Sydney v Hawthorn - THE GRAND FINAL (Let's discuss!)

[Scottee]

We used to be a good wet weather team, but we were 'orrible in all those rainy games at the SCG in 2011. On the other hand we do have arguably the greatest wet weather footy player in the AFL on our team and about to play his 301st game.

Right about Jude but the coaches have some hard thinking to do about big Mike, Sam and any other players who are a worry in the wet. Hawthorn have the strong mids to drive the ball forward (Hodge and Burgoyne as well as their smaller mids) and we have the mids to match them.But there must be some serious thought given as to whether we can afford to have 2 players up front who are already lacking form not being able to handle the conditions and whether there are players that can do it better in the wet.
A particularly difficult decision with McGlynn possibly coming into the side and someone needing to go out (do Morton or Parker go out or is it Mike?).

[Go Swannies]

I've noticed the Canadian from Vancouver Island does alright in the wet. It's his natural habitat so that's not too surprising. It's be like saying don't play Macca because, growing up on the Central Coast, he wouldn't be used to sunshine.

[Beerman]

Finals pressure does strange things to players/teams. Against the Crows we kicked beautifully for goal, including Goodsey, and the Crows couldm't buy a goal. Friday night we were the opposite. Was it at the beginning of the last quarter that we had kicked 2 points in a row and then Morton I think hit the post - the crowd in my bay, as one voice called out, O.h.h.h.h.h...NOOOOOOOOO! It was a funny moment. Then on Saturday, the Crows kicked accurately and the Hawks were as bad as we were.

What is going to happen this Saturday!!!!!!!

I'm not sure it's the finals pressure. More likely to be the week off I think. We'll be all right this weekend though.

[Rod_]

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Just some things to do FYI

Rod_

[Bob Neil]

Are the Swans in really good form or were the Pies soft in the prelim? Didn't feel like the game had the same sort of intensity that the Crows/Hawks game did. And I don't know if that's just because the Bloods have lifted another level or because the opposition didn't bring it (for whatever reason - exhaustion/didn't rate us/didn't care).

Hawks were caught napping and I doubt they'll be so complacent in the GF.

Agree - the Pies game was more about how average they were. Swans need to improve a lot in terms of holding marks (Sam...), less turnovers and straighter kicking. Fortunately they tend to get reversed the following week. Staying on their feet on Sat will be important, if it's wet. Drop Jetta and Sam, put McGlynn and Rohan in!

[AnnieH]

OMG.
Are we there yet??

D.R.A.G.G.I.N.G.

[veramex]

Stats I like:
1) swans have gone from one of the worst kicking sides to the number one in terms of accuracy this year - i remember it was a clear direction at the end of last year (i'm sure we all remember the numerous games where our behinds greatly out-numbered our goals last year) that they would work on their goal kicking, and the stats don't lie.
2) i heard that we are also the team least likely to kick backwards - over the last couple of years (or even maybe around the 05/06/07 timeframe) it was all about tempo footy, and we would so often kick the ball backwards and try and set up the play. This whole 'slingshot' approach where we all crowd around the ball and leave a big open forward line looks like a pretty good strategy. you would think a loose man in defence (or at least always ensuring their is at least one hawthorn player behind our player) would be a simple thing to potentially counter this, but i'm hoping that hawthorn don't go down that path and try and play their attacking style.

[Xie Shan]

Re: Sydney v Hawthorn - THE GRAND FINAL (Let's discuss!)

Isn't 'slingshot' footy just a fancy way of saying we get numbers back, like just about every other team in the comp? The difference this year is in our improved outside run, and willingness to work as a team. We've won games this year where we've dominated the time in forward half stat as well, like the prelim against Collingwood... I don't believe in omens any more, but the on-field indicators are good.

[iigrover]

Hopefully all of the Hawthorn supporters are iPhone 5 users and therefore wont be able to find The G.

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[111431]

I think we're in better shape approaching this GF than we were in either 2005 or 2006.

We weren't expected to win back then, because of all the attention on West Coast's star-studded line-up. Our path through the finals was somewhat fragile - we just got over the line in the 2005 semi, and then in the qualifying final in 2006.

This year, our performance through the finals has been much more solid (and satisfying). Two five goal wins against our traditional bogey teams, including an away win.

We've also beaten our opponent this weekend earlier this year in convincing fashion - and they've demonstrated a clear susceptibility to pressure on more than one occasion during the season.

I think we're a genuine chance to beat the Hawks on Saturday.

fully agree

[supersall]

Hopefully all of the Hawthorn supporters are iPhone 5 users and therefore wont be able to find The G.

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[Jeffers1984]

weather forecast looks utterly diabolical. Max 14 Showers with possible Thunderstorms and hail.

[Nich]

I dont care what anyone says - i think Hodge will feel the effects this week. Any body who is crook enough to miss a pre-lim due to a fever/bug would still be feeling flat the week after. To me today he still looked howyagoin'!

There are not too many players that come back from illness and perfom above and beyond their usual abilities.

Its a positive for us im sure.

Cant wait to see JPK rip their mids a new one.

Cmon bloods!!!

[hot potato]

+1
Hodge could be knackered by the last quarter.
Also, the Hawks seem to play their Grand Final last week.
Bit of over the top celebration.

[Nico]

weather forecast looks utterly diabolical. Max 14 Showers with possible Thunderstorms and hail.

That's Melbourne speak for a fine day. Haven't had a thunderstorm in ages and what is hail?