1st Qualifying Final Freo v Sydney Pre Match Discussion

[Ludwig]

That was one of the most lethargic performances I've seen in a long time from a Hawthorn team. They had a full squad. WC had 2 of their best 4 midfielders out plus a makeshift defense with both key defenders coming back from injury.

I think it shows that winning is more about what you bring on the day rather than names of the players.

We haven't played great footy most of year, but we've had our moments. It's hard to take much out of the last 3 games because of the weakness of the opposition, but at least it's winning form. If the boys play with intensity, I give us every chance to take this one. I really think we will do it.

[Rod_]

West Coast were seriously impressive in that win. But did you see the rain coming down after the siren? If that keeps up tomorrow it is going to be difficult to play good football.

As much as we all enjoy good football. Will take a win above good football in finals!

Rain is the equaliser. Get enough players behind and around the ball we can do well. Mitchell will get 45 touches in the wet.

[erica]

Perth weather forecast:

Perth for Saturday Cloudy. Very high (near 100%) chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm and small hail during this afternoon and early evening. Winds W 30 to 45 km/h tending SW 25 to 40 km/h in the evening then becoming light in the late evening. Possible rainfall: 5 to 10 mm Chance of any rain: 100%.

[Rob]

Do we win today and play Hawthorn in a prelim, or lose and play West Coast? Before last night I would have said play WC, but now I'm not so sure

[dejavoodoo44]

Perth weather forecast:

Perth for Saturday Cloudy. Very high (near 100%) chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm and small hail during this afternoon and early evening. Winds W 30 to 45 km/h tending SW 25 to 40 km/h in the evening then becoming light in the late evening. Possible rainfall: 5 to 10 mm Chance of any rain: 100%.

Urggh! In those conditions I think that we could really do with Kizza and Parks. But still, most of my mind is entertaining the prospect of a famous win.

[Pmcc2911]

That's assuming the Hawks win their next final.

[jono2707]

FYI my beloved Roosters went into their home semi as minor premiers playing the 4th ranked team who had to travel and were overwhelming favourites.

They lost ????.

An omen?????

[Cheer_Cheer]

We have played some good footy this year.. Rarely 4 quarters of it in the one game though. Letting the Gold Coast kick 6 in a row against us recently was very disappointing to me. We have been good enough to get into 4th spot with that patchy effort. If we can play full games of our best quality and intensity from here on then we are a real chance. No lapses.. We need on field leadership to stem opposition runs. We can do it !

[CJK]

Nervous already....

[barry]

Draw has opened up. Hawks unlikely to make granny du e to travel. Win today and we can avoid meeting WC in perth.

Come on boys!

[annew]

Nervous already....

Been nervous all week.

[bloodspirit]

No contest - win today! Most importantly we'll get a week off. Plus we won't have to travel. Plus by the time we see the Hawks they'll be beaten up and tired. None of that is a guarantee of victory but it will certainly help.

But first we are going to have to win today which will be extremely tough. A couple of thoughts:

* I am encouraged that the Eagles won undermanned - and against the Hawks no less. Hopefully we can overcome our outs which is a big challenge given we are missing 3 of our 5 best players AND a reigning All Australian.

* the home ground advantage was massive so I think that makes it especially important to get ahead early.

* the umpiring was a worry. It wasn't the reason they won but the close calls all went Wet Toast's way and it really cost the Hawks. The crowd must have something to do with that. The only silver lining I can think of is that after reviewing the match the umpires maybe more on guard about unduly favouring the home side.

[shippo]

good-luck-were-all-counting-on-you.jpg

[aardvark]

Just spent an enjoyable half hour checking in on the Hawks board on BF. Seems they have a new enemy. A win today then a chance for revenge in a Sydney prelim would be sweet. Get it done Swannies!

[mcsquirta]

Hawthorn are mentally cooked. You could see by their lack of 'unsociability' to the late head high knock on Cyril. Only one Power Ranger (Corky Mitchell I think) went in for a bit of retribution when that happened. I think all the bad publicity they've been getting lately has gotten to them, ably assisted by the home crowd. Adelaide should see them off before we get a chance to.