The AFL Thread

[RunningMild]

Incidentally, Collingwood haven't done too badly with father/son over the last few years either... ;)

Yeah, Jason and Cameron Cloke were megastars! :p

[grimace06]

Not all that many in the scheme of things that day really... :p

Toby Thurstans also kicked three goals on that wonderful day in 2004. ;)

[Jay]

There's a strange equilibrium about those two things...

[RunningMild]

Brayden Shaw was amazing as well!

Anyway, I picked up the paper and what do I see? Two separate stories discussing the fact that Dean Bailey used unorthodox tactics against Richmond, and how it's evidence of tanking. WHAT A LOAD OF ****ING BULLSHIT. If Melbourne won that game due to the unorthodox tactics (and they very nearly did), Bailey would be hailed as the next Kevin Sheedy. I ****ing hate the footy media so much.

[Spazzallo]

Brayden Shaw was amazing as well!

Anyway, I picked up the paper and what do I see? Two separate stories discussing the fact that Dean Bailey used unorthodox tactics against Richmond, and how it's evidence of tanking. WHAT A LOAD OF ****ING BULLSHIT. If Melbourne won that game due to the unorthodox tactics (and they very nearly did), Bailey would be hailed as the next Kevin Sheedy. I ****ing hate the footy media so much.

So do I mate. I can't believe these people get paid to have an oppinion, and then eggagerate it to the point where they see no other way. And they NEVER admit they are wrong.

[RunningMild]

Seriously, Dean Bailey played forwards in defence and defenders in attack in order to lose on purpose? OH DEAR, NO-ONE'S EVER DONE THAT BEFORE EVER.

The Dockers must be tanking because they're playing Tarrant in defence. Brisbane tried tanking all three GFs because they were playing a fullback at full forward. And didn't Kevin Sheedy come from behind to win a GF by swapping his forward and back lines?

You can't understand how pissed off I am about this.

[Jay]

For what it's worth I think Dean Bailey is well within his rights to do what is necessary to ensure Melbourne get a priority pick. It's the system that needs changing, not the people exploiting it.

In other news, Paul Chapman is out with a hamstring. **** me. :(

[Super Mario]

Lovett-Murray facing drug, driving charges
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/82024/default.aspx
CARN THE SAINTS

[RunningMild]

For what it's worth I think Dean Bailey is well within his rights to do what is necessary to ensure Melbourne get a priority pick. It's the system that needs changing, not the people exploiting it.

But that's the thing- Bailey is not trying to win a priority pick. Those tactical moves he made on the weekend were done with the intention of winning the game. Swapping backs and forwards is not good enough evidence of tanking because everyone does it and it's won games, premierships even, so anyone who claims that Bailey's tactics are designed to lose needs to be shot.

This is the fundamental flaw in the whole tanking debate. People say it's there, it happens, etc until they're blue in the face, and then the evidence they provide is nothing short of moronic. It's like saying the fact that rocks aren't orbiting mountains is proof that gravity doesn't exist. It's utterly ridiculous, and it's probably the reason why Demetriou doesn't take the allegations seriously in the first place.

And that applies to every single media person who's ever raised allegations of tanking. You're all a pack of dickheads, come back when you have some real evidence or arguments instead of brain-dead ramblings.

[D.C.]

Who cares if the media are making messy accusations over the most trivial situations at the moment? It's gotten so ridiculous that everyone is clearly aware that its been happening over more than a few years, it's going to keep happening and intensify, and Demetriou looks even more idiotic than normal by refusing to do anything to rectify the issue. When you have hundreds (if not thousands) of supporters cheering the opposing team at the ground no less purely to receive priority picks at the end of the season, and then have that fool of an AFL chief come out and stubbornly brush it off *again* - that arrogant prick should be charged with putting the ****ing game he's supposed to be improving, in disrepute.

And don't be stupid M, you honestly think Bailey took out seven of the team's best players a few weeks ago for no greater reason? Just shortly after they beat Port for their third win and were hovering precariously close to losing the extra pick with still lots of winnable games left?

[RunningMild]

And don't be stupid M, you honestly think Bailey took out seven of the team's best players a few weeks ago for no greater reason? Just shortly after they beat Port for their third win and were hovering precariously close to losing the extra pick with still lots of winnable games left...

Well maybe someone should have used that as evidence instead of not noticing it and then screaming ZOMG TACTICZ=TANKINGZ.

Are you sure the players weren't injured or out of form or something? I remember Robertson getting dropped a while ago because he was shit, and a few others getting dropped due to injuries...

[D.C.]

Well maybe someone should have used that as evidence instead of not noticing it and then screaming ZOMG TACTICZ=TANKINGZ.
That's the thing - they have been using that as the punch-line for years, nobody 'running' the AFL has given a shit, and it's gotten to the point (as I think was pointed out on FC this week), that every coaching move is now being analysed with that in mind. It's unfair on the coaches, players, and even clubs. Demetriou has nobody to blame but himself (and he's normally very quick at passing the buck).

Are you sure the players weren't injured or out of form or something? I remember Robertson getting dropped a while ago because he was shit, and a few others getting dropped due to injuries...
Yeah, most were put down due to injury, but who honestly believes that? I'd love to see a game where a club has to replace seven players due to pressing injuries the following week.

I think you'll find that most 'tanking' goes down at the selection table rather than in the box on game-day. But if this priority debacle rages on much longer, I wouldn't be surprised to see some blatant shifts and tactics employed by coaches.

[[m]averick]

The Dockers must be tanking because they're playing Tarrant in defence. Brisbane tried tanking all three GFs because they were playing a fullback at full forward. And didn't Kevin Sheedy come from behind to win a GF by swapping his forward and back lines?



That's so ****ing obnoxiously stupid. I cant believe you've chosen to draw those illogical conclusions. Yes, Chris Tarrant training all preseason in the defensive unit and playing every game down back = Paul Johnson playing in defence for one game. :rolleyes: And, Brad Miller in the ruck is unbelievably suspect. The guy has enough trouble playing in his preferred position, let alone one he's never played in before.

Very questionable decisions made by the Melbourne coaching staff, decisions that may well taint them for future years. Make no mistake about it, they dont want to win. From all reports this Tom Scully guy is head and shoulders above in one of the last pure drafts for five years. Who wants to miss that?

And, yes, the system is the problem. Needs to be a lottery. Either full bottom eight goes into a lottery, or just the bottom four. System must change.

[RunningMild]

Yeah, most were put down due to injury, but who honestly believes that? I'd love to see a game where a club has to replace seven players due to pressing injuries the following week.

I thought you would have seen that quite regularly as a Port supporter this year... :p

averick"]That's so ****ing obnoxiously stupid. I cant believe you've chosen to draw those illogical conclusions. Yes, Chris Tarrant training all preseason in the defensive unit and playing every game down back = Paul Johnson playing in defence for one game. :rolleyes: And, Brad Miller in the ruck is unbelievably suspect. The guy has enough trouble playing in his preferred position, let alone one he's never played in before.

Now just hang on a second here...

Yes, Chris Tarrant training all preseason in the defensive unit and playing every game down back = Paul Johnson playing in defence for one game.

Firstly, Chris Tarrant was being swapped forward and back non-stop in the first half of the season, so he was hardly a settled defender as you claim. Also, he did not play 'every game down back'- as D.C. will be quick to point out, there were games where he played half the game forward and half the game back, and I know for a fact he was named, and playing, up forward in ever Dockers game I watched in the first few months of the season.

Secondly, Paul Johnson playing in defence for one game? See my example re: Kevin Sheedy. One of my friends keeps telling me about this amazing Grand Final where Sheedy was losing, and in the fourth quarter swapped his forward and back lines for an amazing comeback win. Forwards playing in defence for one game? Not being settled in the position? Hey, if it's good enough for the supercoach to win a GF with...

And, Brad Miller in the ruck is unbelievably suspect. The guy has enough trouble playing in his preferred position, let alone one he's never played in before.

Are you kidding me? Do you honestly believe what you're saying here? Let me spell it out in two words...




































TOM HAWKINS



Or to put it another way:

"And, Tom Hawkins in the ruck is unbelievably suspect. The guy has enough trouble playing in his preferred position, let alone one he's never played in before."

However, when Bomber played Hawkins in the ruck, Hawkins actually played well and the Cats won. Why is it that Bomber can experiment with his lineup to add flexibility and outsmart his opponents, but when anyone else does it it's a mortal sin? Stupid and hypocritical. Unless you want to seriously argue that Geelong are aiming for priority picks... :rolleyes:

Not convinced? Here's another one for you:

"And, Paddy Ryder in the ruck is unbelievably suspect. The guy has enough trouble playing in his preferred position, let alone one he's never played in before."

So Essendon are tanking as well then.

One more for good measure:

"And, Quinten Lynch in the ruck is unbelievably suspect. The guy has enough trouble playing in his preferred position, let alone one he's never played in before."

Hard to argue that Lynch's form as a ruckman/midfielder over the past two years has been worse than his form as a forward in the same amount of time.

This pretty much demonstrates what I was saying before:

People say it's there, it happens, etc until they're blue in the face, and then the evidence they provide is nothing short of moronic.

Also consider this: if Jordan McMahon missed that shot or wasn't paid the mark, would you have a problem with Johnson playing in defence for one game? Would you question Brad Miller in the ruck? No, you'd forget about it and move on.

[grimace06]

I wish Terry Wallace had kept his fat mouth shut - I've had enough of this dribble about tanking.

If a team wins 2 games out of their first 16 how are they expected to win their last six?

I agree the system needs to be changed (especially the priority pick) but people are going too far.

Am I incorrect in saying Melbourne has the worst list in the league?

[RunningMild]

And before you say Tom Hawkins =/= Brad Miller because Miller's much older, whereas Hawkins is young enough to learn a new position...

"And, Matthew Richardson on the wing is unbelievably suspect. The guy has enough trouble playing in his preferred position, let alone one he's never played in before."

:p

[[m]averick]

How many games have Tom Hawkins and Paddy Ryder played? How many has Brad Miller played? Why has it taken 130 odd games for Brad Miller to be tried in the ruck? Hawkins has played 20 odd. Ryder 40 odd.


Just because Paddy Ryder and Tom Hawkins have been played 'out of position' doesnt mean that it makes sense to play Brad Miller out of position. Ryder has a prodigious leap, Hawkins has prodigious talent. Miller is a workhorse. It's not comparable. Also, he hasnt shown any ability at any point that he is a ruckman. IN ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY PREVIOUS GAMES. Now, compare it to Hawkins and Ryder. Ryder has the aforementioned prodigious leap. Hawkins played in the ruck as a junior before settling as a forward.


And dont bother comparing a grand final to a bottom of the ladder, no one gives a shit home and away match. It's such ridiculous logic.


I dont know why I bother arguing with you. You make such illogical connections. Someone says the Demons were tanking because Paul Johnson played in the backline. Your retort is to mention a player who played full-forward for ten years before playing in a grand final and make the assertion that this must also be tanking.


Also consider this: if Jordan McMahon missed that shot or wasn't paid the mark, would you have a problem with Johnson playing in defence for one game?


Yes. See Melbourne's victory over Carlton round 22 2007. They were just as complicit in tanking. Carlton just managed it better.

[Spazzallo]

Sorry had to steal this from the BigFooty board because I found it hilarious. Artist is Duritz.
http://i712.photobucket.com/albums/ww121/Gamblor_Cam/2009tank.jpg

To add to the argument, Melbourne are allowed to do whatever they want to get them closer to a premiership. They did not tank. Brisbane played Bradshaw in a new role in 2003 when it was apparent he wasn't working in our foward line and it did us wonders. Difference is we were on top, where as Melbourne are down the bottom. The whole thing is just bullshit blown up by the media yet again. The same media that would have you believe that Albert Proud smashed a bottle against a womans face intentionally.

[Super Mario]

Wait til Saturday ****.

[Jay]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/82116/default.aspx

If Dane Swan wins the Brownlow I'll vomit into my Geelong Team handbag.

[Super Sleuth]

You don't think he'd be a worthy receiver?

[Jay]

Not about that. I have an increasingly irrational dislike of Collingwood. :p

[Super Sleuth]

Is it because of Didak, Davis and Thomas? They all need to be knocked into next week...due to premature over celebrating.




Yes, I realise Franklin's the same...:o

[Jay]

Anybody seen the list of St Kilda outs? **** me.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/82151/default.aspx

A couple of weeks ago before Geelong played Brisbane and left out 8 players Ross Lyon suggested such player management was 'disrespectful' to the opposition, and that St Kilda would not do such things. Now, I have no idea if all of those guys - and it really is a who's who, isn't it - are genuinely injured or not, but seriously. Ross: shut the **** up and worry about your own ****ing club.

[D.C.]

Hawks caught a break. It's interesting that the Saints decided to make all those changes against them this week though...

[IRS]

Anybody seen the list of St Kilda outs? **** me.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/82151/default.aspx

A couple of weeks ago before Geelong played Brisbane and left out 8 players Ross Lyon suggested such player management was 'disrespectful' to the opposition, and that St Kilda would not do such things. Now, I have no idea if all of those guys - and it really is a who's who, isn't it - are genuinely injured or not, but seriously. Ross: shut the **** up and worry about your own ****ing club.

Geelong are the absolute worst for it. But yeah, this is resting gun players that are fit to play if I ever saw it.

[sheeps]

Maybe St. Kilda thought they'd need to rest some of them eventually and might as well do it against a team that it wouldn't be too surprising to lose to. :P

Gotta keep up appearances after all.

[D.C.]

Pretty funny if they were still able to slaughter the Hawks this weekend. :p

[Super Sleuth]

I wouldn't be surprised. Hawthorn have happily fallen on their own sword on numerous occasions this year.

Always the pessimist.

[Jay]

Geelong are the absolute worst for it. But yeah, this is resting gun players that are fit to play if I ever saw it.

I don't think it's in any way a sin, or disrespectful though. Just a bit pot/kettle from Lyon is all.

[IRS]

It's disrespectful to my AFL DT that has Riewoldt and Goddard in it >____>

[Jay]

Haha, ouch! You were going pretty well too, from what I recall. That's a shit. Any subs left?

[Sweating Bullets]

Pretty funny if they were still able to slaughter the Hawks this weekend. :p

Hawks have been very sporadic this year - it will be hard to gauge.
A win against the Saints will be great for the Hawks but who knows if we can pull a win against the juggernaut of this year

[Spazzallo]

Lots of peoples dream teams are screwed this week. Goddard, Grimes & Riewoldt all out of mine :(. What timing as well, the start of the finals!

[Super Mario]

Sam Fisher out too **** I JUST TRADED GODDARD FOR HIM FOR FFS!!!

[Spazzallo]

In more shit news, Selwood and Johnson both in doubt. This can't get much worse. And I swear if Geelong lose tonight it will be the end of them. From the Carlton supporters who won't stop giving them shit and the rest of us for making them able to talk again! :mad:

[Sweating Bullets]

Awesome game!! All I can say is HOLY SHIT!

[Jay]

I don't think Holy Shit is the response. It's been coming for weeks. We need to get some semblance of a defense back. Hmm. It is a worry.

[Spazzallo]

****ing hell there goes our home final. **** Geelong chokers.

Sorry Jay >_>.

[D.C.]

I don't think Holy Shit is the response. It's been coming for weeks. We need to get some semblance of a defense back. Hmm. It is a worry.
They've done well coping over the last few weeks, but they dished up a poor effort tonight, injuries or not, because the Blues weren't overly great. I think it's fair to say Geelong have had a pretty decent run with injuries and list management over the last three seasons (comparative to other teams), but its going to be interesting to see just who stands up in that squad when things get tough.

Really have no idea what Thompson was doing with the forward line structure either. Why Hawkins and Mooney were out of the 50 constantly, giving Stokes room to play the key forward in his four-foot tall body was unbelievable. Admittedly, Hawkins has no idea how to kick a goal, but he can mark, and given the forward line was in such disarray, you'd think it would be worth a shot keeping him up there as a presence.

[grimace06]

Hopefully this means Carlton don't try too hard next week.

[Cerebral]

Holy shit.

[Jay]

They played well Cer. Did you watch it?

[Spazzallo]

Steve Johnson scored 4 tonight, guess I'll take that over another donut :(.

Drummond and HMac in doubt as well. **** me.


This posted by an insane Collingwood fan on the SC forums on BF.

OK, this is my theory and pick it to pieces please

I believe that Geelong are willing to throw tonight to allow Carlton more chance of remaining in the 8 for finals thus increasing the chance that the Hawks will miss finals.

I believe that Saints are willing to throw the game against the Hawks to allow them more chance to make the 8 and be a threat to the cats.

What this does is that if Hawks finnish 8th and win their elimination final and Semi final they will play Geelong in the Prelim final and Saints know that the Hawks are the danger team to the Cats. Now the cats may beat the Hawks regardless in the final however we know what damage can come from a physical game against the Hawks to players a week out of the GF. Would fit perfect for the Saints with an easy run through finals footy.

Thoughts to this madness

Very doubtful but funny if it eventuates :).

[grimace06]

I hope the Saints win and slam the mother ****ing nail on the Hawthorn coffin.

[Super Sleuth]

Hawthorn locked it shut themselves last week.

[Cerebral]

They played well Cer. Did you watch it?

Anniversary with the gf >_> Will catch a replay tomorrow.

[Jay]

You'll definitely enjoy it. Easily Carlton's best win of the season (well, equal with the Collingwood win). Happy anniversary btw.

[Sweating Bullets]

I hope the Saints win and slam the mother ****ing nail on the Hawthorn coffin.

What's with the Hawks hatred?
:/

Be still my breaking heart.

I am hoping that with the number of players Saints have out and it being down in Tassie that Hawks will rise to the occasion.

[Spazzallo]

Well seeing as it seems the last spot in the 8 will go down to Hawthorn and Port you can see why he wants the Hawks out :P.

[sheeps]

This posted by an insane Collingwood fan on the SC forums on BF.

I think it's easy to say a physical game against the Hawks effects the Hawks' next game more than the opposition. :P

[Spazzallo]

****! SHE is commentating! This game is ruined for me already ;(.

EDIT: And that was deliberate! This is the team that made the AFL change the rule!

[Second]

****! SHE is commentating! This game is ruined for me already ;(.

YARR! SHE should be in the kitchen, AMIRITE?

[IRS]

Haha, ouch! You were going pretty well too, from what I recall. That's a shit. Any subs left?

I have subs. But it's not going to cover much when I lost Higgins last week and now Fisher, Goddard, Grimes, Riewoldt and Chapman this week.

I don't mind, having got into the top 10 overall, if I finished 10000 overall at the end I will still feel accomplished.



St Kilda are ridiculous. They take out their 4 best Goddard, Riewoldt, Hayes and Montagna then late withdraw their next 2 best Fisher and Dal Santo. I bet you all of those 6 dudes were fit to play.

[Spazzallo]

YARR! SHE should be in the kitchen, AMIRITE?

I'm sure she wouldn't still be talking about chopping carrots when she had already moved to peel the potatos would she? :p She's so bloody slow!

Great goal my Schneider. Good to see he didn't face the crowd, raise his arms in the air and announce that he was the messiah in his goal celebration.

I have subs. But it's not going to cover much when I lost Higgins last week and now Fisher, Goddard, Grimes, Riewoldt and Chapman this week.

I don't mind, having got into the top 10 overall, if I finished 10000 overall at the end I will still feel accomplished.



St Kilda are ridiculous. They take out their 4 best Goddard, Riewoldt, Hayes and Montagna then late withdraw their next 2 best Fisher and Dal Santo. I bet you all of those 6 dudes were fit to play.

Don't worry mate, most of the top teams have these players, it's what put them up the top in the first place :P. I've found some of the teams at the lower half of the 8 are a lot better off this week in a couple of my comps -_-'.

[sheeps]

EDIT: And that was deliberate! This is the team that made the AFL change the rule!

To be fair there was pressure. The deliberate rule was more about resetting up play and getting more time to effectively kick out which is what we did heaps in the GF.


Simon Taylor is the worst player in the AFL. ****ing hell I don't know why we persist with him, he makes Renouf look like an AA ruckman.

Also, St. Kilda's pressure is ridiculous. The tackling pressure in their defence is just murdering us. I mean look at Rioli, even he's struggling to get around players.

I thought this game might be easier but this St. Kilda team is SO much more refined than the one that fronted up against us in the finals last year. They very much deserve the top spot.

[NiB]

Jesus f***ing Christ Hawks what the hell are you doing ???

If we can't beat this saints team we deserve to finish outside the 8. And the cats have screwed us by losing to Carlton.

Our only real chance was carlton losing last night and to port in rnd 22 with us beating the bombers to clinch a spot :(

[Jay]

Jesus f***ing Christ Hawks what the hell are you doing ???

If we can't beat this saints team we deserve to finish outside the 8. And the cats have screwed us by losing to Carlton.

Our only real chance was carlton losing last night and to port in rnd 22 with us beating the bombers to clinch a spot :(

Without wishing to be too mean it was the only thing that made last night palatable.

[Sweating Bullets]

Finally Hawks managed to score something.

I was giving a mate a lot of crap when the Tigers played Saints and didn't score anything for half the game. I am hoping Hawks do not go this badly.
I still think that Hawks could rally.

[Jay]

After conceding the first 9 goals of the game the Bulldogs are about to run the Eagles down.

Oh, and for once I am actually barracking for Hawthorn. **** Ross Lyon and St Kilda.

[JC Henderson]

Jay why so much hate for Ross?

[Jay]

Oh, he just got up my nose with his hypocritical comments about Geelong resting players (in light of St Kilda's 45 omissions this week). Actually I think he's alright. He just should mind his own business. But I don't want to see St Kilda record a perfect season. That would really ****ing annoy me. If they win the flag that's different, but if they record an unbeaten season we'll NEVER hear the end of it (not necessarily from Saints fans, but from the media). What Geelong has done over the past three years, which has been extraordinary, will be completely overshadowed, and that would irritate me (so there is definite fan bias in my comments - ftr I think St Kilda are playing football they can rightly be proud of and which is pretty awesome for the neutral spectator to watch).

[Jay]

And the idea that that little **** Steven Milne might be a premiership player by the end of the year really grinds my beans. Drop him and win all the flags you like. He is an annoying ****.

EDIT: The dogs have hit the front. The Eagles must have got in their tanks and gone home, eh Mr_M? :p

EDIT II: Well well well, they won! Bizarre.

[sheeps]

Took the commentators far too long to mention that Franklin had lost a tooth.

[Jay]

Wonder if it will affect his success with the ladies...

[Spazzallo]

Lol Dogs. Adelaide for 4th now.

[D.C.]

If they win the flag that's different, but if they record an unbeaten season we'll NEVER hear the end of it (not necessarily from Saints fans, but from the media). What Geelong has done over the past three years, which has been extraordinary, will be completely overshadowed, and that would irritate me (so there is definite fan bias in my comments - ftr I think St Kilda are playing football they can rightly be proud of and which is pretty awesome for the neutral spectator to watch).
If Geelong fail this year in the finals I'm afraid to say that the three seasons of complete dominance they've had in H&A deserves to be overlooked. Two premierships makes them a great side that will be remembered for decades, left with just the one and they're not going to be looked back on as any better than recent winners, such as the Eagles, Port, or Swans.

Took the commentators far too long to mention that Franklin had lost a tooth.
lol. :D

[sheeps]

It always annoyed me how Franklin didn't always wear his mouth guard. Serves him right, really, it was bound to happen eventually.

[grimace06]

West Coasts win today scares me - the Dockers might well knock us off tomorrow.

[D.C.]

The Crows/Pies game has been horrible so far. Two quarters with teams mucking around inside their 50m zones, taking five minutes to get it forward with cheap touches, and then totally screwing it up when they get forward. Give me a break.

Of course, it doesn't help watching it when you have nutjob Blight making the most inane comments known to man. Anybody else heard him dribble on illogically at the start of the game (about deliberate out-of-bounds)? Unbelievable.

[[m]averick]

What Geelong has done over the past three years, which has been extraordinary, will be completely overshadowed, and that would irritate me


Geelong havent done anything more worthy or extraordinary than what Essendon did '99-'01. Look at the Brisbane dynasty. They were never the best team over the stretch, but no-one mentions Port's home-and-away form over the same three years.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure St. Kilda just annihilated that stupid 'havent played on the MCG' theory. 115 tackles on the massive York Park bodes well for September. They have been far and away the best team this year, I hope they go 25-0 through the season. Would be remarkable, especially for a team so starved of success.

Time to rest the stars Rossy, get them primed for September. Can't wait. As a former St. Kilda supporter (way back in Kindergarten), I have a very soft spot for them.

[D.C.]

Why does everyone in the media go so crazy over Collingwood's interstate record? It's impressive, sure, but I bet other Melbourne-based sides would have similar results if they had such a sweet draw and only travelled interstate about three times per year.

Incidentally, the Crows lose to another team with a better record. Have they beaten any team above them on the ladder yet this season? Not exactly contenders...

[Jay]

averick;1100555']Geelong havent done anything more worthy or extraordinary than what Essendon did '99-'01. Look at the Brisbane dynasty. They were never the best team over the stretch, but no-one mentions Port's home-and-away form over the same three years.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure St. Kilda just annihilated that stupid 'havent played on the MCG' theory. 115 tackles on the massive York Park bodes well for September. They have been far and away the best team this year, I hope they go 25-0 through the season. Would be remarkable, especially for a team so starved of success.

Time to rest the stars Rossy, get them primed for September. Can't wait. As a former St. Kilda supporter (way back in Kindergarten), I have a very soft spot for them.

I didn't say it was. Nor did I in any way belittle Brisbane's amazing achievement. But I reckon had we not had a shit 3rd quarter on a certain day last September you might be saying something different. But we didn't, so we have to suck eggs.

[[m]averick]

I dont really remember the game so I'll have to take your word for it.

[Jay]

haha, you can't remember it and I can't get the ****ing game out of my head.

[Hyperblau]

Incidentally, the Crows lose to another team with a better record. Have they beaten any team above them on the ladder yet this season? Not exactly contenders...

I don't think anyone has called the contenders... and I'm a crows supporter. This is not the crows year and i dont think any crows supporter has ever expected anything beyond being in the finals. Now the power....wow, no point even talking about them.

[D.C.]

I don't think anyone has called the contenders... and I'm a crows supporter. This is not the crows year and i dont think any crows supporter has ever expected anything beyond being in the finals. Now the power....wow, no point even talking about them.
Why does everyone I talk too (supporter or otherwise) seem to think they're actually a chance then? They were embarrassed by the Saints and Lions, beaten by the Bulldogs and Pies at home, and had a close defeat against a weak Cats outfit. Their winning streak mid-season was good, but even the media were crazy-quick to jump on their bandwagon...

Speaking of Port, providing the yo-yo form doesn't **** us over tomorrow (and scrap into the finals), it's now a very real possibility of another elimination finals showdown. Despite smacking them a few weeks ago, if I were a Crows supporter, I wouldn't be too happy at the prospect of finishing up fifth and the home ground advantage being taken out of the equation.

[Spazzallo]

Draws better then a loss. Horrible game of football that neither team deserved to win. Puts us ahead of Carlton and seeing as they have better percentage than us it may as well count as a win.

[Hyperblau]

Why does everyone I talk too (supporter or otherwise) seem to think they're actually a chance then? They were embarrassed by the Saints and Lions, beaten by the Bulldogs and Pies at home, and had a close defeat against a weak Cats outfit. Their winning streak mid-season was good, but even the media were crazy-quick to jump on their bandwagon...

Speaking of Port, providing the yo-yo form doesn't **** us over tomorrow (and scrap into the finals), it's now a very real possibility of another elimination finals showdown. Despite smacking them a few weeks ago, if I were a Crows supporter, I wouldn't be too happy at the prospect of finishing up fifth and the home ground advantage being taken out of the equation.

The people sayings crows are contenders must be slow... like seriously, they are still basically in a building stage and asking for anything more is just asking for disappointment.

Port don't deserve to be in the finals, and i would think as a supporter of them you would have to agree. They have been horrible all year, and yes i even mean when they win.

[sheeps]

Port don't deserve to be in the finals, and i would think as a supporter of them you would have to agree. They have been horrible all year, and yes i even mean when they win.

Further cements my idea that the finals should only be between the top 6 teams.

[Jay]

You realise this means Hawthorn miss quite easily sheeps, don't you?

[Spazzallo]

Further cements my idea that the finals should only be between the top 6 teams.

Definitely agree. If we ever move to a final 10 system our game will just become a joke. 7th and 8th usually get knocked out straight away anyway (except back in 97 ;)).

[grimace06]

Why does everyone I talk too (supporter or otherwise) seem to think they're actually a chance then? They were embarrassed by the Saints and Lions, beaten by the Bulldogs and Pies at home, and had a close defeat against a weak Cats outfit. Their winning streak mid-season was good, but even the media were crazy-quick to jump on their bandwagon...

Speaking of Port, providing the yo-yo form doesn't **** us over tomorrow (and scrap into the finals), it's now a very real possibility of another elimination finals showdown. Despite smacking them a few weeks ago, if I were a Crows supporter, I wouldn't be too happy at the prospect of finishing up fifth and the home ground advantage being taken out of the equation.

For all the crap about the Crows (you should've seen Graham Cornes segment on Channel 7 after the Showdown - Sickening), we win tomorrow we're one game behind them.

[sheeps]

You realise this means Hawthorn miss quite easily sheeps, don't you?

Do you really think Hawthorn deserve to be playing finals? One brilliant game against Collingwood isn't an entire season.

[Jay]

No no I don't, but I thought you'd want them to.

[grimace06]

For what its worth, I want Port to make the eight so that our youngsters can get a taste of finals.

[D.C.]

Port don't deserve to be in the finals, and i would think as a supporter of them you would have to agree. They have been horrible all year, and yes i even mean when they win.
It's definitely been one of the most frustrating years watching them as a supporter, but overall they're still a better team than the bottom eight, so if they sneak in they will have deserved it. If they show up without expecting things to just work out (re: play their better football) I could definitely see them knocking out the Blues, Lions, or Crows in an elimination final.

Also, the competition is normally a cluster**** from third to eight - cutting off two clubs and cutting the finals to six would be silly, primarily because it would leave a bunch of clubs level on points, purely decided on percentage. I think they've found the right balance with eight teams.

[Spazzallo]

Fremantle 5 goals to 1 already. Not looking good for Port. Need Port to win to make sure the Swans have no motivation come round 22!

Sydney's win has seen them overtake Hawthorn on the ladder. Hawks could easily have pick 6 or (lucky) 7 in the draft by the end of this season!

[grimace06]

How? Why?

We're 10 goals down to Freo at three quarter time - I feel sick, I'm angry, embarrassed and hurt.

I could stomach 06' because were blooding kids.

I could stomach 07's debacle because Geelong were an awesome side.

I got over 08' because I had faith in our list and that could turn around our fortunes.

But this...this is too far. This is a joke, an absolute pathetic joke.

[texta]

Looking at the next couple of rounds, I'd tip the Bombers to hold on to 8th, but it's probably going to come down to the Hawks v Bombers game in round 22.

[sheeps]

I wont rub it in to grimace06 and D.C.

[Sweating Bullets]

Well looks like Port's loss to Freo - the hunt for the 8 will probably extend out to round 22.

[sheeps]

Well looks like Port's loss to Freo - the hunt for the 8 will probably extend out to round 22.

Yes, I'm annoyed. I just want to put a big finished stamp on this season and move on to prepare for next year.

[D.C.]

Mark Williams should start sentencing mediocre Power players to a public stoning. At the moment it would probably draw a better crowd than some of their home games. Even then, I'm not sure some of them would get the message though...

[Super Sleuth]

Yes, I'm annoyed. I just want to put a big finished stamp on this season and move on to prepare for next year.

Haha, I got pissed off when I saw the half time score of Freo vs Port as well. Just kill our hope already! I'm sick of being disappointed this year.

[sheeps]

Stuart Dew to retire by the end of the year.

[grimace06]

Stuart Dew to retire by the end of the year.

Aww well he won you a premiership.

Also D.C, I know most of our players were horrible on the weekend - but if Kane Cornes wins a B and F after yet another cheap, gutless and selfish performance I'll scream.

His brother needs to wake up too and if he isnt fit don't play him.

[Sweating Bullets]

Aww. Shame that Dew is leaving.
Those 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter last year was what won it for the Hawks.

[texta]

Fremantle beating Port wasn't a huge suprise though. In my footy tipping comp a lot more people got that right than some of the other games.

[D.C.]

Also D.C, I know most of our players were horrible on the weekend - but if Kane Cornes wins a B and F after yet another cheap, gutless and selfish performance I'll scream.
Who has been better overall in the side this year though? He certainly hasn't been at his peak, but at least he's willing to stick his head in and give it a crack even when things aren't going the team's way (something that Pearce could learn a thing or two about).

Almost a certainty that we win against the Blues this weekend too. The team clearly wants to drive me insane.

[Spazzallo]

Glad we play you on your 'loss' week :D.

[grimace06]

Who has been better overall in the side this year though? He certainly hasn't been at his peak, but at least he's willing to stick his head in and give it a crack even when things aren't going the team's way (something that Pearce could learn a thing or two about).

Almost a certainty that we win against the Blues this weekend too. The team clearly wants to drive me insane.

Surjan, Cassisi and Warren Tredrea have had better years than Kane.

[sheeps]

Roughhead (and Croad) out for the season.

What a shit year, lol.

[Super Sleuth]

Cassisi is a gun. He's a tough, honest hard worker. I'd be very happy if it went him.

Aww. Shame that Dew is leaving.
Those 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter last year was what won it for the Hawks.

Possibly my favourite 5 minutes of Hawthorn related football ever. Well, that and Franklin kicking THAT goal against Adelaide in the 2007 elimination final.

It's a shame Dew didn't feel like having one more crack. He is one of the most naturally talented players I've seen. I freaking hated when Hawthorn played Port back when he was with them. He always ripped us apart.

[Sweating Bullets]

Roughhead (and Croad) out for the season.

What a shit year, lol.

Jeez. I am tempted to say if it could get any worse for the Hawks but it might jinx them some more.

[D.C.]

Surjan, Cassisi and Warren Tredrea have had better years than Kane.
Surjan has been quite good, although he still makes awful turnovers too regularly, and Cassisi was barely spotted in the first half of the season (admittedly he's had a ripper second half).

Real shame that Dew decided to hang up the boots again. Even this season he showed glimpses of form that suggested he was easily in Hawthorn's best side, but injuries obviously forced his hand.

I reckon Croad is just about gone as well. Foot injuries are never easy to come back from, age is working against him, and he's already experienced some severe complications.

[Super Sleuth]

They can't field Croad until he looks 100%. It's in his contract.

[Frostillicus]

Eric Bana showing Jimmy Fallon a few Aussie Rules footy skills

http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/

[texta]

Roughhead (and Croad) out for the season.

What a shit year, lol.Of course a three week injury is the rest of the season for the hawks.

[Patdog]

Eric Bana showing Jimmy Fallon a few Aussie Rules footy skills

http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/
up the saints.

[Spazzallo]

Can't believe Roos is giving it up at the end of next year. Thought he definitely could have made it to 20 years as a coach and be one of the all time greats :(.

[grimace06]

Can't believe Roos is giving it up at the end of next year. Thought he definitely could have made it to 20 years as a coach and be one of the all time greats :(.

Hmm, How do I put it?

USA= $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

:p

[D.C.]

Can't believe Roos is giving it up at the end of next year. Thought he definitely could have made it to 20 years as a coach and be one of the all time greats :(.
Hey, at least we won't be reduced to another decade or longer of flooding tactics that make games more boring than watching paint dry. ;)

[Spazzallo]

Hmm, How do I put it?

USA= $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

:p

Where'd you hear that? I checked the Herald Sun website for something that sounded like a load of crap and nothing came up! :D

Hey, at least we won't be reduced to another decade or longer of flooding tactics that make games more boring than watching paint dry. ;)

True however I'm sure his tactics would have evolved. Could argue that they have. Ross Lyon took the next step with the Saints.

For a team who has had one pick in the top 10 in the last 10 years (ROK) he has done a fantastic job with the players he has had. 'Onya Roos!



In other news... What a douche.

Video shows footy player tampering with best-and-fairest count[/B]"]


A COUNTRY footy champ has been rubbed out for five years after a sting discovered he was rigging the votes in a best-and-fairest count.

Mirboo North star Joe Bordanaro, a three-time league B & F winner, was sensationally exposed on video tape on Nine News last night as he raided offices where the votes are kept.
Bordanaro is seen returning 20 minutes later placing the altered votes in the original envelope, giving himself votes as best or second-best player on the ground.

It is believed he used liquid paper to tamper with the votes after Mirboo North's eight home matches this season.
Bordanaro - the winner of the Mid Gippsland Football League reserves grade medal in 2005, 2006 and 2008 - made his move after each match as the umpires' votes were taken to a back office.
Suspicious club officials set up a camera and reported their shock findings to MGFL officials, who suspended him this week for five years.


League secretary Rod Lucas said he'd never seen anything like it.

"He'd come into the secretary's room, take them out, alter them and bring them back in," he said.
Mirboo North president Andrew Taylor last night refused to discuss the saga that has rocked the Gippsland town.
"No comment. This club does not want to get involved," Taylor told the Herald Sun before hanging up.
But a long-time Mirboo North supporter who asked not to be named said Bordanaro was a good bloke who'd made a big mistake.
"You don't get away with much at Mirboo North," he said. "It's all a bit of a shame for the fella really.
"It's been around the town for a few days."
Bordanaro could not be contacted but was said to be an "emotional wreck".

[[m]averick]

Jarred McVeigh was pick 3 in like the 2002 draft, I think. I know, he looks forty-five, but I swear it's true.

[Spazzallo]

Woops got them mixed up. Thats who I meant :P. Just did had a quick look and the last time they had a top 10 draft pick other than Mcveigh was way back in 1997 when they had 3. Top effort and proof you don't need to go down (or tank for that matter) to get a premiership.

[Jay]

I'd have thought Geelong we're proof enough of that. :p

[Spazzallo]

I'd have thought Geelong we're proof enough of that. :p

To be fair the first premiership that resulted directly from bottoming out probably was the Hawks last year. In the 2000's, Essendon (88-00 missed finals only 3 times), Brisbane (95-01 missed 98), Port (99-04 missed 00), West Coast 90-06 missed twice O_O) , Sydney (96-05 missed twice) & Geelong (00-07 Missed 3 times). had all been contesting the finals for quite a few years before breaking through. Geelong though having a record not so good as the other teams never missed the finals 2 years in a row.

Hopefully bottoming out does not replace a winning culture as the best method to get to a flag! And hopefully the above statistics do not get Collingwood a flag anytime soon because they're just about due! T_T

[D.C.]

I think it's fair to say about the only way you're not going to 'botton out' (re: definitely miss the finals) for a significant period in the league is if you employ incredibly defensive tactics, while refusing to blood a healthy amount of youngsters over the journey (ala Roos and Sydney); get superstars out of father-and-son for dirt-cheap while also keeping higher picks (Geelong); or being down for so long that the team eventually has a third of their starters resulting from top five picks (Carlton).

[Jay]

Just did my tips for the round, and found I am tipping 7 out 8 away teams. People who don't submit might do quite well this week if my predictions are around the mark.

[Spazzallo]

Just did my tips for the round, and found I am tipping 7 out 8 away teams. People who don't submit might do quite well this week if my predictions are around the mark.

Brisbane better be the only home team you are tipping! :mad:


Now how is this for amazing. Today sitting in my first class of the year for by year 2 economics class and I'm next to this tall bloke. We ended up getting paired together for the rest of the semester for our assignments cause we knew nobody else.

Not only is this bloke a Brisbane Lions fanatic (the first person I have ever met who goes for the Lions not just because they were good at the start of the 2000's and third person overall), but he is one of probably 20 Victorion lions who post on Bigfooty!

Gonna be a sweet semester!

[Jay]

It'll be like Brown and Bradshaw, a match made in heaven. Just don't get in each other's way on the lead...

[Spazzallo]

Pfft it doesnt matter if Bradshaw gets in Browns way, he'll just run straight through him anyway!

[Jay]

'Tis true.

I'm just hoping the Cats start to get back to their best over the next couple of weeks - we are struggling, but we are also the only team who can beat St Kilda, and they really need to be beaten. :p

[D.C.]

I'd argue the Pies have a better shot at beating St. Kilda than the Cats do. ;)

[Sweating Bullets]

Never watch Footy in the middle of the working week. Makes you think it is the weekend.
Watched the '08 Grand Final yesterday (again)

Man I hope the Hawks win tomorrow night.

[sheeps]

Excellent start by the Hawks. Stop playing with my heart.

[sheeps]

Ugh...

[Sweating Bullets]

I'll see that ugh and raise you a holy crap.

From a flying start to this - Hawks have turned into Richmond.
We'll see how the last quarter plays out but I think planning for 2010 is probably a good idea.

[StorminNorman]

Yet another loss to a scrubby interstate team :/

Umpire McBurnie = best on ground for Adelaide.

[sheeps]

Lolthorn.

[Sweating Bullets]

I would like to find the fast forward button to take us to 2010

[Jay]

Whereas I just want a rewind button to take me back to Grand Final day last year and right the wrong that was perpetrated.

[sheeps]

Might start barracking for Gold Coast...

[StorminNorman]

Whereas I just want a rewind button to take me back to Grand Final day last year and right the wrong that was perpetrated.

You'll get to do that again this year after St Kilda flogs you in the Grand Final.

As they say, the team that will win the Grand Final is the team that beats Geelong.

[Jay]

Sadly I think you might be right...

[sheeps]

Hawks have the highest membership? Has this only been since the last year? I always though Collingwood were on top of us.

[Super Sleuth]

Well, their lack of competitive spirit is really showing through now. On current form, Hawthorn are the worst team in the league. Tonight was ****ing disgusting. How exactly a team can field so many players with a lack of desire to win a a contested ball is beyond me. They've been second to the ball all year and they're just getting plain ****ed up the ass now.

I was happy to see Murphy and Dowler booted from the team this week. It's about time they were shown the door. But for the love of God, GET RID OF SIMON TAYLOR. Give Max Bailey a run. C'mon. Taylor is so ****ing useless it's comical. Brent Renouf is not far behind him. (I can't see Jarryd Morton being much chop either) (Also, our senior players have proven themselves to be unworthy of any leadership roles. Consistent brain fades and poor performances when we need them the most have been super damaging. I'm looking at Lewis, Bateman, C. Brown, M. Osbourne, Mitchell, Roughead, Guerra and Franklin. Sure, they've had the odd good game, but none of them have stood up this year when the going got tough) This has become a pasting. Birchall has gone backwards.

And Hawthorn's amazing rolling zone has been one their biggest problems this year. Every team in the league knows it like the back of their hand now, yet they still ****ing persist with it! They are sitting ducks waiting to be swooped upon every time they have to kick it out. As for their defensive zone when the opposition is kicking out. Ha ****ing ha. Clarkson has no plan b. Great year last year, everything fell into place perfectly. Finals run, minimal key injuries and a game plan that was fresh. The rest of the teams were a little stunned last year, now, like professional sporting teams should do, they've studied it and countered. We on the other hand have been shown up to be 1 trick pony's.

Ok, rant over.


I just got home from the MCG...can you tell?


Also, I feel very sorry for Robbie Campbell. He is our best ruckman by a mile. He can use the ball well through the midfield and provides a good option coming out of defence...but due to our club's inability to recognise our deficiencies in the back half (eg: trading Dawson, not drafting any key defenders) he's been forced to play role he is not suited for. In the off season they need to draft 2 key defenders. Trade off Taylor for someone. Whatever. The ruck division should be Campbell and Bailey. Renouf can be a back up....but only if it's absolutely required.

Apparently the rant wasn't over.

[grimace06]

I don't think it's hard to tell Clarkson served under Williams.

Both are great coaches but both also seem to lack a plan B when things aren't going their way.

[Super Sleuth]

Very true.

The fire that is supposedly in the belly of Hawthorn's leadership group does not appear to be filtering down through the ranks at all. They are not playing attacking footy. They are simply reacting to what their opposition does. Like a reserves level cellar dwelling team.

Before I forget, the umpiring tonight was absolutely disgraceful. Going both ways, that is. There were a number of decisions made that suggests to me that the way these umpires are trained to adjudicate the game is farcical. Decisions that hurt the 'tough' branding of the sport. And inconsistent. ****.

[Sweating Bullets]

You are right about Clarkson's zoning tactics and how the entire ****ing league knows about it and he has yet to mix it up this year. Rough year this year but I am not counting the Hawks until we see how they pick up the pieces the next two years.

[Cerebral]

Re: Richmond

Damnnnnnn

[Sweating Bullets]

Not a good look for Rawlings.

[D.C.]

Every time Port let me down (and they've done it a lot this season) with a tepid performance, Richmond always cheer me up with something much, much worst. J. King is embarrassing himself. :D

[Cerebral]

The scary thing is, the Pies aren't even converting from a lot of shots that they should. In terms of total scoring shots it's 37-11.

[IRS]

Hey dudes, I am wondering. Say a team finishes 3-4 and loses, will their next game be a home game or no?

it is right?

[Super Mario]

Yes..

[Super Sleuth]

Hey dudes, I am wondering. Say a team finishes 3-4 and loses, will their next game be a home game or no?

it is right?

Yep. Bulldogs lost to Hawthorn in the qualifying final last year and then beat Sydney in the semi at the MCG.

[Jay]

Good win by the Cats. Tough game. Phew. Ablett and Corey superb again. Watch it D.C.? You can't tell me he doesn't get the hard ball. You simply cannot.

[grimace06]

Good win by the Cats. Tough game. Phew. Ablett and Corey superb again. Watch it D.C.? You can't tell me he doesn't get the hard ball. You simply cannot.

Bartell however, looked like a hack in comparison. :p

Glad you won anyway - I'd hate to see Sydney make the eight.

[Jay]

Yeah, but they're always going to tag someone. Selwood, for example, was quiet because he had to contend with Kirk.

Pleased to get the win. Now I want you blokes to knock off Carlton to finish the Hawks off. Though a part of me wants them to have hope until Round 22 and miss on percentage or something truly heartbreaking... :p

[D.C.]

Watch it D.C.? You can't tell me he doesn't get the hard ball. You simply cannot.
I did actually. I wasn't as impressed with the game as much as the commentators (GOTY?! :eek:), but it was entertaining all the same. Little Gablett was good too, but he probably figured he had to step up tonight because the media were finally starting to figure him out. Strap him up to a lie detector and ask him if he wants the individual glory more than another premiership. :p

What was so wrong about Bartel's game, grimace? I thought he was right up there in Geelong's best...

[sheeps]

I think it's fair to say Ablett wants another premiership. I mean, he was in tears last year...

[Jay]

I find the criticism he gets - not just from D.C., but various places - astonishing. As someone who watches him very closely every week I can tell you there is not a player in the league I would rather have. And he shouldn't really have to worry about Brownlows because by all rights he should already have two.

[D.C.]

He's been a media darling for his entire career. I can't recall anyone in recent memory that has been so excessively praised aside from Judd (and maybe Franklin last season - boy, has that changed now). It's only been since the mini form slump (two weeks or so) that the media have started picking at some of his flaws or making assumptions.

I've admitted in the past that I'm not a fan, and would argue that his stats on paper make him look a far better player than he actually is, but most of the time I'm just ribbing Jay that he's soft. :p Ultra fast, good skills, but I don't think you could deny that he's selfish player. Which isn't necessary a bad thing, but I dunno, maybe it just looks worse because he's playing alongside Selwood...

[Super Sleuth]

Of course the media are going to hype even the smallest slump in Ablett's form. The resulting columns of criticism will shift a billion papers.

This pretty much sums up this game...

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/8080/pavlich.jpg

[[m]averick]

I dont have Foxtel, so I cant see the game, but the weather in Melbourne last night and today is absolutely woeful, so there's a chance for the lowest crowd at the MCG today. Just shocking wind and a bit of rain about.

[Super Mario]

Prolly go to the pub to watch the Bombers game, I really hope that we win it.

[Super Sleuth]

I hope you do too. I don't want to read another article about how Hawthorn could still make the finals. They burn my esophagus.

[sheeps]

Melbourne thrashing Fremantle.

God this season blows.

[texta]

I tipped Melbourne. Feeling pretty good about myself right now.

[Patdog]

Brian Taylor and James Hird making Saints Bombers game unlistenable.

[texta]

I'm going to get 7/8 in the tipping thanks to me tipping Port. Going for the Power today has been the most frustrating thing ever.

[Jay]

Have you seen the St Kilda Essendon score? You might be on 6 there methinks. Here's hoping...

[texta]

Have you seen the St Kilda Essendon score? You might be on 6 there methinks. Here's hoping...Yeah. I didn't tip Essendon either, but I doubt many other people did either.

[D.C.]

Brian Taylor and James Hird making Saints Bombers game unlistenable.
Couldn't be any worse than the channel ten team. Unbelievably bad.

Wow, Port showed just how much they care in the final quarter today too. Less than a couple goals down and just decided to lie down and let the Blues run all over them. Pathetic.

EDIT: St. Kilda kicked the last two goals of the second quarter. I wouldn't be surprised if they run over the Bombers.

[TAT]

I ****ing hate Essendon

[Sweating Bullets]

EDIT: St. Kilda kicked the last two goals of the second quarter. I wouldn't be surprised if they run over the Bombers.

I think the Bombers might actually pull out an upset.

[Cerebral]

Saints kicked the first two of the last quarter, only 3 goals in it now.

Edit: Also amazing win by the Blues, Murphy is a gun, Fev is still a bit of a retard but deserved his bag of goals.

[Patdog]

7 points and I need a piss.

[texta]

Too close.

EDIT: Gosh! What a finish. I think we can call the Bombers the 8th team in the finals after that.

[Jay]

Yes!!! Go Bombers! That little ****ing rat Stephen Milne - who I hate as much as TAT hates Essendon - can **** right off, at least for this week. He'll probably be a premiership player in six weeks time (which makes me feel sick), but for tonight - get ****ed!!

[Patdog]

What have you got against Milne you great prick?

[Jay]

Just hate the little rat. Always have, always will. It's not rational. I can't justify it, and I'm not going to try. Except to say that outside of St Kilda supporters he is one of the most hated players in the league, so I'm not on my Pat Malone.

[Cerebral]

Holy smoke. As if Riewoldt misses from 35 out.

[Jay]

I know. Superb.

[D.C.]

He's never been a great set-shot. Disappointing not to see the Saints go undefeated though.

[Super Sleuth]

I've been thinking that if they didn't lose a match during the home and away season, they won't win the premiership. However, after seeing Riewoldt choke like that, and they way Essendon proved that anyone can beat anyone with hard attacking footy...I think this loss may hurt StKilda, as opposed to give them the wake up call teams often need before September.

[Super Mario]

RIlPGNCQokE

[Super Sleuth]

You've had a dream day SM. Knocking off the unbeaten Saints and the unbeaten (in the season) asdf! Here here.

[Super Mario]

Wish I went to the game, still a great atmosphere down at the local pub.

[sheeps]

Two ****ing points.

We softened them up of course.

[texta]

Just hate the little rat. Always have, always will. It's not rational. I can't justify it, and I'm not going to try. Except to say that outside of St Kilda supporters he is one of the most hated players in the league, so I'm not on my Pat Malone.
Agreed. The rape accusations didn't help his image either.

[Jay]

Yeah. I was going to mention that...

[Spazzallo]

God Essendon tried their bloody hardest to lose that game in the last quarter! It was like the final 30 seconds from the week previous for an entire quarter! Good win though, shame to not see the Saints through undefeated.

[Super Mario]

God Essendon tried their bloody hardest to lose that game in the last quarter! It was like the final 30 seconds from the week previous for an entire quarter! Good win though, shame to not see the Saints through undefeated.

Grand Final rematch in SC this week, you nervous?

[Spazzallo]

Oooh you made it through? I'll be less nervous when I trade out a couple of duds! How many trades you got left?

EDIT: Crap in the Bigfooty Brisbane Lions league I'm in I scored the exact same score as my opponent for next week o_o.

[Super Mario]

Not giving anything away!

Looks like it might be Essendon/Brisbane Qualifying Final, you gonna make the trip up?

[Spazzallo]

To be honest I can't see us getting any higher than 7th. Carlton's run home is too easy for us to pip them and we're way too inconsistant to even begin to think of winning both our final games :(.

If we do play a final up in Brisbane though I will have to think about it. It depends on how long ****ing Centrelink take to start sending my Youth Allowance! It'll be pretty hard to get a ticket too (I am an AFL M.

You considering going?

[Super Mario]

Yeah will travel to Norway if I have to, besides if I put it on the credit card it's basically free!

[Spazzallo]

Haha.

Brad Scott named as North Melbourne's new coach. It'll be interesting to see what he changes.

[Super Mario]

THIS IS THE BEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN:
F0w2GrHiGFk

[Spazzallo]

God Hutchy is a **** who hates Brisbane. Sure we have only beaten Adelaide and Bulldogs above us but we have beaten EVERY team below us (except Essendon who we drew away and are only one position below us and Port who we will beat this week I HOPE). This is the same dip shit who (along with a lot of his counterparts) has his hands down his pants when teams like Carlton belt Richmond & Melbourne. Brisbanes goal was to make finals this year and we've done it so the ****wit can shut the **** up.

Oh and now he's talking about tanking. Very new.

EDIT: Lyon just served him. His face was priceless!

[D.C.]

Voss had done some unbelievable things getting that club so reliable and up into the top six or so for the majority of the season but, no offense Spaz, I think they will be making up the numbers come finals time. Crows, Blues, Lions, and the inevitable eighth team probably aren't going to do much damage.

What did you think about that moronic Lions bitch throwing beer on/at B. Johnson btw? Surprised it has largely slipped under the rug to be honest, and as much as I dislike crazy Collingwood supporters, if one of them had done that (particularly male) the media would have went into hysterics.

[Spazzallo]

Oh of course we will be making up finals and so will every team currently placed 5th-8th. But we deserve more credit then what that rat gave us in saying we do not deserve to be in the 8 (then who the **** would replace us?).

I've been hearing about it all day on SEN and the news so I wouldn't say it is under the rug. Difference is she is not a club member so it is up to the GABBA to suspend her and seeing as she is from Sydney (explains everything!) I doubt her punishment will really effect her. It was disgraceful and Vossy spoke about it perfectly.

She was wearing a Fitzroy scarf which saddens me because I have never met a rude or moronic ex-roy in my life :(. There goes the perfect image.

[grimace06]

So after the rage towards my team and their clear lack of a want to play finals went away (plus this is my first chance to get on a computer since saturday), I'd just like to say well played Carlton. Murphy is an absolute gun and say what you like about Fev but unlike some of my teams senior "stars" he steps up when required.

We wont beat Brisbane and the only reason I'll go to the North game is to see off Brendon Lade and Peter Burgoyne.

[Super Mario]

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=6948
Scott Lucas retires, guess it was inevitable, after an injury plagued 2008 I really thought he'd come back this year and be a key player, sad to see him struggle and it's shit that he won't get a farewell game because he's injured.

He has been a champion.

[sheeps]

I pissed myself at this. I am so simple.

knock knock
-whos there
guerra
-guerra who
guWERE A HAPPY TEAM A HAWTHORN

[NiB]

Bring on 2010.....the year of the Hawk

[Sweating Bullets]

Man I hope Hawks manage a win against the Tigers

[NiB]

Man I hope Hawks manage a win against the Tigers

If we lose that....I'm beating Jake King to death just to make myself feel better

[sheeps]

BAILEEEEEEEEyyyyy....

He better ****in' shine.

[Spazzallo]

Steve Johnson I will be yelling your name when my team loses this weekend!

[Super Mario]

Don't worry, I have him too; as well as Paddy Ryder, Matthew Lloyd, Mitchell Brown, Peter Burgoyne, Jack Grimes, Dean Cox and Patrick Dangerfield.

[Super Sleuth]

Thank the sweet lord, my prayers have been answered.

IN - Bailey

OUT - Taylor

Hoo-freaking-ray.

[D.C.]

'Dogs are toying with Geelong at the moment. Should be at least seven goals in front already.

[Sweating Bullets]

Great game so far. Great job by the Cats to get back into it.

[D.C.]

Yeah, good game in the end. I actually thought it might have been a bit of a blow-out after half-time, but Geelong had an unbelievable third quarter. They dropped another one though, and you'd have to think that the Pies would now be red-hot favourites for the first final.

I know Mooney finished up with four goals, but jesus, he's become a joke at set-shot kicking.

[Spazzallo]

Don't lose hope Jay, Geelong may be 4-4 in the last 8 rounds but Brisbane were 6-7 going into the semi final in 03 and we won it :).

[Jay]

Ha ha cheers. I'm not too despondent - we (and the Doggies) played some pretty good footy tonight. It was a high standard game. My main worry is the constant stream of injuries. I think with a full side on the park we are still a match for anyone. But we might not get that chance unfortunately.

Still, great win by the Bulldogs tonight. I love watching them play.

[texta]

Sigh. I called the Cats to lose against the dogs a week ago and then was too pussy (lol) to actually tip against them.

[Super Mario]

I tipped geelong by 2, but changed my tips at the last minute to dogs by 15 :)

[Spazzallo]

**** Chamberlain up the ****ing arse.

Give these dipshits a ****ing tape measure. They've ****ed up 5 times on 15m kicks already tonight both ways.

WAKE UP LIONS ****!

[Hyperblau]

Port are such a f****ng joke.

[Spazzallo]

Please ****ing piss down again oh mighty Lord! :(

[D.C.]

Port are such a f****ng joke.
Haha, they're making me extremely happy so far tonight! :D

[Spazzallo]

C-O-N-S-I-S-T-E-N-C-Y! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! Brown shepparded out, Sheldon gets hit, holding the ****ing ball gives us ****ing something you maggots theyr ****king only 9 goals in front!

HURRAY WE SCORED

[Hyperblau]

Haha, they're making me extremely happy so far tonight! :D

I don't see how this can make you happy. This would just piss me off even more if I went for them... thank f*** i dont.

[Sweating Bullets]

Damn Hawks inaccuracy will probably make them lose again. ffs.

Port are doing pretty good but I won't count the Lions out.

[Spazzallo]

Can't watch. Massive pain in my rib and it hurts like hell when I yell ><.

[D.C.]

I don't see how this can make you happy. This would just piss me off even more if I went for them... thank f*** i dont.
Grimace and myself have been tearing our hair out over their inconsistency this season (our posts have clearly reflected as much), but I'm not exactly going to get more pissed off from seeing them kick the shit out of a better team...

That will happen if the Lions somehow come back and knock us off. Or if we win tonight and have our 'down' game against the Roos at home next week. :p

EDIT: Holy shit, ten straight and the quarter went over thirty-six minutes.

[Spazzallo]

CMON LIONS! Restricted them to 4 points and now 17 points down!!

Hope Stiller is okay. That clash was awful :(.

[D.C.]

Okay, now I'm pissed. Terrible performance over the last thirty minutes.

I wouldn't be too annoyed with the umps, Spaz. They gifted the Lions at least a few goals that quarter. The clean mark not awarded in the final minute was a truly stupid decision.

[grimace06]

**** off, Port.

Pathetic.

[Grechy]

If I was a Port supported I'd be filthy tonight.

[Sweating Bullets]

What a come back by the Lions. Awesome showing.

Hawks and Tigers soon to enter final quarter. Let's hope Hawks can win so I can get a free coffee.

[Super Sleuth]

Hawthorn is SO unclean with their disposal. Such a contrast to last year.


And we have nothing up forward.

[Sweating Bullets]

2010 should be better for the Hawks Sleuth.

[grimace06]

Okay, that decision against Thurstans was a joke - first the mark wasn't paid to Matt Thomas before half-time and then that.

[Super Sleuth]

I've been saying it for 4 years now, but...

I ****ING HATE FRANLKIN'S SET SHOT KICKING STYLE!

[Spazzallo]

Okay, now I'm pissed. Terrible performance over the last thirty minutes.

I wouldn't be too annoyed with the umps, Spaz. They gifted the Lions at least a few goals that quarter. The clean mark not awarded in the final minute was a truly stupid decision.

Makes up for that shepphard and 5m mark in the first quarter :p.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up. This is very similar to the last game these teams played each other.

How stuffed are the players? It's 20 degrees at the moment up there and it seems like everyones out of gas.

[Sweating Bullets]

Horrible quarter so far the Hawks. They might lose this one.

edit: Lions are awesome imo

[Shaddow]

C'mon you LIONS

[IRS]

God I am glad I'm not a Port supporter.

They may as well be Fremantle or Richmond after that game.

[D.C.]

Makes up for that shepphard and 5m mark in the first quarter :p.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up. This is very similar to the last game these teams played each other.

How stuffed are the players? It's 20 degrees at the moment up there and it seems like everyones out of gas.
I think we can both agree that the umpiring has been a bit of a disgrace tonight across the board.

But that's no bloody excuse for going goal-less in two quarters. I just don't have any idea how we can kick ten straight one quarter, play unbelievable, and in the next resort to that slow, chipping bullshit that has been out of fashion for at least five years. I mean, we're not even ****ing good at it!

Full credit to the Lions though, it was a tremendous fight-back. As deplorable as we were, they played extremely well in the last three quarters.

I'm done for the year. Let the Roos trample all over us next week at AAMI. We have a shit percentage already, might as well slip further and get a better draft pick. :(

[Spazzallo]

**** YEAH! GOOOOOOOOOOO LIOOOOONS!

I am in disbelief! AMAZING! Our young guns stood up tonight, what a win!

[Shaddow]

Brisbane Till I die, I'm Brisbane till I ****ING DIE.
WE ARE BRISBANE OLE OLE OLE

[Jay]

****ing Steve Quartermaine whinging about forwards not getting enough protection from the umpires. The ****ing rules committee has, over the past seven years or so, basically made defending an impossible task, with the chopping of the arms, hands in the back etc. How much more ****ing protection do they need?

[Shaddow]

It should be illegal to be within 27 yards of the man with the ball.

[Jay]

Don't give them any more ****ing ideas.

[Super Sleuth]

****ing Steve Quartermaine whinging about forwards not getting enough protection from the umpires. The ****ing rules committee has, over the past seven years or so, basically made defending an impossible task, with the chopping of the arms, hands in the back etc. How much more ****ing protection do they need?

Agreed.


But still, I would've punched Rance in the face and then feel hard done by when a free kick was paid against me.

[Spazzallo]

Ok calmed down a bit now. Unbelievable spirit by the boys :). Redden is going to be an absolute champion one day and now I don't feel so bad watching Beams play so well! Can't believe Stiller actually came back onto the field, it made me sick how fast his lights went out.

Now for some statistics! :D

-3rd time in history a team has been held goalless in the second quarter after kicking 10 in the first.

-2nd time in history where the above has occurred and the other side one (the other time was Fitzroy in 1978 ;) )

-4th time in history a team has lost after kicking 10 goals in the first quarter.

-Biggest comeback for the Brisbane Lions after 1/4.


Just amazing. Now if we win next week we will play at home against the loser of Adelaide vs Carlton. If we lose we play away to the loser. Don't think I could take losing to Carlton in Melbourne AGAIN so lets pray we win! :D

[D.C.]

****ing Steve Quartermaine whinging about forwards not getting enough protection from the umpires. The ****ing rules committee has, over the past seven years or so, basically made defending an impossible task, with the chopping of the arms, hands in the back etc. How much more ****ing protection do they need?
The guy is a tosser. Has no idea what he's talking about for the majority, and he's unbelievably biased when calling games featuring the Hawks.

Spaz: Did you think tonight's comeback win was better than the one a few years ago against Port at AAMI? From what I can remember of that, you guys were about forty down in the second half, away from home, and the conditions turned atrocious quick-smart. Two great performances by Brisbane, but that one left me a little bit more shattered. :(

[Spazzallo]

The guy is a tosser. Has no idea what he's talking about for the majority, and he's unbelievably biased when calling games featuring the Hawks.

Spaz: Did you think tonight's comeback win was better than the one a few years ago against Port at AAMI? From what I can remember of that, you guys were about forty down in the second half, away from home, and the conditions turned atrocious quick-smart. Two great performances by Brisbane, but that one left me a little bit more shattered. :(

Nah I thought the first one was better. Bradshaw turned it on completely and in the wet it was amazing. Stillers goal from the boundary, countless snaps, it had everything!

That being said, tonights win was pretty damn good too :p. It's very hard to judge if Port were playing horrible from quarter time or if we lifted and strangled your attack. Our defence certainly lifted (funnily enough after Merrett (when he dropped that mark in the square I just thought to myself HERE WE GO AGAIN!) left the ground -_-').

Port will get consistency soon enough. It's been 5 years since Brisbane made the finals and we're still inconsistent as hell but there is still hope :).

You guys might end up with pick 7 (Sydney will beat us, bogey side :() so that can't be all too bad either seeing how it's gone the past few years :p. Though if Essendon lose tomorrow you can still make it assuming you kill North next week (the only motivation they'll have is individual to save their careers). You never know after the season we have had.

[grimace06]

Though if Essendon lose tomorrow you can still make it assuming you kill North next week (the only motivation they'll have is individual to save their careers). You never know after the season we have had.

We need -

Freo to beat Essendon

A slim hawks win or a draw next week.

We beat the Roos by 100+



What a waste of a year. :(



EDIT: Did anyone else notice Jason Dunstall was pretty much rooting for Brisbane tonight?

Mind you - Alastair Lynch sounded like he was about to orgasm with delight in that last quarter.

Poor Dwayne Russell.

[Spazzallo]

Russell is a fool so he deserves to be put through hell :P.

Dunstall kept stating the same facts over and over in the first quarter and seemed like he was very Port biased so I tried to drone him out and didn't really notice.

Lynch tries very hard to not be biased but you can tell how much he loves the Lions, and how could ya blame him? :P

Just very glad we didn't have Matt Cambell. For a former Bears player he has the biggest grudge against us. Pure negative!

Do you get the Fox Sports commentary on FTA in Adelaide?

[grimace06]

Russell is a fool so he deserves to be put through hell :P.

Dunstall kept stating the same facts over and over in the first quarter and seemed like he was very Port biased so I tried to drone him out and didn't really notice.

Lynch tries very hard to not be biased but you can tell how much he loves the Lions, and how could ya blame him? :P

Just very glad we didn't have Matt Cambell. For a former Bears player he has the biggest grudge against us. Pure negative!

Do you get the Fox Sports commentary on FTA in Adelaide?

Yeah it was a Fox Sports broadcast - its shown on both FTA and Fox - I watch fox by choice because they don't have ads in between goals.

[Sweating Bullets]

A mate of mine was pretty pissed at the Franklin elbow against Cousins didn't get reported.

[D.C.]

The really good, fair bump, SB? Even on slow-mo replays, it didn't seem to be above the shoulders. I'm guessing Cousins did most of the damage hitting the turf.

[Sweating Bullets]

It looked like it was near the neck. But I didn't see a good enough clear shot - most of the angles of the elbow were either covered by Franklin or Cousins.

We'll see how today's games pan out for the group fighting to be in the finals.