Are we now a genuine Premiership threat?

[Goal Sneak]

People keep overlooking this. My prediction that we would finish third on the ladder is predicted on Melbourne losing two of their next three (which I think is a distinct possibility).

There is no certainty in football, but the suggestion that it is simply a two horse race between Port and the Swans for fourth place (while the top three are set) is ridiculous.

100%. Melbourne still have to prove they can turn up when they're expected to win. They're a great chance to lose in an upset in the next few weeks.

[KTigers]

It's the same as always. If we are off by 5% and these other supposedly weaker teams see it and lift, then we will lose.

[graemed]

Earlier in the year, I believed that we could win 11 games this year. It was a belief based on the notion that the competition was more even than many believed and that we were undermanned last year and performed admirably given the playing list available. I had no idea the difference a change in playing style would make nor did I anticipate the amazing advantage the recruitment of Hickey would make to our midfield.
I still have doubts about the amount of pressure our back 6 can withstand without winning more clearances and contested ball but there is genuine hope, and more than that a Joie d’Vivre abut this group that invites celebration of their efforts.
Can they win? I am not sure but to do so they will have to win 3 more home and away, hope that PA lose 2/3 and then win 3 games straight or 3/4 against the best in the competition.
I believe.

[The Great One]

In this vein of form is there a real danger H&A game remaining ?
Mate of mine reckons Norfs..

While on form you wouldn't expect Gold Coast to be a tough last round game, I think it could be. Stewart Dew on more than one occasion in recent years seems to have taken great delight in figuring out ways to dismantle our game.

[wolftone57]

Every game is a danger game these days. So they should all be treated that way. I hope the boys remember that. But I would rather lose one of these and win finals. Have our stutter before the finals so to speak. I am not sure that would make us top four though. It probably could if the others lose 2 and we only lose 1 and the other two are huge wins.

Sent from my JAT-L29 using Tapatalk

[barry]

we need to run into finals in a rich vein of form. so win all three is the only way to go.

[Markwebbos]

we need to run into finals in a rich vein of form. so win all three is the only way to go.

I don't agree. In 2012 we lost 3 of our last 4 games heading into finals. In 2014 (apologies for even mentioning it) we won 4 of the last 5 and 16 of 18 leading into finals...

[111431]

I don't agree. In 2012 we lost 3 of our last 4 games heading into finals. In 2014 (apologies for even mentioning it) we won 4 of the last 5 and 16 of 18 leading into finals...

In 2014 and 2016 we were an experienced and battle hardened team. This year we are more like the 2012 team except maybe a year or two earlier in development. They haven't yet built the confidence of the 2014 and 2016 teams. Losses can create losses of confidence in younger players. We need to follow Barry's suggestion and keep on a roll. Bring it young Bloods

[Markwebbos]

In 2014 and 2016 we were an experienced and battle hardened team. This year we are more like the 2012 team except maybe a year or two earlier in development. They haven't yet built the confidence of the 2014 and 2016 teams. Losses can create losses of confidence in younger players. We need to follow Barry's suggestion and keep on a roll. Bring it young Bloods

If we are "more like the 2012 team" and that team lost 3 of its last 4, I have to disagree. Your argument is contradicted by that fact.

[111431]

If we are "more like the 2012 team" and that team lost 3 of its last 4, I have to disagree. Your argument is contradicted by that fact.

You're right - my apologies. A misread by me.

[Kafka's Ghost]

It's the same as always. If we are off by 5% and these other supposedly weaker teams see it and lift, then we will lose.

That is true for any given team, in any given game. Melbourne's ups and downs since mid-season are proof of that, not to mention Port. Even Geelong has looked somewhat vulnerable at times. I don't think any team has it all this season, which makes it open, exciting, and full of possibilities.
Extraordinary we're even having this debate, despite my optimism for a good season. It was only a few weeks ago some posters were lamenting the likelihood of us not winning another game this year! It's always a roller-coaster with young teams, but recently our guys have been able to contain the fluctuations within games, sometimes even quarters.

[Faunac8]

This is possibly the most open competition that I have seen for over 20 years. I understand that this is just my perception but I’m not sure I have seen a year where no clear premiership favourite has emerged from the pack this late in the season. One of the betting sites has six teams showing $11 or less to win the premiership and I am not sure when there has been a season where so many teams have been grouped so close together.
This year is an opportunity that may not arise again for quite some time.
Everything has aligned for us we have no injuries we have no excuses we are the wild card in the mix and all we have to do is perform.
I believe !!!

[Ruck'n'Roll]

I was one of those promising finals his year, but I believe a 2021 premiership is beyond us.

[MattW]

I was one of those promising finals his year, but I believe a 2021 premiership is beyond us.

Why? Which team can't we beat?

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Why? Which team can't we beat?

I don't think there's any team that we can't beat on any given day, especially with a little luck.