Flag contenders

[Vivien]

Hate to sound negative, I'm not sure we have done anything to show that we are geniune premiership contenders. Realistically, I would say West Coast and StK are favourites, with Adelaide also strong contenders. I don't agree with the 'Adelaide are playing above themselves' argument. As far as I'm concerned, they have a fantastic midfield and a solid defence and attack, and they seem to be working pretty well as a team. In the past month, they've taken all before them including the Swans.

That said, I don't think it's beyond us to make it to the GF. But we have to build up some serious momentum these next four weeks, and get all our best players firing. It doesn't really bother me who we play come the first weekend of the finals. If we come to play we can beat anyone; ala the famous match v port in '03.

[Go Swannies]

On the other hand, the Swans seem to be the kiss of death. We play a team in the Top 4 and they start a long slide to oblivion. The Eagles weren't convincing until the last quarter against the Hawks - and that was at Subiaco.

The Swans don't thrash teams - nor do we lose disastrously. That's bad for our percentage but suggests we are a more evenly performing team. Imagine being a Port, Tigers or Dees supporter!

No we don't have the skills of the Saints or Eagles. But we can beat them. Unless we want to build from the ground up (and I don't) then that'll have to do (for me anyway).

[sharpie]

Originally posted by Go Swannies
On the other hand, the Swans seem to be the kiss of death. We play a team in the Top 4 and they start a long slide to oblivion. The Eagles weren't convincing until the last quarter against the Hawks - and that was at Subiaco.

I think a lot of that has to do witht he fact that games against the Swans are so physically and mentally demanding that these teams are still feeling the effects the following week.

For the last 2 years, but not so much this year, the Swans too have struggled to follow up a tough match with a good performance the following week. This has been the swans biggest challenge to become true contenders, being able to play multiple back-to-back tough tough games at finals intensity.

I think over the last month our team has demonstrated a marked improvement in this. Hopefully it will further improve come September!

[barry]

Originally posted by Go Swannies

No we don't have the skills of the Saints or Eagles. But we can beat them. Unless we want to build from the ground up (and I don't) then that'll have to do (for me anyway).

I dont believe we can beat St Kilda without Schuable in the back line. End of story.

[sharpie]

Originally posted by barry
I dont believe we can beat St Kilda without Schuable in the back line. End of story.

Well lets just pray we dont have to play them again this year .

I dont think Schauble is a necessity for any of the other top teams that we are likely to face in the finals.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Sean
So, when discussing a potential finals opponent, playing that exact same opponent on the exact some ground is not relevant? Just a few hours ago in another thread you mentioned a Hawthorn match from 6 years ago when someone mentioned Rd 22?!?

OK, you are going to have to explain it to me.

I don't think that it is necessarily that relevant - just because we went close last night doesn't mean that it is necessarily going to work the same way in finals. Plenty of examples of that.

I mentioned Hawthorn as a bit of a joke but also because you can't underestimate low-ranked sides in rd 22.

[Sean]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
I don't think that it is necessarily that relevant - just because we went close last night doesn't mean that it is necessarily going to work the same way in finals. Plenty of examples of that.

I agree to an extent but past performances are always important. For example, the fact that we have struggled against the Eagles at Subiaco the last few times would suggest that we would struggle again. Going close against the Crows means that we would have a better chance of beating them in an away final.

I mentioned Hawthorn as a bit of a joke but also because you can't underestimate low-ranked sides in rd 22.

Richmond supporters are probably thinking something similar about now.

[SXP]

I honestly believe that the Swans are not the contenders. Not this year. Well, at least not with the kind of game they're playing. IMO, they are not kicking enough goals and teams like St Kilda or West Coast will expose them in the finals. I'll keep my hopes low and wouldn't make any arrangements for that last Saturday in September yet.

[Go Swannies]

Originally posted by SXP
I honestly believe that the Swans are not the contenders. Not this year. Well, at least not with the kind of game they're playing. IMO, they are not kicking enough goals and teams like St Kilda or West Coast will expose them in the finals. I'll keep my hopes low and wouldn't make any arrangements for that last Saturday in September yet.

I'd love to see what Swans team you would pick to go up for a straight shoot out against the Saints or Eagles? If you don't think that the game we have played for all our recent wins (and losses) makes the most of our team then I can see why you stopped watching in the 3rd quarter. I was with about 100 fans who remained rivetted throughout. Being realistic, I'd suggest you may as well give up on the Swans until we either bottom out or Roos leaves.

[cruiser]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
... - I probably misrepresented your argument so I apologise.

Que?

[NMWBloods]

Good to see the value-add comments haven't dried up...

[ROK Lobster]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
Good to see the value-add comments haven't dried up...

[NMWBloods]

Forgot the

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Given what happened last time we played the Crows, I'd suggest perhaps some of us would have viewed a 7 point loss as something not to be despised before going into this game.

Perhaps the fact that we fell agonisingly short of a surprise victory is what gives you the sick tummy feeling.

FWIW I don't fear AAMI as much as I used to, they won but I'd suggest we could approach a rematch with more confidence than prior to this game. We lost but no-one except a south australian could believe we were beaten.

[giant]

Of the 6 teams from 6 to 11 on the ladder only one team (Freo) wo on the w/e. I think you'd have to say at this stage it's a race between 3 (WCE, Crows & Saints) with us the best of the rest (tho the Roos could justifiably argue otherwise).

But form is fickle, injuries & suspensions would hurt all teams & premierships arent won in July so hope can continue to spring. And I expect to see a paraphrase of this last sentence in a Roosy Responds shortly.