Has our form been overstated?

[Jaded No More 68,835]

35 minutes ago, Kozzie4PM said:

Do you reckon adding that meme at the bottom of your post fits in with your criterion of not being rude and disrespectful? 

I thought it was funny. I didn’t mean to offend. 

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

We need to smash Hawthorn to make a statement, dress rehearsals are over it’s time to bury a team.

[beelzebub 23,311]

4 minutes ago, Clint Bizkit said:

We need to smash Hawthorn to make a statement, dress rehearsals are over it’s time to bury a team.

I likie the sentiment...but dont see it happening...  They know theyhave two more...just two more games this year. They even matter of factly stated they are out to upset the top guns...  Thats all they live for at the moment...some fleeting bragging rights..  Those last two games are on familiar territory for them.   We will more more concerned about them than they are about us I imagine

We better be on our toes..

[At the break of Gawn 4,460]

38 minutes ago, beelzebub said:

I likie the sentiment...but dont see it happening...  They know theyhave two more...just two more games this year. They even matter of factly stated they are out to upset the top guns...  Thats all they live for at the moment...some fleeting bragging rights..  Those last two games are on familiar territory for them.   We will more more concerned about them than they are about us I imagine

We better be on our toes..

I can’t see us taking Hawthorn lightly. My concern though is their newish kick + mark game. We need to really close space against them and not let them pick the eyes out of our defence. 

[Fromgotowoewodin 1,606]

2 hours ago, Red But Mostly Blue said:

I don't think so.

I think we have certainly had some fortune in playing some teams with a few injuries, but so have they, against us? Massive, long-term outs with Clarry, Petty, Fritter (none of whom are mugs), Gawn for a period, certainly helped others.

Some of our games have given us more anxiety than I think we deserve, but I also don't think we need to be going 100% ALL THE TIME, as that's how we burn out/cop unnecessary injuries. 

Barring something untoward against the Hawks (they are traveling well), we will finish top 4 for the 3rd year in a row. Maybe even top 2 if Port drop one, and we win both. That's really good. Aside from a clear forward line issue, we are in a better position coming into final than we were last year (although forward line was an issue then, too), with team fitness and peaking at a better time. 

Looking at the losses we've had - we have lost by a total of 70 points across 7 games (10 per game!) - which if you remove the Bombers game (27pt loss - which I never want to know about again - we were horrid and they played the best game of the year) - it's 43 points across 6 games - being basically a goal. That's fantastic. I think we dropped a few that we should have won, such as GWS (ugh), but largely it has been teams who have played out of their skins to beat us, and even then, only by a goal! (i.e. the Blues - where you can argue we were failed by ARC, Port - and in particular Butters who will poll a thousand points for that game, the Lions up there - which we nearly stole), the Bombers and to a lesser extent the Cats who overran us in the last. The competition is VERY close. 

BTW, if you want to compare cumulative losses for the top 5 - Pies (86/4 = 21.5), Lions (152/6 = 25.3), Port (213/6 = 35.5) and the Blues 212/8 = 26.5) - we are FAR AND AWAY the more competitive team. It takes a hell of a lot to beat us, and frankly most of the time we beat ourselves!

But we have largely done what we needed to do. 

I'd LOVE Petty back, or another forward to emerge as we come into the finals, but other than that I have confidence that our group is doing well and will continue to improve at the right time. 

I find this a pretty reassuring post so thanks @Red But Mostly Blue.

Has our form been overrated? No, I think over the last 4-6 we’ve been as good as anyone as others have been a bit exposed, except maybe the Blues with their 8 on the trot. We’re right in it. 

What still worries me:

1) Forward line, still ain’t working right. We literally need Fritsch to hit the ground running and maybe TMac too if he can get moving. Gawndy doesn’t seem to work, at least in the fwd sense. I find myself wondering if maybe there’s a secret plan we’ll unleash in the finals where all of a sudden they’re kicking 3-4 between them but I think that’s just hopium. 

2) Backline. I miss Petty back more than I do him forward (though admittedly until Fritsch/TMac/Super Gawndy/anyone comes good we need him more forward). Tomlinson back can get exposed by speed, Hibbo sometimes isn’t big enough so we almost need to play horses for courses whereas with May/Lever/Petty we just roll them out each week and they beat whoever they’re up against. I think there was more calmness and less errors in the backline when it was the same 6/7 each week. 

I hope we can start to settle in the next 2 weeks and avoid the need for too much more change, I think we saw this week that even bringing in a gun like Clarry isn’t an instant fix as he needed to settle in and the others also needed to adjust to having him back. And I hope Fritsch’s foot holds together as he needs to carry a big load when get comes in. 

[tiers 2,822]

Yes and no.

No case: We have been competitive and in a winning position in all games and yet for the past few weeks we have been without Clarrie and our four proven KP goalkickers Fritsch, TMac, BBB and more recently Petty.  Except Clarrie, none were available for the lolly blues game and it showed.

Yes case: Even with the absentees, our definite strengths in the backline and midfield should have been enough to dispatch weaker teams with some comfort. That we haven't is not a good sign for the finals. Grundy adds not much, JVR cannot carry the whole load and the smalls cannot cover for the absentees.

 

 

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,298]

2 hours ago, 58er said:

Exactly WHY didn't you watch the game Bombay? Occupied or MFCSS? 

Wedding mate. 
 

However I did try but for some reason anyone who had Telstra had no reception and those at our table with Optus were watching the Matilda’s.

Edited August 14, 2023 by Bombay Airconditioning

[Roost it far 8,104]

Personally I think we’ll win both games and this thread will be a moot point. Our loss to Carlton was one of those games where the chips don’t fall your way. It wasn’t season ending or a sign of significant weaknesses being exposed. We’re actually playing bldooy good footy atm. 

[BoBo 2,941]

26 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

Personally I think we’ll win both games and this thread will be a moot point. Our loss to Carlton was one of those games where the chips don’t fall your way. It wasn’t season ending or a sign of significant weaknesses being exposed. We’re actually playing bldooy good footy atm. 

After watching most of the other games on the weekend, I am confident none of the other teams would’ve been able to have withstood how good Carlton was playing let alone only JUST lose. That’s the best I’ve seen Carlton play for decades. 
 

The score was even at 3/4 time even though their pressure rating was red lining the entire time and the ball had basically lived in their forward 50 for 1 1/2 quarters. Any other team would’ve been down by 3-4 goals AT LEAST. 

 

They threw the kitchen sink at us and we withstood it. If anything, the way Carlton set up behind the ball thus locking it in their F50 has given us a look out how they will play us if we meet in finals. To which, I’m pretty confident our coaching staff won’t allow the same thing to happen again. 

Our form is great, Carlton are in a purple patch for now… We’ll see what happens in finals I guess. 

 

[BoBo 2,941]

2 hours ago, Kozzie4PM said:

Do you reckon adding that meme at the bottom of your post fits in with your criterion of not being rude and disrespectful? 

Genuine question: is their something rude or offensive about that meme? I’m confused

[beelzebub 23,311]

1 hour ago, BoBo said:

Genuine question: is their something rude or offensive about that meme? I’m confused

Only to those that identify as Felicia perhaps.....and even then....

[DutchDemons 1,430]

We have had 7 losses.

3 have been by less than a goal and 2 have been within 2 goals.

We’re still in it up to our eyeballs. Don’t panic.

[Dee Zephyr 19,267]

4 minutes ago, DutchDemons said:

We have had 7 losses.

3 have been by less than a goal and 2 have been within 2 goals.

We’re still in it up to our eyeballs. Don’t panic.

Yes.
Average losing margin of 10 points in the 7 losses. Lowest losing average in the comp. Biggest loss of 27 in Gather Round and to some that game doesn’t count lol, so subtract the 27 points and it’s an aggregate total of 43 in six games. 

[58er 6,332]

2 hours ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Wedding mate. 
 

However I did try but for some reason anyone who had Telstra had no reception and those at our table with Optus were watching the Matilda’s.

Must have been up country with reception problems unless in the hills.

I was not at G either Had intended to come from Qld but after shaky week last week after 7 weeks in Europe I decided at my age that I wouldn't risk my health. What a game! 

Will try and get there this Sunday.  We need every fan to beat those Hawks. 

Reckon Smithy Fritta and JVR plus cameos from Max and (Tmac in defence ) might do the job with Spargs back. I would give him a run on the ball also and get his elite disposal. 

Go Dees. 
 

[BoBo 2,941]

1 hour ago, beelzebub said:

Only to those that identify as Felicia perhaps.....and even then....

Oh if I was Felicia, I'd be furious.

[DemonWA 3,928]

Hard to disagree with the OP other than to say that revisionist/hindsight analysis is the easiest analysis. 

Salem kicks the goal and/or Tracs kick gets called a goal and this thread doesn't exist. 

It's hard to go into finals with the weight of expectation, but I don't think writing us down helps the mindset 

[TRIGON 4,783]

1 hour ago, beelzebub said:

Only to those that identify as Felicia perhaps.....and even then....

And whilst you're all at it, go easy on comments about being offended by text....I 'identify' as a typewriter!

Or, more accurately, a tripe-writer!

[KLV 1,765]

10 hours ago, praha said:

Reality we face is that the weekend is a must win to cement top 4.

If we lose and Carlton win, then odds suddenly shift in Carlton's favour with them facing GWS at Marvel.

Bet your house that Mitchell will get the Hawks up for this to severely dent our season. They will throw everything at us. They are primed to end the season well.

An absolute must win against Hawthorn. We have to close it out. 

I know, I feel sick already 

[IRW 1,386]

2 hours ago, 58er said:

Must have been up country with reception problems unless in the hills.

I was not at G either Had intended to come from Qld but after shaky week last week after 7 weeks in Europe I decided at my age that I wouldn't risk my health. What a game! 

Will try and get there this Sunday.  We need every fan to beat those Hawks. 

Reckon Smithy Fritta and JVR plus cameos from Max and (Tmac in defence ) might do the job with Spargs back. I would give him a run on the ball also and get his elite disposal. 

Go Dees. 
 

Spargo has good disposal and decision making  skill but it's nowhere near elite

ffs

 

[JimmyGadson 3,455]

15 hours ago, Jaded No More said:

 

In July you said Pies Port and Brisbane are street ahead of us. Since then we beat Pies and Brisbane. Port lost 4 on the trot. Brisbane and Pies lost two in a row, including to bottom 4 sides. 

You have absolutely no trust in the side, and that’s fine. But please don’t pretend like you weren’t telling us all what a genius Fly is and what a boring uninspired and stubborn coach Goodwin is. 

You failed to highlight where I said they'd win the flag Jaded.

I also stated Collingwood have weaknesses as well which you conveniently left out haha. So not only did I not say anything about them winning the flag, I also spoke about them in a negative light. 

Or was that just you at your alarmist best? 

At the time of that post, those sides were performing at a much higher level and therefore streets ahead of us. Formlines change over seasons though don't they? 

How about put me on ignore, might be best for both of us. It's okay for us to have different expectations of our side. 

Also. How did you measure Clayton's individual game up against that of our side? 

You must be well and truly baffled that the 'best player in the comp' came back into a side who had won 5 on the trot and then proceeded to lose? Reckon it tipped the balance of our side and affected how we'd been playing as a 'team' in his absence as I suggested it might a while ago? 

I'll await your response. 

[Jaded No More 68,835]

5 hours ago, JimmyGadson said:

You failed to highlight where I said they'd win the flag Jaded.

I also stated Collingwood have weaknesses as well which you conveniently left out haha. So not only did I not say anything about them winning the flag, I also spoke about them in a negative light. 

Or was that just you at your alarmist best? 

At the time of that post, those sides were performing at a much higher level and therefore streets ahead of us. Formlines change over seasons though don't they? 

How about put me on ignore, might be best for both of us. It's okay for us to have different expectations of our side. 

Also. How did you measure Clayton's individual game up against that of our side? 

You must be well and truly baffled that the 'best player in the comp' came back into a side who had won 5 on the trot and then proceeded to lose? Reckon it tipped the balance of our side and affected how we'd been playing as a 'team' in his absence as I suggested it might a while ago? 

I'll await your response. 

Are you kidding about Clayton? 

He had game high tackles, clearances, and pressure acts in a game that was all about pressure and contest. 
We didn’t lose because he played! In fact, I’d argue that we lost because he started the last quarter on the bench while we let Cripps twice walk out the front of the clearance, leading to Carlton scoring. 
 

I don’t have time to go through every one of your posts where you take a literal dump on our club and players. The post I quoted was just the first one I found where you state how much better the other clubs are, in spite their weaknesses, yet you can never admit that our weaknesses are no worse than any other contender.
Your [censored] take above about Clarry unbalancing us and helping us lose, is literally the most laughable one yet.

I think you’re right, ignore it is. Enjoy being miserable watching us win games of football. You were after all the first one to come in here and gloat that you were right. About as right as that goal umpire 🙄

[Kent 2,905]

WE start to convert opportunities we will win the flag We must improve our goal kicking in my view is the single biggest problem followed by lack of contested marks

 

[JimmyGadson 3,455]

On 8/13/2023 at 8:49 AM, rjay said:

If you think the list isn't right that's fair.

Attribute diversity, give me a break.

I know our list has holes, blind Freddy can see that.

All AFL lists have holes, it's in the nature of the salary cap.

I reckon you have some good points but you often want to couch them in such a smart a...way that you don't get taken seriously.

I'll finish with a question.

Do you think we can win a flag this season?

 

 

Attribute diversity give you a break?

But then you say it's fair enough that I think the list isn't right?

What?

[rjay 24,811]

4 hours ago, JimmyGadson said:

Attribute diversity give you a break?

But then you say it's fair enough that I think the list isn't right?

What?

I'm not a fan of catch phrases 'Jimmy'...particularly ones that sound like they've come out of the HR department or a script from Utopia, that's all.

The list like all lists has some holes. I'm sure our FD know this also as over the last few years we have targeted, but not landed players who would help fix some areas. List management is not static and it will be interesting to see who we are looking at in draft/trade time.

...but I did ask you a question which you seemed to overlook.

I'm interested in your take.

Edited August 15, 2023 by rjay

[Adam The God 30,026]

On 8/14/2023 at 9:41 AM, layzie said:

Very Geelong game feeling that first 5 mins of the last quarter. In a game with 17 goals scored that is almost fatal. So important to come out hard and win clearances when they matter.

Very good call mate.

IMO it was telling Clarry wasn't involved in any of them. You need to start quarters and end quarters with your best clearance players.

I know they were managing his minutes, but manage his minutes by bookending the quarter with TOG.

Anyway, I'm no expert, but that's what I'd be asking for if I were Goody. Or you put it on Trac to really step up...