We'll ladies and gents, we've made another Grand Final! The rest of the season of the season is now irrelevant and in all liklihood we will go in as underdogs probably against Geelong. But even from here in Paris (Yes I will be back next week and have my GF ticket sorted) I thought the Grand Final deserved it's own thread.
There is so much to discuss. Jolly & Reid, so crucial, will they play? Will the Fas come in for Beams? Will Goldsack make another last minute return to a Grand Final side? Didak? Everything will be covered in minute detail.
Where does one start other than Go Pies!!!
We'll be back in the country Cruise, that's the first major step.
So humble in your acknowledgement of how you made it to the GF as always Cruise :P
Keefe and Wood could play... that's a scary thought. Reid and Jolly will likely play IMO
Beams has had a poor finals in his career, and I think Malthouse will have no hesitation dropping Beams for Fas, and probably naming Fas sub.
The most important thing decided in the next 5-6 hours....
Good luck in the GF, but if you guys played like you did last night, you won't win against Geelong especially, maybe West Coast.
last night they were sayingn they will risk Ried and Johnson but Jolly very unlikely to play alot can change though as we saw with buddy just 2 weeks ago. imagine if they play all 3 though and their injuries all blow up. :'( for Collingwood supporters i would hate to be in this position. The players are playing like they have to win due to supporter pressure, they have a lot of pressure on them.
The pressure from the supporters this year would be FAR less than it was last year. I don't think that will be an issue.
Jolly has a torn adductor apparently...
Surely he can't play through that?
Reid will have2 play, Keefe isn't up to it.
Don't care who plays Collingwood, looks like Geelong currently, but as Port aren't playing in it i want a tight contest and another close GF, like the last 3 years.
I'm just glad we're playing Collingwood. I don't think we would have beaten the Hawks in a GF.
Quote from: Fletch74 on September 24, 2011, 07:48:23 AM
So humble in your acknowledgement of how you made it to the GF as always Cruise :P
Unfortunately I didn't see the game but clearly we were very very lucky but we made it through, you win or you lose in a prelim & that's it.
I am going to the GF with low expectations as Geelong's last 6 weeks of football, including thumping us, has been a far better preparation. We continue to battle through injuries and clearly our prelim was a battering. But you have to be in it to win it & you just never know.
I give the Cats an excellent chance next week. We have no excuses. The players are in top form and are fresh. If Collingwood beat us it's because they are better than us, the Cats are READY.
no excuses except for stevie J of course ;) dont worry if collingwood lose there will be plenty of excuses trust me
QuoteThe pressure from the supporters this year would be FAR less than it was last year. I don't think that will be an issue.
im not sure about that you had a stellar year and fans are talking about a dynatsy constantly. then the media comes out and says its the most dominant year by a team ever. Then there is the whole Buckley Malthouse dilema. i think Malthouse was so emotional beacuase people are talking about buckley stuffing the team up after malthouse goes back to back without even considering that it might not happen.
haven't heard that. The pressure would certainly be on Bucks to perform though. Thats where he differs from Chris Scott, no-one expected Geelong to do any good this year. That would have taken some pressure off.
Getting less and less confident as it gets closer and closer bunyip!
Can the Pies equal the cats? or will the cats prove to be one of the best of all time? amazing story
I'm the same Os, begin the long journey back to Melbourne from Paris tomorrow and can't help but think slightly negative thoughts. Where are you by the way? I just saw the odds and can't believe the Pies are still (slight) favourites!
I feel Bunyip's confidence from a long way away and it is justified. I do like the fact that Geelong beat us a few weeks ago but it was such a thrashing that it's hard to get any positives out of it. Despite some close ones, the finals have all pretty much gone the way most of us expected, I'm hoping the GF changes that tune.
im not surprised the pies are still favourites if johnson was 100% i would say they would be favourites but that is a huge loss hes there playmaker. I know Collingwood have injuries too but there is something about Collingwood. how many times have they come from behind to win this year?? It is good to see collingwood supporters being realistic about their chances though sometimes i cant stand supporters that just think 'ye we will win it easy no-one can touch us' honestly all it takes is one bad game and players lose confidents and little things start to go against you. collingwood have been the best all year at getting it the 50 and keeping it there until they eventually goal this is changing yet they are still finding a way to win. they cant do this against geelong as they are to experinced and will punish the pies. however the pies for me will win in a close one they have been the best team all year and Johnson cant possibly be the same player he has been all year and that player is their best play maker. Collingwood should turn around their form this week time will tell if its good enough to beat geelong i will say it will be JUST
How to deal with Stevie J if he plays?
Thats the question!
Mark my word.
The Pies will be ready for the Cats on Saturday afternoon. We are not like some teams that have just made up the numbers in the eight.
They'll only play fit players, all 100% dedicated to the cause.
Their Sports Science Department and Personnel within the club are second to none within the AFL and probalby Australia.
Our players will be fresher after our extra days break and our motivation to win for Mick should be enough to get us over the line. Although the Cats are very worthy opponents we will run them off the ground and tackle them furiously as we did to the Hawks in the last quarter on Friday night.
Get on the Black and White you good thing
Grumen
Quote from: Cruiseon on September 26, 2011, 07:25:28 AM
I'm the same Os, begin the long journey back to Melbourne from Paris tomorrow and can't help but think slightly negative thoughts. Where are you by the way? I just saw the odds and can't believe the Pies are still (slight) favourites!
I feel Bunyip's confidence from a long way away and it is justified. I do like the fact that Geelong beat us a few weeks ago but it was such a thrashing that it's hard to get any positives out of it. Despite some close ones, the finals have all pretty much gone the way most of us expected, I'm hoping the GF changes that tune.
I am confident about our chances Cruis, but I would qualify that by saying I am aware that to win on Saturday we have to beat one of the best performed teams ever.
Having said that, I look forward to Saturday. Never mind Stevie j, great player that he is, he didn't get a kick in 2009 against St.Kilda, so all this talk about him being our best player is just that.
He is an important part of our offence, but if he doesn't play, we can cover for him. Personally if he didn't play, I would play Dasha, and put him on neon as a defensive forward, yer, that would work.
I love this game.
Quote from: PowerBug on September 24, 2011, 04:53:06 PM
Don't care who plays Collingwood, looks like Geelong currently, but as Port aren't playing in it i want a tight contest and another close GF, like the last 3 years.
That's why you won the Chris Judd Award
Finally back in Melbourne, geez conditions on the ground are a little rough. Rain, lightening, thunder, floods!
Who do we think a wet Grand Final suits? Usually I would say the underdog (which personally I think we are) but I reckon our marking forwards are more important than Geelong's so I remain unsure.
Thoughts?
Collingwood win regardless of the conditions. :)
I wouldn't mind at all if it rained. It would help nullify Cloke, and Collingwood rely on him a lot more than we rely on Pods.
Reckon Cloke would be far superior to Pods in the wet. Cloke (and Dawes) IMO are much better on ground level, and can work up the ground.
Cloke and Dawes are more dominate than Pods and Hawkins. Rain won't change that, just bring them closer together.
Beams apparantly got told last night he is out of side! who will replace him!
Quote from: D.Barwick on September 29, 2011, 12:26:57 PM
Beams apparantly got told last night he is out of side! who will replace him!
Right decision there, Beams has been a massive spud all season :-X
what would hurt more, Collingwood losing Reid and Jolly or Geelong losing Stevie J for the GF
Quote from: Voldemort on September 29, 2011, 01:09:56 PM
what would hurt more, Collingwood losing Reid and Jolly or Geelong losing Stevie J for the GF
Collingwood losing Reid and Jolly for sure
Jolly and Reid are far more important to the Pies structure than Stevie J is to Geelong.
Right call on Beams if true
If Jolly wasn't to play then Collingwood would be a tall man short, which should the weather stay wet, might be a good thing. But there is no way that Collingwood would drop Cloke/Dawes/Jolly because of weather. But eing forced to play the extra runner might be good. Although if Jolly doesn't play, Cam Wood will be his replacement.
Stevie J missing would be huge! Byrnes will have to come in and his form/game time has been limited.
Don't agree. If Stevie j didn't play, I'd be tempted to play Dasha and put him on Heater as a defensive forward. That might stir the pot a bit. I'd play a few meters in front of heater so if he got the ball he would have to run around me. he would then have to kick from deep in the back half thereby nullifying his running game. And don't think for a second that Dasha is not up to it.
Quote from: ossie85 on September 29, 2011, 06:09:53 AM
Reckon Cloke would be far superior to Pods in the wet. Cloke (and Dawes) IMO are much better on ground level, and can work up the ground.
Come ON ossie....Geeeeez. If it rains, Cloke and Dawes just become 2 more lumbering big men. If it pours down, and the forcast says it's possible, they'll be useless. They might as well set up a table at full forward and have a game of cards with Pods and Tommahawk.
rains during the GF would just be --------- :o :-\
GREAT!
For those not in Melbourne I can confirm it is not a matter of if the Grand Final is wet but simply how wet it will be. It remains floodlike conditions here, relentless ongoing heavy rain!
As you know I as not overly confident about the Pies chances of back to back but all this talk about the Pies big men being nullified in the rain reminded me of another thing from round 22. I recall being amazed during that thrashing of generally how superior in the air Geelong were to the Pies around the ground, particularly from the mid sized players.
If I'm looking for optimistic (and realistic) angles, there is the liklihood that this could be a skilless slog-fest and that can only bring the Pies back into it. Amazing to think that 6 weeks ago we were unbeatable and now I'm talking like this but I think it's true. Go the underdogs I say!
Dayne Beams out.......Bit of a blow for him.
I really don't like this Fasolo bloke. I dunno why.
He's ethnic? Better not be the reason or you DIE!
Quote from: PowerBug on September 29, 2011, 07:27:37 PM
He's ethnic? Better not be the reason or you DIE!
Talk about drawing a long bow.
Quote from: Windigo on September 29, 2011, 07:24:16 PM
Dayne Beams out.......Bit of a blow for him.
I really don't like this Fasolo bloke. I dunno why.
apparently a groin issue, I say it was just general crapness :P I think Fasolo over Beams is definitely the right decision
Agree pyro. Though Fas will be sub I think
Geelong for me. However depends on the weather though.
So here we are Grand Final eve, I was very suprised as I cycled through the streets of North Fitzroy and Fitzroy proper as to how little football fanfare there was on the residential and business properties. Everyone seems excited but the hype seems constrained, is this to do with Collingwood's expectations? I'm sure it's different down in Geelong.
Bunyip even our banter doesn't have the same electric buzz as before last year's prelim, are we all getting used to the big games?
it does seem a bit more subdued this year. It may be because in our heart of hearts, we both know that we can lose this GF. I noticed yesterday that the Pies would pay over $2 for a win, thats outrageous, people have short memories. There's no way Geelong should be favs tomorrow.
Quote from: bunyip on September 30, 2011, 01:40:06 PM
I noticed yesterday that the Pies would pay over $2 for a win, thats outrageous, people have short memories. There's no way Geelong should be favs tomorrow.
That is worth putting money on. I personally think that the Rd 24 match meant nothing and it counts for nothing coming into tomorrows game.
History is a fact of the past, not a prediction of the future
Geelong should be favourites bunyip. Cats beat the Hawks and Eagles more convincingly than the Pies did, and that little 100 point thrashing thing...
But, my boys will stand up when it matters.
I agree Os, Geelong definitely worthy favourites. Pies unconvicning in the last 4 weeks, injuries, suspension and the fact Geelong have beaten us twice this year. Geelong have fired when it counts & in good form.
Bunyip, I'm not playing it down for the sake of it and like Os I am hoping for the Pies of July/August to show up tomorrow but I think we all agree it's going to be very interesting. It's a late build-up, I feeling more tense as every hour passes!
Go Pies!
Quote from: Cruiseon on September 30, 2011, 03:59:43 PM
I agree Os, Geelong definitely worthy favourites. Pies unconvicning in the last 4 weeks, injuries, suspension and the fact Geelong have beaten us twice this year. Geelong have fired when it counts & in good form.
You're right of course Cruis, the Pies are crapp, Geelong will win easily. The closer the game gets the more confidernt I am. we are in form and fit (except for Stevie j) so no excuses. Failure is not an option. ;D
And Jimmy Bartel. Who is the "Player to Watch" in the AFLRecord. For Collingwood it's Heath Shaw.
Fas to win a Norm Smith in his first year? From the sub bench?
OK, here it is. Two of the best teams of the modern era, who, fate has decided shall briefly cross paths, are meeting in a Gf. Geelong are just about at the end of their era, Collingwood are at the start of theirs.
Opinion is divided on who will win, and so it should be, because neither team will accept defeat easily. This is going to be a titanic struggle between 2 teams at the peak of their powers. No quarter will be asked or given. If Geelong wins, they will be recognised as the indisputable best EVER Geelong team.
Geelong have shown us that they are the only team that can match it with the Pies. Their is no cockiness from the Collingwood supporters this year because they recognise the task that confronts their team. As does Geelong.
People have said that Collingwood are out of form, their players are injured and their game plan is busted. I say, ask Hawthorn and West Coast if thats true.
I expect Collingwood will play up to their potential tomorrow. Not because they hope to or want to, but because they have to, because if they don't they are lost, and they know it.
Go Cats.
Extremely well said bunyip.
A quiet has come over the football world about this game. Almost like a state of confusion, a tension of not knowing what is going to happen yet!
I can honestly see the Cats winning by 100. Can honestly see the Pies winning by 100. I can honestly see it ending in a draw. And anything in between.
I agree, Cats win, and not only are they one of the Geelong great teams, but one of the AFL great teams. Pies win and back-to-back flags puts them in rare company.
Quote from: ossie85 on September 30, 2011, 09:05:43 PM
I can honestly see the Cats winning by 100. Can honestly see the Pies winning by 100. I can honestly see it ending in a draw. And anything in between.
You can't either team winning by over 120 though?
I think it's funny how neither Pies or Cats supporters are confident heading into tomorrow. You all seem to have sunk into shells and hid. You guys are always so cocky, it's good to see you respecting the other side :) I hope it stays that way :)
There is never cockiness between these two clubs, there is to much respect.
Well, let's get ready to rumble.
Will be one of the best grand finals in years, but not a draw. No way it will happen 2 years in a row.
I agree, there will be a winner today. Hopefully it will be Geelong. This game will be similar to our GF against the Saints.
For what it's worth I predict Geelong to win by 12 points.
Pies by 15. ;)
I just made my annual football bets.
1st goal
Bartel 30-1
Pendlebury 32-1
Ottens 46-1
Norm Smith
Selwood 10-1
Ottens 20-1
Of note I never back the winner!
I'm getting nervous and about to head off to the ground. It is still pissing down here, bucketing in fact.
Good luck all and Go Pies!
Well done cats. The best ever Geelong team ;D
Collingwood's form was sub par for about 6+ weeks. You could see it coming a mile off. ;D
Go Cats!
True Windigo. The Pies form late in 2010 was poor also, so I was trying to look at that as hope.
Congrats Geelong (Bunyip). No doubt the best side won on the day. Just finishing the post mortem & drowning of sorrows in Collingwood/ Fitzroy which is a vastly different vibe to last year. Also glad Jimmy won the Norm Smith, his name contributes to the most important individual medal in the game, not sure the name Hawkins would have done it justice (yet).
Enjoy your success & I hope we have the same banter, at the same time of year in 2012.
A lot of people were whinging that Tom should have won it. No way, took some big grabs and missed most of his set shots. A few dribbled through goals ain't gunna win the Norm.
Bartel was the clear winner. Him of Selwood.
And then Stevie J and Ling... Pendles and Daisy ahead of Hawkins also
Thanks guys for making this such a fun year. Already looking forward to next season. Go Cats ;D
Quote from: ossie85 on October 02, 2011, 11:50:56 AM
And then Stevie J and Ling... Pendles and Daisy ahead of Hawkins also
Pendles and Diasy had lots of the ball but zero impact on the game IMO, especially Daisy every one of his possessions was a handball or chip to Pendles
I would have had a handy collect if Stevie J won it...who knows, if he had have taken that mark on the goal line with a couple of minutes to go and kicked another goal, he may have won it. Oh well.
Great final - do the Pies supporters think that Jolly/Reid injury-carries were influential on the result?
Quote from: j959 on October 03, 2011, 08:40:28 PM
Great final - do the Pies supporters think that Jolly/Reid injury-carries were influential on the result?
Yes.
Though Jolly was serviceable and probably better than the alternative (Wood), it would have been better if he could... you know... jump.
And Reid was clearly a step slower and tentative.
Not taking away from Geelong, who had their own injury problems (Pods, Stevie "Miracle" Johnson).
The more and more I think about, the more I think Tarrant was the Pies best on the Grand Final.
I think you may be right Oss, but that may have been the problem, you really want your attacking midfield players to burn in a final. I thought your best player was Daisy.
Quote from: bunyip on October 03, 2011, 10:26:35 PM
I think you may be right Oss, but that may have been the problem, you really want your attacking midfield players to burn in a final. I thought your best player was Daisy.
Pendles was also as reliable as ever ...
Pendles was reliable but just not given the room to be his damaging self (all credit Geelong). Tarrant was very good.
Reid was miles off his 2011 best but that's the way it goes. Enabled Hawkins to exploit this which I previously never thought he would be able to do.
What struck me was how tight the game was. I don't think I saw a player bounce the ball at any stage, kicks to players alone on centre wing or running into space were so rare, even forwards leading into clear space 20-30 metres out was non-existant.
I just hope as time goes by, that the final margin doesn't detract from what a great Grand Final it was (despite the result ;)).