Home final disadvantage

[Go Swannies]

I'm bemused by the apparent lack of enthusiasm here. One of two teams is going to win the premiership on Saturday and I think there's a very good chance it will be the Swannies.

We all know that home ground advantage counts for a lot and we all want that first or second finish to get it. But right now it might be a bit of a poisoned chalice for the Eagles. They last played off Subi in R21 when they were thrashed at Skilled by the Cats. So, they have no idea what to expect on Saturday. The Swans, on the other hand, have played in front of a hostile crowd at Subi, then in front of a very full house at the SCG then in front of a big, largely hostile crowd at the MCG. If you were looking at preparations for the Grand Final, you'd have to say the Swans have had the better run.

Meanwhile, over in Perth the Eagles are told every minute how wonderful they are - and now they've done exceptionally well in the Brownlow. They are ready for a game but I'm not sure they are ready for a contest.

[NMWBloods]

Re: Home final disadvantage

Originally posted by Go Swannies
The Swans, on the other hand, have played in front of a hostile crowd at Subi, then in front of a very full house at the SCG then in front of a big, largely hostile crowd at the MCG. If you were looking at preparations for the Grand Final, you'd have to say the Swans have had the better run.

I made that argument quite a while ago IIRC, when there was some thought that not finishing in the top 2 was a problem. I think winning our way into the GF by playing at the MCG is a big plus as it gives us experience on the biggest stage.

[timbo]

Yeah i know, im not doubting the swans for a minute. The best time to win a final at the mcg is preliminary final week as you know next week you are able to do it.

The eagles havent travelled for over a month and have only played 2 teams in that time. (funny how it ended up crows, swans, crows, swans for them!)

Hopefully the plane trip and parade can rock the boat a bit wheras we have played 2 of our last 4 at the g for 2 big wins.

cant wait.

[Dave]

I wouldn't call it lack of enthusiasm, more a quiet confidence.

You don't wan't to get too far ahead of yourself and look like a total goose, a la the Saints fans, should the unthinkable happen.
And you also don't want to have the feral arrogance of a typical wet toast supporter.

Yes we have a great chance to win but the cup's not here yet.
I do think that it will be more a home final vibe for us though.

[timthefish]

Re: Re: Home final disadvantage

Originally posted by NMWBloods
I made that argument quite a while ago IIRC, when there was some thought that not finishing in the top 2 was a problem. I think winning our way into the GF by playing at the MCG is a big plus as it gives us experience on the biggest stage.

you could even argue that the result in the qualifier in perth did us a favour: there is no better preparation for the grand-final than a win on the 'g the week before.

[Jeffers1984]

This was the reason why i wanted to play St Kilda instead of Adelaide in the PF. The benefit of beating the Aints would be far greater than Adelaide as we would have the experience on the MCG prior to the GF.

It seems to have gone all our way (despite ********house umpiring) so far. Now all we have to do is win this Saturday and our fairy tale is complete!

[barry]

I think the whole enthusiasm bubble was temporarily **********ed by Barrygate.

But with our man now in and fired up, the swans will romp it home.

This is our year. We've been given gifts, but chosen the hard road to success.
Firstly - Soft draw. Wasted early opportunities, but still managed top 4.
Secondly - All but beat Toast in first final, until umpires cruelly ripped it from us, but still got to the grand final.
Finally - Neutral grand final venue.......

THIS IS OUR YEAR.
I've never been more confident since before the geelong final.

[NMWBloods]

I can't imagine us getting a better opportunity - we have to do it this year. Although I try not to visualise it too much, I have a deep-down belief that we will win!

[j s]

Originally posted by timbo
(funny how it ended up crows, swans, crows, swans for them!)

Nice symmetry to the results too....lose, win, win, LOSE!!

Each matchup up, second time round, was/will be the reverse of the first.

Patterns everywhere!!

[cruiser]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
I can't imagine us getting a better opportunity - we have to do it this year. Although I try not to visualise it too much, I have a deep-down belief that we will win!

Yeah!

[timthefish]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
I can't imagine us getting a better opportunity - we have to do it this year. Although I try not to visualise it too much, I have a deep-down belief that we will win!

i can't help but thinking along these lines -

we have no weaknesses, the eagles have no forward-line.

[Bas]

Originally posted by timthefish
i can't help but thinking along these lines -

we have no weaknesses, the eagles have no forward-line.

Except they have Cousens, Judd, Kerr, Wirrpunda, Gardiner, Cox.

[Sanecow]

I'm bemused by the apparent lack of enthusiasm here.

We last won the Grand Final in 1933.

I remember the losing streak, the embarrassment of the early '90s, the disappointment of 1986, 1987, 1996, 2003. I am glad I am too young to remember the 1970s but I guess some here do.

For every live win I've seen, I have seen three live losses.

It keeps a lid on over-confidence and enthusiasm.

[punter257]

Originally posted by timbo
Yeah i know, im not doubting the swans for a minute. The best time to win a final at the mcg is preliminary final week as you know next week you are able to do it.

The eagles havent travelled for over a month and have only played 2 teams in that time. (funny how it ended up crows, swans, crows, swans for them!)

Hopefully the plane trip and parade can rock the boat a bit wheras we have played 2 of our last 4 at the g for 2 big wins.

cant wait.

damn right
they havent travelled for a month and have been tucked away in their cushy little lair - saturday will be a shock to their system

well hopefully..................

[legaff]

yeh maybe we suffer from a bit of low-club-self-esteem due to our history. I think winning on Saturday would finally break that