll corridor side but that will probably mess with his defensive and outlet positioning. 

We don’t have a CHF to do what Geelong do to Collingwood which is hit up Jeremy Cameron often at the point of the centre square. It was nice to see Fritsch up the ground in the second half v Carlton rather than always attempting to break Josh Jenkins’ record for out the back goals but at best he’s Kmart Jezza and undersized at centre half forward.

We won’t be able to use Petracca as a de facto CHF without Oliver or braving significant midfield minutes to small forwards. And none of Chandler, Spargo, ANB or Pickett have shown the ability to rack up big touches through half forward - which isn’t their fault, they’d have to be super human to win a stack of ball from long down the line footy.

Hopefully we put up a great effort and who knows, maybe we get lucky, but there’s a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides and pretending we can flick a switch to form and tactics from 2021 isn’t reasonable. 

3 hours ago, JTR said:

J Daicos & Maynard battling flu

Cox suspected Covid

Collingwood trio under illness cloud ahead of King’s Birthday bout

Edit: Sorry, I didn't see this already mentioned a couple of pages back. Nvm

Please don’t apologise. This is news that warrants repeating again and again and again, as many times as you like. 😁

17 hours ago, Young Blood said:

Forgive me I'm sure its been posted on here somewhere. But there's a terrific interview Max did with Whateley on SEN this week (search youtube) where Max mentions that the team wouldn't really be chasing the level of form shown in the last 7 odd games of 2021, simply because it was fairly unstoppable football at the highest level and it seems unrealistic to reach that height of play again. But he followed up by mentioning we didn't need to play that extremely high level to win a flag.

Its an interesting perspective and one I think @binman has probably brushed on in different ways. This team has a lot of belief. When we played poorly against Port and home we still found a way to almost snatch the game. When Fremantle found ways to break down our defence (again with us not at our best) we were still in it to win had we kicked straight down the stretch.

I think the reality this season is this team isn't going to be pretty like the 2021 team. Teams last year worked out our method (one being the forward handball out of stoppages) and have greatly reduced our ability to score in quick succession like 2021. We have found different avenues to score while maintaining a top four defense. 

There's been a big focus this season on swinging back momentum in games. The team doesn't panic when the opposition get a run on. They are absorbing that pressure much better and grinding out games knowing they have a fitness level and method that can put them in a winnable position in last quarters.

I think we might be able to win ugly on the weekend. But even if we don't to me it doesn't change the fact this team is building for the back end of the season.

 

Lever said the same thing on SEN a couple of weeks ago. I think we have acknowledged now that in 2022 we spent too long trying to recreate 2021 (both as to gamestyle and as to personnel) when we needed to accept that our entire 2021 season was top shelf and we don't need to necessarily be at that level to succeed.

The changes we've made this year, to try to adapt and be less reliant on stoppage and more capable of scoring off turnover, as well as to rest our players more and not rely so significantly on Gawn, Oliver and Trac, are positive developments. We're not quite there yet and we need to demonstrate, soon, that those changes translate to an ability to beat a top 4 opponent. This week is another opportunity to do that.

18 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

Hopefully we put up a great effort and who knows, maybe we get lucky, but there’s a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides and pretending we can flick a switch to form and tactics from 2021 isn’t reasonable. 

So, if we win, do you still think it still could be argued there is 'a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides'?

Or will you still claim there is a 'a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides' (which i think is a complete load of cobblers) and add a whole bunch of cavaeats (with de goey in we lose, half their team are sick, sidebottom is key etc etc etc)?

23 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

The pies will win comfortably and the reason is simple:

We still haven’t developed a corridor game and we simply won’t be able to score enough without one.

Meanwhile the Pies will get to 80 points no matter how good we are defensively because they’re a constant attacking threat. They consistently open the corridor which creates space and wrecks defensive structures.

Salem played his best game since the grand final, Rivers is trying to do the right things and McVee is showing promise but there’s still not enough bounce at half back. If Gus goes back to replace Bowey that isn’t helped either.

Langdon creates overlap run in his own way but it takes a lot to go right to goal from Eddie overlaps against elite defences. Our forwards haven’t timed their leads to his kicks at all this year.

Hunter plays slow and gets the ball almost exclusively in the Wayne Harmes zone millimetres from the boundary and doesn’t have the confidence or penetration to kick the ball back to the corridor. I’d play him on the right wing so he is forced to roll corridor side but that will probably mess with his defensive and outlet positioning. 

We don’t have a CHF to do what Geelong do to Collingwood which is hit up Jeremy Cameron often at the point of the centre square. It was nice to see Fritsch up the ground in the second half v Carlton rather than always attempting to break Josh Jenkins’ record for out the back goals but at best he’s Kmart Jezza and undersized at centre half forward.

We won’t be able to use Petracca as a de facto CHF without Oliver or braving significant midfield minutes to small forwards. And none of Chandler, Spargo, ANB or Pickett have shown the ability to rack up big touches through half forward - which isn’t their fault, they’d have to be super human to win a stack of ball from long down the line footy.

Hopefully we put up a great effort and who knows, maybe we get lucky, but there’s a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides and pretending we can flick a switch to form and tactics from 2021 isn’t reasonable. 

Have to disagree. Sidebottom and DeGoey out is huge for them. We’ve gone alright without Oliver and have a couple of practice runs without him and Petty. Our defensive structures will make life really hard for the Pies to run forward so easily. Heat at the contest and straight kicking and we’ll win. Remember that it’s bringing heat to the contest that makes us great. We’re a couple of kicks from being 10-2 so don’t discount us.

Edited June 10, 20231 yr by Roost it far

Monday’s banner is gonna look SPECTACULAR!

We do loves us anything giant… the bigger the better!

GIANT BEANIE!!! 🥳
 

Also, our giants heads will all be wearing Big Freeze beanies masterfully constructed by (among others) @DeelightfulPlay who came to banner making and slotted in perfectly. 💖

 

Oh and we got to eat these…

 

They look incredible and it seemed a shame to wreck them by eating them. It was hard but we eventually managed to push through the pain and they practically disappeared into thin air.

PS some eejit ate four of them, pinged off the walls for an hour and now feels sick. Pffft some people!

Edited June 10, 20231 yr by WalkingCivilWar

36 minutes ago, DeeSpencer said:

The pies will win comfortably and the reason is simple:

We still haven’t developed a corridor game and we simply won’t be able to score enough without one.

Meanwhile the Pies will get to 80 points no matter how good we are defensively because they’re a constant attacking threat. They consistently open the corridor which creates space and wrecks defensive structures.

Salem played his best game since the grand final, Rivers is trying to do the right things and McVee is showing promise but there’s still not enough bounce at half back. If Gus goes back to replace Bowey that isn’t helped either.

Langdon creates overlap run in his own way but it takes a lot to go right to goal from Eddie overlaps against elite defences. Our forwards haven’t timed their leads to his kicks at all this year.

Hunter plays slow and gets the ball almost exclusively in the Wayne Harmes zone millimetres from the boundary and doesn’t have the confidence or penetration to kick the ball back to the corridor. I’d play him on the right wing so he is forced to roll corridor side but that will probably mess with his defensive and outlet positioning. 

We don’t have a CHF to do what Geelong do to Collingwood which is hit up Jeremy Cameron often at the point of the centre square. It was nice to see Fritsch up the ground in the second half v Carlton rather than always attempting to break Josh Jenkins’ record for out the back goals but at best he’s Kmart Jezza and undersized at centre half forward.

We won’t be able to use Petracca as a de facto CHF without Oliver or braving significant midfield minutes to small forwards. And none of Chandler, Spargo, ANB or Pickett have shown the ability to rack up big touches through half forward - which isn’t their fault, they’d have to be super human to win a stack of ball from long down the line footy.

Hopefully we put up a great effort and who knows, maybe we get lucky, but there’s a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides and pretending we can flick a switch to form and tactics from 2021 isn’t reasonable. 

This is one post worth revisiting on Monday evening.

38 minutes ago, Gawndy the Great said:

Thought this would happen as early as Tuesday when Howe fronted up to 360 having just recovered from COVID but still feeling the effects.

Still if we manage a win it’ll be with asterisks - I’d prefer we play them at full tilt 

I'd be happy to take the points...and leave all the arguments to others...i couldn't care less.

You play who's there.

Let's play...Let's Win

Both Josh and Nick are now sick. Just been reported by The Hun. 

Cancelling their appearance at a Saturday night function the statement read, “we have just been informed that both Josh and Nick have fallen ill

Edited June 10, 20231 yr by YearOfTheDees

2 minutes ago, YearOfTheDees said:

Both Josh and Nick are now sick. Just been reported by The Hun. 

So sorry to hear that.

14 minutes ago, binman said:

So, if we win, do you still think it still could be argued there is 'a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides'?

Or will you still claim there is a 'a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides' (which i think is a complete load of cobblers) and add a whole bunch of cavaeats (with de goey in we lose, half their team are sick, sidebottom is key etc etc etc)?

If we win by dragging them in to a defensive battle my opinion won’t have changed.

If there’s flare, risk and the forward line functions I’ll re-asses.

Carlton game was a step in the right direction in terms of our use from half back but our forwards were still a mess and the midfield didn’t exactly link up like a well oiled machine either. 

Collingwood star Josh Daicos appears in doubt for Monday’s King’s Birthday blockbuster against Melbourne as Covid and the flu hits the Magpies.

Josh and brother Nick Daicos, who is favourite for this year’s Brownlow Medal, were expected to light up a function at the Bannockburn Railway Hotel on Saturday night alongside their legendary father Pete
 

devo

7 minutes ago, chook fowler said:

So sorry to hear that.

You're right @Whispering_Jack ... definitely need a "sarcasm" font ;)

Yes...  terrible news... just terrible.

 

10 minutes ago, chook fowler said:

So sorry to hear that.

Sorry is too nice, F#@$%&G GREAT !!😁

33 minutes ago, binman said:

So, if we win, do you still think it still could be argued there is 'a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides'?

Or will you still claim there is a 'a clear gap in the capabilities of the sides' (which i think is a complete load of cobblers) and add a whole bunch of cavaeats (with de goey in we lose, half their team are sick, sidebottom is key etc etc etc)?

I sit somewhere between your view and the views you're arguing against.

IMO Collingwood are the best team in it because of their intangible belief and ability to win when things aren't going their way. They have lost four games in a year and two of those were close games (the two finals).

But I also believe that their belief isn't always enough to overcome deficiencies in their game which, if we play to our best, we can exploit (as can others). And the gap isn't as big as others argue - if we win, we'll both have the same record against the top 4 (1-2).

7 minutes ago, beelzebub said:

You're right @Whispering_Jack ... definitely need a "sarcasm" font ;)

Yes...  terrible news... just terrible.

 

Me sarcastic. Never.

4 hours ago, Deebauched said:

Top 2 was never really on the cards even top 4 is a struggle with Coll Port, Lions  virtual lock ins.

Where would you rather finish  3rd  or 5th. 3rd and we likely play Port in SA or 5th and play Essendon or Stkilda at the MCG. Ill take the fifth.

If our players are fit and well managed we can win it from there. Lose a top 4 final and you play 4 to win the flag same as 5-8. 

If Oliver doesnt leave hospital by Sunday as planned then something is going on we're not privy to.

You dont get put on a drip in hospital for almost a week because of a blister. In Asia open sores turn septic real fast even gangreneous . In Asia there are people everywhere  walking around with limbs missing.  Just saying.

 

Sorry? Trying to work out the logic of your 2nd and 3rd paragraphs.

You’d rather finish 5th than 3rd? 😲

You think if we finish 3rd, we’d have 0% chance of beating 2nd?

If we finish 3rd and win the qualifying final, we are straight through to a home preliminary final. If we have no chance of beating 2nd in a qualifying final, regardless of where the game is, we are no chance of winning the flag and we’re just making up the numbers.
 

 

 

Josh Daicos out or under a massive cloud would be amazing for us.

 

1 hour ago, DeeSpencer said:

Meanwhile the Pies will get to 80 points no matter how good we are defensively because they’re a constant attacking threat. They consistently open the corridor which creates space and wrecks defensive structures.

The Pies have been contained to 70 points or less V Saints, Tigers and Crows this year......looks like that attacking game of theirs can be stymied. Could be it's going to fall on our half forwards, mids and wingers to  stop the wave of runners surging from their backline....... hopefully our defenders will maintain their good form and further disrupt scoring opportunities. Part job then done with the question of whether we can also kick a winning score hanging there - the Magpies won each of the aforementioned sub 70 scoring games.

Daicos (J), De Goey & Sidey takes a lot of speed out of their side

6 minutes ago, adonski said:

Daicos (J), De Goey & Sidey takes a lot of speed out of their side

Add McCreery to that list if he misses also adonski 

More concerned if they have a few out, wounded teams have a habit of lifting.

1 minute ago, YearOfTheDees said:

More concerned if they have a few out, wounded teams have a habit of lifting.

Especially when coach clumsy insults them pre game

Geez ..

51 minutes ago, Glorious Day said:

Sorry? Trying to work out the logic of your 2nd and 3rd paragraphs.

You’d rather finish 5th than 3rd? 😲

You think if we finish 3rd, we’d have 0% chance of beating 2nd?

If we finish 3rd and win the qualifying final, we are straight through to a home preliminary final. If we have no chance of beating 2nd in a qualifying final, regardless of where the game is, we are no chance of winning the flag and we’re just making up the numbers.
 

 

 

It doesn't matter whether they finish if they keep playing like the last two seasons.

The game has moved on

Hawks in front of the bears