Thoughts towards the next 3 weeks...

[Mattyt]

Last night will not end our season, in fact, I think this could be the spark that we needed.

We played tough, accountable footy, Hall was nowhere for the majority of the game, and we still came away losers by only 4 points. I find it hard to believe that Barry won't be up and firing in the next few weeks.

Provided we get over the line next week, we have alot to look forward to, I honestly believe that we can get over the top of both Adelaide or St Kilda, and perhaps the boys needed a game like last night to bring them back to Earth, to remember what a big loss in front of a big hostile crowd feels like, and to give them that added hunger to make amends for what happened last night, and to prove to the footy world that we are the real deal.

The players shouldn't treat this as the end of the season, but rather a chance to go balls out towards a very real attack on the flag.

Let me ask you a question, are the swans a team that cruise through the finals? are the swans a team that don't get the bit between their teeth and stand up when noone is expecting them to make a go of it?

No. They aren't. We are a team that symbolizes the highs and the lows, and when you write us off, you do so at your own peril.

So as supporters, chin up guys, we still have a very, very real chance at a tip at this flag, and I doubt one inch will be given by this team in the coming 3 weeks.

Onwards to victory boys!

[Margie]

Next week Geelong will be coming off a big confidence-boosting win, compared to our demoralising 4 point loss and the Subi factor. Even with our home ground advantage, it won't be easy. Win that one and I think that we'd do better in the PF and GF against a non Victorian team.

We definitely still have a chance, however the odds would be against us.

[ScottH]

Win, Win, Win

[Big Al]

So as supporters, chin up guys, we still have a very, very real chance at a tip at this flag, and I doubt one inch will be given by this team in the coming 3 weeks.

Couldnt agree more. My feeling once I calmed down last night would be that we would overcome this disappointment and be a stronger team. We will learn from the mistakes made, have a home crowd (who yells itself silly...I know I will be) and surely we couldnt get incompetent morons to officiate 2 weeks in a row

[TheMase]

Originally posted by Margie
Next week Geelong will be coming off a big confidence-boosting win, compared to our demoralising 4 point loss and the Subi factor. Even with our home ground advantage, it won't be easy. Win that one and I think that we'd do better in the PF and GF against a non Victorian team.

We definitely still have a chance, however the odds would be against us.

I reckon better to come off a hard win than an easy win in the first week of the finals.

Geelong after coasting through won't be finals match ready.

Finals matches are generally physical contests and really Geelong didn't receive that today.

But I can guarentee you that Sydney will deal that out, I have reservations if Geelong have the ability to withstand it.

[NMWBloods]

The big worry is that even if we beat Geelong, we will probably then have StKilda at the SCG.

[Big Al]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
The big worry is that even if we beat Geelong, we will probably then have StKilda at the SCG.

Spot On. Up and running St Kilda is the only team in the 8 that scares me. We can beat the Crows in Adelaide but the Saints at the MCG is tougher. If that eventuated the winner of that game would decide the premiership. Im convinced the Weagles cant kick a score to win at the MCG.

[Xie Shan]

Don't speak too soon - Crows making a charge, this game is reminding me more and more of last night's game...I just can't figure out who would be better to play in a PF. Not as far to travel to the MCG, but we might be a better chance of beating the Crows...

[gossipcom]

sydfan83, I thought the exact same thing - this is very dejavuish of last night's game - all you need is a contentious free kick to decide the match

ETA: Remember the Crows are without Riccuito - if they win tonight, he'll be afresh even more than the other players - though I would rather travelling to Melbourne than going to Adelaide again.

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by Big Al
Spot On. Up and running St Kilda is the only team in the 8 that scares me. We can beat the Crows in Adelaide but the Saints at the MCG is tougher. If that eventuated the winner of that game would decide the premiership. Im convinced the Weagles cant kick a score to win at the MCG.

I agree.

(BTW - typo in my original post - should have been MCG not SCG).

[cruiser]

Geelong then Saints on our way to another meeting with West Coast.

[timthefish]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
The big worry is that even if we beat Geelong, we will probably then have StKilda at the SCG.

sorry, missed something - why would the game be at the SCG rather than in melbourne? haven't the saints won the rights to the home-ground?

[BonBon]

Originally posted by timthefish
sorry, missed something - why would the game be at the SCG rather than in melbourne? haven't the saints won the rights to the home-ground?

Bloods corrected his post: (BTW - typo in my original post - should have been MCG not SCG).

[BonBon]

Originally posted by NMWBloods
The big worry is that even if we beat Geelong, we will probably then have StKilda at the SCG.

Last year they disappointed us, as much as we disappointed ourselves with horrible football.

I don't want them screwing our Grand Final chance up.

[Newbie]

I reckon we are a better chance versus the Saints than the Crows. The fact is that if Barry Hall is well-hold, we often lose. Saints lack that class defender who could match up well against Hall which the Crows do have.

As long as Hall could dominate, we are a much better team.