Strangely, it seems almost surprising to me that this is the last round for the season, and for many teams, it's the end of the season. Where did the time go? And for a few players, it's the end of their careers. Most notably, Dan Hannebery and Ben McEvoy play their final games on the weekend. While other stars have already played their final games: at least one Josh Kennedy.
But instead of wallowing in nostalgia, perhaps I should gibber a bit about the games. First up, is what might be the match of the round: Brisbane hosting Melbourne. While I quite like both teams, a narrow Brisbane win would probably be better for us. That way, we won't be overtaken on percentage, if we manage to beat St Kilda, and we also have to think of our first round pick that's tied to Melbourne. And since Melbourne have a much better finals record, it would probably be best if we could avoid them early in the finals.
In contrast, the first Saturday game looks like being an one-sided affair between the soulless Giants and the finals bound Dockers. Can't really see the Giants causing an upset here, even if it might be the final game for a few of their more high profile players. I mean, 'oh, by the way, guys; I'm off to Victoria for the big bucks', is never really an inspirational message.
Next game seems a similar non-event. You'd think that North would be too focused on the number one pick, to really trouble the Suns.
Actually, both the Saturday night games appear to be fans only affairs. Maybe the Bombers will be motivated enough to cause an upset against the Tigers, and thus save Ben Rutten's coaching career: but they probably won't. Then again, maybe the alleged prospect of James Hird returning will have them motivated? While the Adelaide showdown seems pretty irrelevant. Not really talking things up, am I?
In the first Sunday game, I could probably live with a Hawks win, as that means the Bulldogs will miss the eight, and even though that means Carlton will make the eight.
Then there's the Magpies v Blues clash, which should be an extremely hard fought affair in front of a massive MCG crowd. Not sure if I really care who wins, but it should be enough of crowd spectacle to make it worth tuning in anyway. And on crowds, one thing that I've found a touch ironic about the Ginnivan scandal, is that Collingwood identities are now taking the moral high ground about crowd behaviour. Therefore, I think it's up to the Magpie army to set an example for rest of the competition. So, I don't want to hear the slightest bit of booing, any time that a free goes against them. And perhaps they can refrain from abusing opposition players every time that they take a kick for goal. And I don't know if there's any ex-Collingwood players in the Carlton side, but if there is, then maybe the crowd can get through the game without booing their every possession? And of course, if a Carlton player has flagrantly milked a free, then I expect it to be greeted with a mixture of accepting silence, and perhaps mild murmur of approval, for the skill involved in throwing yourself to the ground under pressure. So, up to you, Magpie fans.
Then finally, we take on the Saints: which should result in us both consolidating second position and giving Swans legend, Dan Hannebery, a touching send off after the siren.
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Originally Posted by dejavoodoo44
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