BDA

The heart and guts this team have shown over the past few weeks has been amazing. I know we won’t lose for wont of effort or application. The fixture stitched us this year, again. A run of Adelaide, Freo, Brisbane, Freo and now Adelaide again is a tall order. We’ve been magnificent the last 4 weeks but facing a rested Adelaide at the Adelaide oval may just be a bridge too far. Perhaps momentum and adrenalin will see us home. It’ll be a win for the ages if we pull it off. The heart says the Dees but the head says Adelaide.

Swans have always been good at developing players. Our youngsters are developing just fine. Sparrow and Jordon have been very steady for us. Spargo maturing nicely. Rivers will be a gun. Likewise LJ. Wouldn't swap Kossie Pickett for any of theirs.

If both teams turn up to play I reckon it’s a 50/50 proposition. If our attitude is off we lose. If we’re switched on from the get-go and GWS dish up more of the same, we’ll win handily. It all depends on the mindset of both teams. It looks like the GWS players have stopped listening to Cameron. Their showing last week was truly pathetic. I think they’ll give a yelp in the first quarter so we need to weather the early storm. We can’t allow them to get the jump on us. If we shackle them early, impose ourselves and apply scoreboard pressure I reckon they will fold. Win or lose I expect to see two way running, ferocious tackling and second and third defensive efforts. If we are finally as mature as we reckon we are then attitude and defensive efforts are non-negotiable. Dees by 5 goals

Thanks for the tip. a lot of weeping and whaling and knashing of teeth over there this evening. btw crappy webpage

Has his direct opponent kicked any goals on him? that's the stat i'd like to know.

Looking like we’ll be one of the remaining three unbeaten teams by the end of the evening. Don’t remember when that happened last.

Kochie not looking too happy

I reckon this year is just as much about defence and we are lucky enough to have a rock solid defensive unit at the moment. No way Essendon waltz through and score against us like they did today. Don't worry. The goals will flow once BB and/or the Weid return.

I expect to see some serious back pedaling in the media this week. A lot of commentators talked up st kilda.

Brisbane and Collingwood are still in the thick of it. St Kilda are miles off. GWS should have beaten them but for a massive choke by the Giants. Essendon and ourselves beat them easily. They have a tough run in the next 3 against the Eagles, Port and Richmond. I reckon they’re in big trouble.

Correct call. If it ain't broke don't fix it

I'm expecting the "Essendon have gone past us" post any minute now. They're beating them by 50 points to half time whereas as we could over mange the 18 point win to full time. Actually, when i put it like that. I think Essendon have gone past us.

Obviously that win in the wet against the Giants is still taking its toll on the saints. 50 points down to Essendon at half time is a bad look. They'll be getting the blowtorch in the media next week.

wise word OD, wise words. Are you back in the great state of victoria yet?

I thought the saints were supposed to have gone past us.

except when they played us

You may have spoken too soon. Pies just re-took the lead late in the 4th.

Agree. I've been critical of the close in hand balling but it worked a treat today. sharp and clean. We were able to clear the congestion and evade the tacklers as a result.

Pies in trouble v North. It would crown a perfect day if Collingwood were knocked out of the comp.

Hopefully this game punctures the aura of invincibility around Richmond. They've been a champion team and i wouldn't bet them against yet this year but they look like a spent force today.

Does there have to be a conspiracy theory on every match day thread FMD

I'm sure Longmuir is enjoying rubbing Hardwick's nose in it.

It also helps that they are a very well run and coached football club so can take advantage of the unfair system. They are renowned for developing players particularly re-cycled players.

I hope Sydney smash them

Adelaide at their place. Tough ask.