5th spot firming

[fartyspice]

We need Adelaide to win so we can grab a top-4 spot (can't see Freo losing at home to Port). But if the Crows do win their reward would be a likely QF v the Swans (as Crows would then finish first if Eagles lose to Richmond).

So maybe the Crows will tank, to engineer a preferable QF v the finals-fragile Freo?

[DST]

Originally posted by fartyspice
We need Adelaide to win so we can grab a top-4 spot (can't see Freo losing at home to Port). But if the Crows do win their reward would be a likely QF v the Swans (as Crows would then finish first if Eagles lose to Richmond).

So maybe the Crows will tank, to engineer a preferable QF v the finals-fragile Freo?

Agree that Fremantle are un-tried in finals, but if you asked any coach (and especially a slow injury hit Adelaide) who they would least prefer to play it would be Freo at present.

In previous years I would have laughed and said that a brian implosion was just around the corner, but the team orientated game they are playing at present mixed with their pace and skill will be very hard to beat finals time.

The way things are opeing up with Adelaide dropping off and West Coast still with doubts over them in Melbourne, Freo could actaully win the thing playing the footy they are at present.

DST

[DST]

Originally posted by Bas
Just reported that Andrew McLeod has probably played his last game this year as his foot has become infected again.

Lets hope they muster everything to get past Melbourne on Saturday. Their challenger in the first week of the finals looks a certainty for prelim final.

Still reckon Adelaide have the team to beat Melbourne at AAMI.

They have Welsch, Perrie and McGreggor up forward. Goodwin & Edwards in the middle and a very solid backline still with Rutten, Bassett and Johncock.

Might not be playing to their best at present but they are still very good at home, Only lost to a red hot Fremantle and with a showdown v Port it is always a 50/50 game.

DST

[Matt79]

I have basically concended the top 4 now, hearing of Adelaide's injuries and we will need to do it the hard way.

We can win it from 5th position, just hope the lads will respond accordingly.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by fartyspice
So maybe the Crows will tank, to engineer a preferable QF v the finals-fragile Freo?

Finals sides don't tank at this time of the year.

[cruiser]

Originally posted by iigrover
...and the worst thing is: I just cant bring myself to barrack for Power win against Fremantle. The idea of wanting Power to win just makes me feel dirty!

It may be the only time ever that I will want Port to win.

[Thunder Shaker]

Originally posted by DST
Agree that Fremantle are un-tried in finals, but if you asked any coach (and especially a slow injury hit Adelaide) who they would least prefer to play it would be Freo at present.

In previous years I would have laughed and said that a brian implosion was just around the corner, but the team orientated game they are playing at present mixed with their pace and skill will be very hard to beat finals time.

The way things are opeing up with Adelaide dropping off and West Coast still with doubts over them in Melbourne, Freo could actaully win the thing playing the footy they are at present.

DST

If we don't win it this year, Fremantle winning a premiership is not the worst thing that can happen. Freo aren't the Eagles, or Power, or Crows, or Saints, or Collingwood, or Essendon, or Carlton ...

[The Big Cat]

If we beat the bullies in week 1 then we are in the same position as last year except that we won't play at home, which is no great advantage this year and except for a freak effort from "Brownlows" Davis would have seen us lose there last year.

I don't think Adelaide can beat Melb. Maybe our best chance is a last-game-before-mad-Monday effort from Port against a Freo side which might be a touch happy with themselves after last week. 7 in a row is closing in on a loss. (OK, I admit it, I'm clasping at straws - Freo won't take a game which means 3rd or seventh lightly.)

[573v30]

Originally posted by Thunder Shaker
If we don't win it this year, Fremantle winning a premiership is not the worst thing that can happen. Freo aren't the Eagles, or Power, or Crows, or Saints, or Collingwood, or Essendon, or Carlton ...

You also forgot the feral Tigers...

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Thunder Shaker
If we don't win it this year, Fremantle winning a premiership is not the worst thing that can happen.

Lucky we won last year, otherwise a Freo win this would have been very embarrassing!

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by The Big Cat
If we beat the bullies in week 1 then we are in the same position as last year except that we won't play at home, which is no great advantage this year and except for a freak effort from "Brownlows" Davis would have seen us lose there last year.

The big difference, as barry has pointed out a number of times, is the travel factor in terms of tiring the team out.

[The Big Cat]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
The big difference, as barry has pointed out a number of times, is the travel factor in terms of tiring the team out.

Yeah, but last year we went to Perth after having our last game against hawthorn in Melbourne. If we finish 5th then we'll stay in Sydney for the last H&A game plus our first final. But you're right, we would then have to travel 3 weeks in a row if we made the granny.