praha

No one gives a [censored] about that statistic mate. Pies scored 1.5 in a half vs Geelong in 2009. They lost by 80 points and then won the flag 12 months later.

The league wasn't anywhere near as even though. And Carlton got pounded in the first week of the finals and would have rightfully been eliminated in the current top 8 system. In fact the AFL changed the system for 2000 because of Adelaide and Carlton making the GF from outside the top 4 despite losing their first final (and getting thrashed mind you). Carlton had no place in that GF.

I actually have found a lot of the hysteria bizarre. I'm not angry. Or disappointed. Nor proud or excited. I'm indifferent. It's a super tough league and we still have some way to go. All this talk of a fairytale was misplaced. Bulldogs and Richmond had both already played on the big stage. You just gotta expect them to compete and be thereabouts. You just gotta keep your expectations in check. You have a really good young core and 2 players who will likely place top 5 in the Brownlow. Two AA selections. Lever and Hogan to come in. Potentially May, and that ruckman from North. Goodwin to evolve as a coach. Viney to get better. Since round 23 2017 I have been completely indifferent, and that's allowed me to be calmer during the season, with a varied level of expectation. I expect us to beat teams like St Kilda. I get angry when we lose games like the ones against Geelong. Or round 4 vs Hawthorn. But I just can't be angry when we lose against West Coast in Perth in a Prelim. It was a poor performance, but that happens. They were exhausted, shellshocked, and bullied. It happens. Geelong beat Collingwood by 90 points in the 2009 Prelim. What happened in 2010? Perspective is also important. The season was somewhat lost to me after the Sydney game. We played great football after that, but I can't understand how no one could see Saturday coming. I hoped for better but also expected disappointment. That allowed me to deal with it better than some have. My family were clamouring and worrying about tickets to the GF. I lost my [censored] and got angry at them because we hadn't even made it yet. I get applying for the ballot and planning ahead, but there was this hysteria and "woe is me" at the prospect of missing out on a ticket. I literally told my sister to stfu and just look forward to the game on the weekend. Then we lost and she carried on like as if the sky was falling. Football is important to us all, and it's imperative in life to be part of something bigger than yourself. I never understood the mantra of some here who always said to keep perspective and understand that it's "just a game". You gotta find a balance between being involved emotionally, and being able to deal with the highs and lows with equal emotional investment. If you go overboard when they win, you will go overboard when they lose. Goodwin and Co know what they're doing but you just can't expect the world from them. If you do then you're setting up for disappointment.

Carlton 99.

Watch the replay.

Rubbish. Lewis was immense in our two wins. He had a bad day today but so did Gawn and Jones. And many others.

I'd say the red eye.

Dropping Fritsch ahead of Tyson was. Keeping Bailey in ahead of Smith and an unchanged team would not have changed the result regardless. Even dropping Tyson would have made zero difference, but Tyson almost single handedly handed them 3 of their first 4 goals.

Rubbish. Geelong spanked the Pies in the 2009 Prelim by 90 points. Pies won the 2010 flag.

after round 23 2017 I changed my approach to matches. So long as we put ourselves in a good position over the season I am happy. We needed to play finals. I have been super calm all season and that hasn't changed this finals series. I am indifferent today, disappointed, but we have come a long way. men vs boys.

Eagles not playing especially well. When you are under no pressure and you handball to a teammate's feet in the middle of the ground, the opposition will score. We are playing selfish and lazy football, and not respecting WC. We need a refresh. Not a single standout. Keeping Tyson in over Fritsch in dry conditions was a shocking oversight. Not the cause of all our problems but a catalyst in their first three.

Who is defending Tyson? Three goals, three passages involving a Tyson fumble, clanger, or otherwise.

I am super chilled. And have been all finals series. I am more excited at the prospect of playing a grand final, than I am nervous about the outcome.

Truly lost at people celebrating this for 2 reasons: 1. You're cheering for COLLINGWOOD! 2. The Pies were always the tougher matchup. For both us and WC. I know we can beat anyone at any time but Richmond on a winning streak (and key injuries) are always more beatable than a team with momentum at the right time. Winning today means you have two high speed trains meeting each other in the GF. No doubt a Melb v Pies matchup is the ideal scenario for neutral fans, the AFL, and broadcasters. But as far as our best chance for a flag goes, it was to be against Richmond. It is going to be very tough to beat Collingwood next week.

i dont understand why. collingwood is a much bigger threat than that of richmond and last night proved that.

He can't even jump.

We definitely want Richmond to win. We are far more easily matched with them and if Pies win tonight they will win the flag. Collingwood aren't getting the respect they deserve.

Want this TShirt!

He hits the scoreboard though and we can't have too many smart footballers. I'd have him ahead of Tyson given our grunt already, and well ahead of Garlett. He's only playing down back to fill for Lever, who plays that loose defender. I'm confident Frost would be playing now even if Lever were in the team. I think Fritsch will be a better player for his time down back.

Terrible call. Tyson should be out. Fritsch to the wing. Smith to back.

Same. I respect Martin and he has a wonderful way with words, but his words about Melbourne have never resonated with me.

it's okay.

Gotta win a flag there in the AFL era. Until then we're no more "owners" than Richmond and Collingwood. If we win this week and get the job done against either of the aforementioned, I will stand on my seat, ring my bell and yell, "GET THE FUUUUUURK OUTTA MAH HOUSE!"

he has shocking awareness, no peripheral vision, and often passes up the first and/or best option because he understates the urgency and pressure being applied around him. Watch the game again. I counted three Hawthorn goals that came as a result of a posession chain he was involved in, where he gave off a hospital handpass or kick, leading to a turnover/tackle/stoppage. Nathan Jones does it as well but can at least have an influence.

AFL.com.au has picked us by 7 points.