Macca

I maintain we did fantastically well to make the 2000 GF and ditto for the 1988 GF appearance. I didn't give the team much of a shot in either GF and that's how it played out. We were a 13/9 team in '88 and a 14/8 team in 2000. And we were up against juggernaut teams in both years. But supporters get their hopes up and who can blame them? I'm more disappointed with regards to '87, '90, '94 & '98 when we might have been able to pinch a flag in each of those years (more so '90 & '98) And it all went pear-shaped in 2004 as well. We haven't really had a dominant season proper since the Smith years ... since the advent of the 22 round season, teams that win 17 - 19+ games could best be described as dominant teams. And those dominant teams always have top grade lists. If our list ever has an abundance of B, B+ & A grade players, we'll be a genuine threat. 16 -18 of those types means we will go close to finishing in the top 2. We're a ways off but we can get there.

Egads ... this game could turn into a rout! Kane can do the spectacular and he can do the clinical.

And we did the bit in your post that I've highlighted on a number of occasions this season ... we just need to do it each week. The best teams never rest up ... still reckon we're a bit light on for speed of ball movement, actual leg speed from the stoppages, disposal skills (at times), height in the backline (against certain teams) and our forward line can function better. But we still got 12 wins despite the above so we've got a decent base to work with. And there's is nothing wrong with aiming to have a super-list playing a total team game.

And I reckon the Tigers making the GF gives our club more hope on top of the Bulldogs making it (and winning it) last season. Both teams have exhibited a form of 'total' football with a sprinkling of game-changers and match-winners. Like all the other clubs and the coaches & players associated with those clubs, a fairly clear picture is painted with regards to what is needed to get to the GF. The Crows are a more traditional GF team in terms of talent but that doesn't mean they're over the line. The ball is well and truly in our court ... we've now got a decent base to work from but we need an injection of talent.

It''s working GV ... www.talksport.com

Not a lot in this game ... the Giants would have wanted to be within striking distance at half time and that's looking likely. Shiel being off (permanently?) changes things though.

Crows by over 60 - they just got there but that was the value. Shouda, couda, wouda. The warm, virtually perfect conditions tomorrow will suit the Giants ... I reckon they'll win. I'd much rather see the Tigers make it though, for all sorts of reasons. The fascinating bit will be the totally one-sided huge crowd ... there's been one-sided crowds before but never of this magnitude.

Just goes to show how much I know about it all Dappa ... if we're part of a greater league, can one just set and forget? Or is there maintenance required? Even with the tips here, I tend to want to go early for 2 reasons. Not much usually changes re key players and it gets the tips out the way as well. However, things like Bradford being very doubtful opens things up for the Bucs.

It's never been my thing but I'd be in it if it was zero maintenance. We could even pick 3 players in each category with only 1 player from each category counting towards your score (the highest - obviously) The fantasy 'score' could be borrowed from any of the fantasy leagues.

It's going to be a real test of character for the Giants but aren't sportspeople at that level quite able to block out the 'noise'? (in the zone) They could do all that as well as use the noise that is obviously there as a motivating tool. The us against them mentality. In other words, 'don't take it personal'. The Crows should win but I reckon the Tigers/Giants game could result in a close finish. Much will depend on Leon Cameron and whether he can get his team supremely motivated.

I like the West Tigers but am also a Benji fan - gone for a year and now he's coming back. Also like the Cowboys because of Thurston. Great competition in a sport worth watching and the stars - that'll do.

I see your point (I think) That particular poll that I linked highlights one main trait - faith. But it's all out of our hands in all reality ... we can only really hope that those who do get a say in things actually know what they're doing. Back on topic ... if we trade Jack, I hope we get a decent return. But here's the thing, if the return is only a late 2nd round draft pick, who knows what we're going to get? If he is somehow used in a trade in order for us to acquire a really good player, then do the trade. But I could be talking about a number of other players too ... it's quite unfair to single out 1 player in a scapegoating sense. We've got quite a few very average footballers on the list. None of them were drafted as the overall no.1 draft pick though. Thus, the debate.

Into his 30's and he needs to get himself super-fit to excel. He'll probably know that though through self-awareness or he'd be getting people into his ear. There is just no way of cruising ... also, we need a smattering of old-heads (who can play) to balance out the 22. I wish him well.

Back in the day, Don Lane (who?) was a Packers fan and from time to time he would sprout their sporting prowess to a bewildered audience who had no freakin idea what he was talking about. But I was just a youngster then and was suitably fascinated. So they became my team even though I could never watch them or hear anything about them. There was no cable and the only game we ever got was the SB. So I was a Packers fan from afar for a long time. Australia finally dragged itself into the 20th century in the mid 90's so now I get to see them play whenever.

Reading that thread is absolute comedy gold. But hey, there's nothing wrong with laughing at ourselves. There should be more of it. The comments about Roos especially - oy vey.

Got a mate who isn't bad with predicting outcomes and he reckons the Crows will obliterate Geelong. Me, I'm no good with these sort of things but I favour the Crows. Reckon GWS may spoil the Tigers party too ... but again, what the hell would I know! Storm vs Broncos could be a top game though ... I've got into the NRL of late - a brutal sport.

Yeah, polls can be a bit iffy. ha ha How about this one? ... (398 yea, 23 nay - go figure) POLL: Do you want Mark Neeld to remain coach in 2013?

I mix it up with some live visual (RedZone), a fair bit of tunein radio and usually manage to watch 2 full games out of SNF, MNF & Thursday night football. I'll be doing tunein radio tomorrow because of the footy & the NRL. Tunein is the best $11 a month value out there (if you like live radio sport) On top of the NFL, one can tune into any game of MLB, NHL & NBA - whenever. I go back a ways and for a long time there, we got absolutely nothing. Zero TV and as for audio coverage - zilch. It was just footy, cricket and a bit of soccer, golf & tennis.

The Dave Matthews Band put out some decent stuff in the early 2000's but here's a couple from the mid 90's ...

There's any number of possible's this week ... including your Rams on Friday (our time) The Ravens, Seattle, Dallas, Miami, the Falcons & the Broncos all have decent claims too. I read somewhere that Bradford has bruising on the bone in his knee so he's very doubtful. Which means Tampa could be a real show as well.

Kansas City Pittsburgh Oakland

JV has shot to an early lead in the tipping comp ... Dappa also picked up a big 2 points as well. Shouda gone for the Titans - shouda, couda, wouda. This week and next (weeks 3 & 4) we're playing for 1 point only but as you well know, every point counts. Wide open this week though ... just gotta get the right 3. Good luck! Remember - get ya tips in early. There's a few decent match-ups again but the pick of 'em might be the Falcons @ Detroit (early Sunday) SNF & MNF look the goods too. Thursday night is a big game for the Rams but the 49ers will be desperate for a win. Could be a close one. Leaderboard in the comp 3 - JV7 2 - Dappa Dan 1 - Go the Biff, Clintosaurus, Macca 0 - The rest

Yeah I know

I just edited the my previous post but one way or the other, we'll find out about the audio feed on Sat night. With all these types of things, someone often provides some sort of a solution. I'm fairly resourceful these days but I still can't find a way to tune into the BBC's audio feed of the cricket. Test match sofa (Guerilla cricket) has to suffice.

Well through that link and through my laptop I listened in total or in part to about 4 or 5 different games (last weekend) Not through a phone or an app though. It's talksport.com not talksport.com.au or talksport.co.uk Come to think of it, the audio did cut out a few times last weekend but that happens from time to time anyway. When that happens I just go through the same process and get hold of the games. Anyways, I'll be watching our game on Sat evening and will try that audio link and probably post here on whether it works or not. One can always go searching for proxy's but I've never had any luck in that area getting hold of the BBC's Test match special