6th ?

[barry]

Is sixth the best finishing position for us?

It will mean a first up home final (I doubt the AFL would deny Sydney a earnt home final, no matter what the rule).

Then, we would probably be playing at the MCG for the rest of the finals series, as I cant see a vic team ever qualifying for a home final this year, and we are the lowest ranked winner from then on.

I fear that if we finish 3rd or 4th, the potential for a long trip to perth in the first week and subsequent subi hangover could see us out in straight sets.

[penga]

Re: 6th ?

Originally posted by barry
Is sixth the best finishing position for us?

no, first is

[Charlie]

I think that, after 1st and 2nd, it's got to be 4th. We stand to somehow actually benefit from the MCG deal from 4th, as long as Freo or maybe Adelaide finish 5th and win their elimination final. Do that... and we'll be at the MCG each of the next three weeks, playing interstate sides... and becoming more and more familiar with it each week.

[penga]

thatd be quite handy for u wouldnt it charlie

[jixygirl]

Originally posted by Charlie
I think that, after 1st and 2nd, it's got to be 4th. We stand to somehow actually benefit from the MCG deal from 4th, as long as Freo or maybe Adelaide finish 5th and win their elimination final. Do that... and we'll be at the MCG each of the next three weeks, playing interstate sides... and becoming more and more familiar with it each week.

Definitely 4th is the best place.

[Craig]

I would have thought 5th was good. We would get a home final, get some confidence from the win and then play in Melbourne the rest of the time?

[RogueSwan]

This is an amazing thread, similar to few others. Who would have thought we would be debating this just 2 months ago. I will be happy to just watch the Swannies run around in September again. But now it is a distinct possibility anything above 7th will have me beaming with pride.

[jixygirl]

Originally posted by RogueSwan
This is an amazing thread, similar to few others. Who would have thought we would be debating this just 2 months ago. I will be happy to just watch the Swannies run around in September again. But now it is a distinct possibility anything above 7th will have me beaming with pride.

Even though, we deliberate about where is the best place to finish, I think we probably all agree with RogueSwan that if we even finish in the top eight, we'll be happy. We'll actually have something to do in September (hopefully not just the first week) and its better than finishing in the bottom eight.

[barry]

Originally posted by Craig
I would have thought 5th was good. We would get a home final, get some confidence from the win and then play in Melbourne the rest of the time?

6th must be better than 5th, as it would increase our chances for all MCG finals after the first week, plus we still get the home game first up. (I dont think the AFL will move a Sydney home final, MCG rule or no MCG rule).

4th is the worst of the mid-8 finishes. Means a trip to Perth or Brisbane or if we are lucky Adelaide, then cut throat finals after that.

[Charlie]

Originally posted by penga
thatd be quite handy for u wouldnt it charlie

Well... I honestly hadn't thought of that. The fact is, if you're not in top you have to play at the MCG before the GF at some point. So... there is a benefit in playing the semi there as well, to have as much knowledge of the ground as possible... as long as we get an interstate side.

[Craig]

Barry, I reckon they would enforce that rule. If they made the team that came 5th play at the MCG and gave Sydney the home final, there would be such an uproar. It just wouldn't happen.

[omnipotent]

But I still think we have to win finals if not the flag this year. Finishing high up will not mean an early draft pick. I still think we have shortcomings and have to replace ageing players in the coming years to be a consistent force. This was meant to be a developing year which would net us an early pick or two. I sound defeatist but unless we win, I worry about the long term future to cover our flaws. Or maybe I should just enjoy it while I can.

[Craig]

We are comming 4th and have beaten some big teams this year. Our young players have been great plus there is more to come. Look at Hunt, Mcveigh etc.

Enjoy it while you can I say!

[motorace_182]

Wont we have to win every week if we come 5th??? Id take 4th any day, Subi or not

[penga]

Originally posted by omnipotent
But I still think we have to win finals if not the flag this year. Finishing high up will not mean an early draft pick. I still think we have shortcomings and have to replace ageing players in the coming years to be a consistent force. This was meant to be a developing year which would net us an early pick or two. I sound defeatist but unless we win, I worry about the long term future to cover our flaws. Or maybe I should just enjoy it while I can.

as has been argued regularly, u dont HAVE to have high draft picks to draft well... plenty of cases where stars have been picked towards end of draft...