I'd never have thought...

[swan_song]

...that I'd be cheering for my most hated team (next to Hawthorn that is) next weekend..."Watch the bombers fly up, up..."

I most defiitely hope they give it to the pies good and proper...

[Mike_B]

I for one am the total opposite. I hope Collingwood beat the Bombers by 20 goals - better for us. Right now we edge Essendon on percentage (0.5%), but finally enough, the Points Differential on For and Against is exactly equal. So, we are ahead because we're a slightly lower scoring team.

[swan_song]

I have us finishing fifth (disappointing I know when 2nd spot was up for grabs last night) so a first week final against Freo is my REAL preferred choice...
I know a lot still depends on other results, but in one working out, an essendon win over the pies will see that come about...maybe other variotaions will give other outcomes...just roll on next sunday evening...all will be known...

[hammo]

Collingwwod beating Essendon is definitely better for the Swans. We can't pass the pies unless we beat Melbourne by about 120 points which won't happen.

If Freo beat West Coast next week and Port beat the Crows we can still make the 4.

[Triple B]

There is so many if's and but's it is almost impossible to keep up, but one thing is crystal clear.

Collingwood running second will ensure that teams who deserve a home final, will get a home final in all weeks of the finals except the preliminary final if Collingwood loses it's week 1 semi.

No banking needed, which means NEXT year they can bank if needed. If they bank a final this year, next year could be a nightmare.

All that means is "Go Pies" against the Bombers.

[Bexl]

I can't understand people wanting essendon to win next week.
It is much better for us if Sydney/collingwood /freo and port win as this will put us in 4th spot plus even if all the results don't go our way if we win and essendon loose then we stay above them in at least 6th spot and get a home final.

[sharp9]

Originally posted by BBB
There is so many if's and but's it is almost impossible to keep up, but one thing is crystal clear.

Collingwood running second will ensure that teams who deserve a home final, will get a home final in all weeks of the finals except the preliminary final if Collingwood loses it's week 1 semi.

No banking needed, which means NEXT year they can bank if needed. If they bank a final this year, next year could be a nightmare.

All that means is "Go Pies" against the Bombers.

Not true. The third and fourth placed teams get final in second week. AFL will have to bank one (they have said they would).

[BAM_BAM]

There are so many variables, I'm waiting until Sunday evening otherwise my brain might explode.

I would think we'd be wanting a top 4 finish. The home final is important, but I think a double chance is more so. Especially if we can't bank a final and play a non victorian team in Melbourne - our other home - support will be high. And experience at the G is always valuable.

[barry]

Since Collingwood will very likely finish top 4, that means there will most probably be either an MCG final in week one or two anyway. So the AFL will definately bank the other week if necessary.

Ideally, we need to sneak into 4th. Thats a pretty simple calculation. We need to win by more than Essendon do (if they win), and 2 of WC, Brisbane, or Adelaide lose.

Adelaide losing looks quite likely. WC could be a chance too. Brisbane will probably win.
If we do sneak into 4th, I'd rate us a big chance against Port as they will be coming off a BIG derby game.

[gossipcom]

The first miracle we need to occur is with the Pies/Dons match, the second is with the Bulldogs getting 30 goals instead of 30 points against Lions

And the third miracle would be the Swans winning

If the Swans can win on Saturday arvo it puts pressure on the other teams who'll be playing on Saturday night and Sunday arvo.

This reminds me so much of the Super 12 finals this year when I had to wait till the final match to see if the Brumbies got into the SFs or not.

Nadine