An indifferent start, Cox feeling the wrath of karma, a Masten inspired comeback and a midget retiring. No, it wasn't a twisted nightmare. It was the Eagles wrapping up fourth place and setting a date with the pies for week 1 of the finals.
Where to start with this one? The start? Okay, well the psychological problem I so presciently referred to in the preview seemed quite apt for the most part. The team seemed reticent and uninspired. Conversely, the Lions showed great determination to not be crap, a difficult task for a team that has only won 4 games this year. They wanted it more as we seemed content to put all the pressure on the Adelaide game. The rain didn't help. We looked as bedraggled as bedraggled can be. That's fairly bedraggled.
Luckily, they never really put too much scoreboard pressure on us. That is until the 3rd where it appeared we were on the precipice of defeat. But as soon as they went up by 20 odd points we kicked into gear. It's almost as if the realisation hit the team that it might be a good idea to win the game. And then we did.
They key? The master key, formerly the master tool, was a certain Sir Chris Masten. Much maligned by supporters for his inconsistency and poor disposal and by the blogosphere for his abysmal facial hair, he was simply ubiquitous. Especially in the last quarter.
16 Kicks. 15 handballs. 4 marks. 7 tackles. 3 goals. 1 bad beard.
These are impressive stats. But far beyond these sometimes misleading figures, he was composed. He showed Shuey-esque poise under pressure and was efficient. He was instrumental in our impressive fightback. Surely his best game for the club.
He wasn't alone though. Priddis was, as ever, a polished performer. Naitanui and Shuey were superb in the last quarter, though the Lions must have the collective memory of deformed lions to allow the same play over and over.
Now onto Cox. Karma's a bitch aint it? A few weeks ago he blinded JJK with a tennis ball and last night he himself was blinded. Whatever the severity of the injury I hope we don't play him next week. Fantasy football implications aside, there's no point. Rest Cox, Kerr, Embley and Glass.
Savour the moment friends, it's not every year a team climbs from last to 4th. It has been an incredible achievement from both the coach and players.
Victory!
Sunday 28 August 2011
Saturday 27 August 2011
Round 23 Preview; Eagles Look to Sew up 4th by Stitching up Lions
As I sit here knitting away at my metaphors I can't but wonder that this may be difficult. Psychologically, the team may just lack the motivation needed to get the win. Yes, a win seals 4th. But they will know they have Round 24 at home, against the Crows, as a backup. Conversely, Brisbane are fighting for pride. Pride is a powerful motivator, for most teams except Port and the anchorless freaks apparently. Embarrassing or what?
Anyway, pop psychology aside, from a purely matchup stand-point we should win. Kerr is out after Hocking went all UFC on his arse (or back I should say). The Sledge-Mummer McG returns. He's fresh off his week suspension forcrimes against humanity being sledge-like in his speech. I'm just glad the matter didn't go the tribunal as there was a strong chance they would have ordered the removal of his...tongue. Kerr's a loss, but it's a smart move to rest him. I'm just surprised that Cox, Glass and a few others made the trip. If we win tonight I would suggest they won't be needed for next week.
The Lions are a sad story. When you look at their team they have a fairly decent core. They still have the likes of Black and Power supplemented by young talents in Rich and Leuenberger. Yet, they also have Brent Staker. Now, whilst I don't claim he's 100% responsible for their mediocrity he is emblematic of the bizarre direction that club has taken.
Still, they've had some okay games this year. Losing to Collingwood by only 3 goals is a superb performance (just ask our deranged purple cousins).
Matchup wise, we pretty much are stronger everywhere. Without the de-faced (literally) Brown, the Lions forward line is makeshift at best. They have players like Cornelius, Polkinghorne and Retzlaf who, whilst their names are bloody hilarious and a little carnival like, don't frighten me much. Their midfield is solid but not special. Their backs are actually decent; Adcock, McGuire, Drummond etc. But they're not big enough. Essentially we are better everywhere...except on the bench. Hams, McG, Ebert and Masten. That irks me a little. But still, our rucks should dominate with Clark out. It should be a good contest in the middle, yet we've faced better teams and succeeded.
Before writing this I had an impending annoying loss kind of feeling. Now, the more I think about it, the more it appears we really should win comfortably. Mindset is the key. Mindset...and not letting Ebert kick the ball.
But I'm confident we can get it done, claim 4th and make the Juddas cry. The perfect Saturday night.
Anyway, pop psychology aside, from a purely matchup stand-point we should win. Kerr is out after Hocking went all UFC on his arse (or back I should say). The Sledge-Mummer McG returns. He's fresh off his week suspension for
The Lions are a sad story. When you look at their team they have a fairly decent core. They still have the likes of Black and Power supplemented by young talents in Rich and Leuenberger. Yet, they also have Brent Staker. Now, whilst I don't claim he's 100% responsible for their mediocrity he is emblematic of the bizarre direction that club has taken.
Still, they've had some okay games this year. Losing to Collingwood by only 3 goals is a superb performance (just ask our deranged purple cousins).
Matchup wise, we pretty much are stronger everywhere. Without the de-faced (literally) Brown, the Lions forward line is makeshift at best. They have players like Cornelius, Polkinghorne and Retzlaf who, whilst their names are bloody hilarious and a little carnival like, don't frighten me much. Their midfield is solid but not special. Their backs are actually decent; Adcock, McGuire, Drummond etc. But they're not big enough. Essentially we are better everywhere...except on the bench. Hams, McG, Ebert and Masten. That irks me a little. But still, our rucks should dominate with Clark out. It should be a good contest in the middle, yet we've faced better teams and succeeded.
Before writing this I had an impending annoying loss kind of feeling. Now, the more I think about it, the more it appears we really should win comfortably. Mindset is the key. Mindset...and not letting Ebert kick the ball.
But I'm confident we can get it done, claim 4th and make the Juddas cry. The perfect Saturday night.
Monday 22 August 2011
MRP Stuns World: Uses common-sense; Waters Cleared
In a move that has shook the very foundations of the AFL world, the Match Review Panel today cleared Beau Waters of rough conduct.
The Panel applied what can only be termed 'logic', a system foreign to the MRP, in throwing out the charge. They deemed that the "high contact was accidental and not unreasonable in the circumstances".
The unfortunate legalese of the double negative aside, it was quite evident from where I was sitting, getting my face roasted like a peanut, that Jobe W. Bush ran into Waters. Waters, having the strength of 3 aurox, merely stood his ground and let little Jobe break into a million pieces.
A few fans around me suggested that Watson should be sanctioned for diving. The hilarity of that claim was enhanced by the sincerity of those making it.
So, the MRP got one right. It makes a welcome change for a system renowned for its inconsistencies and lack of clarity.
Still, kudos.
The Panel applied what can only be termed 'logic', a system foreign to the MRP, in throwing out the charge. They deemed that the "high contact was accidental and not unreasonable in the circumstances".
The unfortunate legalese of the double negative aside, it was quite evident from where I was sitting, getting my face roasted like a peanut, that Jobe W. Bush ran into Waters. Waters, having the strength of 3 aurox, merely stood his ground and let little Jobe break into a million pieces.
 |
| 1/3 of Beau Waters' strength |
A few fans around me suggested that Watson should be sanctioned for diving. The hilarity of that claim was enhanced by the sincerity of those making it.
So, the MRP got one right. It makes a welcome change for a system renowned for its inconsistencies and lack of clarity.
Still, kudos.
Sunday 21 August 2011
Round 22 Recap: Eagles overpower Bombers; surge into top 4
Aint it a pretty sight?
They really had me worried there too. Essendon, as expected, came out strongly and put substantial pressure on the Eagles. For our part, we seemed a little disinterested at first. Our disposal seemed a bit off and our finishing was very poor. Frustratingly, the Bombers kicked goals at both the stroke of quarter and half time. It was deflating and concerning.
But come the second half we started to dominate. Yes, the Watson hit was a turning point of sorts. Yes, the Bombers went to pieces after it. Yes, we were awesome. It all seemed to click and we romped, romped, romped to a huge victory and into the top 4.
Lecras and Kennedy were both focal points up forward with 4 goals each. I thought Kerr was very good, especially his goal in the 3rd and Naitanui had a superb 15 second patch in the last. It was all in all a very pleasing win against a team as irritating as the Bombers. We once again showed our ability to rise to the top when challenged, the trait essential to our success this season.
In bad news, it was a little worrying to see Kerr helped off the ground in the dying moments of the game. From what I can gather though, he should be okay. Darling was also a late withdrawal with hip soreness. Soreness or no soreness, he needed a break desperately. The Waters 'hit' on Watson will be scrutinised, but to be honest it looked fine to me. But I'm not an impartial observer like the tribunal (Insert sarcasm here).
I don't want to harp on the top 4 conquest much, except to say that 4th is essentially ours so in the Juddas's face, in Carlton's face and in the Dockers face (because you know...they are rubbish). All we have to do is beat either Brisbane or Adelaide and we're assured of the double chance. Worsfold says we're not safe yet, but he's just being diplomatic.
It's a done deal.
Cool, cool, cool, cool.
Saturday 20 August 2011
Round 22 Preview: Eagles v Bombers - No Jacket Waving Required
There was a time when these two teams had something of a fierce rivalry. Sheedy's crazy antics back in 93 started it and his cutthroat gesture at Mitchell White continued it. And whilst there's nothing as satisfying as a good jacket wave, the tradition and rivalry is very passe. It was from a bygone era when it was Sheedy v Malthouse, East v West etc. etc.
Good times. But you know what else is good times? Making the top 4. That is why today is a must. Well, sort of. Hawthorn's victory last night means all we need to do is win 2 of our last 3 games to finish 4th. Amazing. From 16th to 4th. The first non-Victorian team since...us in 2007 (and Port) to make the top 4. Our reward? We would get to play the Pies at the G. But after that probable arse-whooping, the draw would really open up for us.
Anyway, that''s for future discussion.
Today is huge. We want revenge for the minor meltdown earlier in the year. We want...to win. And we should.
We get a big boost with Glass and Waters returning. McG (susp.) and Brown drop out. The Bombers' one substantial change is the loss of Hurley. I guess Perth cab drivers will be glad they don't have to take that guy anywhere.
I expect the Bombers to come out firing. They're trying to solidify a top 8 spot and they've shown some decent form of late.
Still, we are the superior team with a lot to play for. I shall be there for this one, the first time this season, so if they lose you'll know who to blame.
Let's go Eagles!!!
Good times. But you know what else is good times? Making the top 4. That is why today is a must. Well, sort of. Hawthorn's victory last night means all we need to do is win 2 of our last 3 games to finish 4th. Amazing. From 16th to 4th. The first non-Victorian team since...us in 2007 (and Port) to make the top 4. Our reward? We would get to play the Pies at the G. But after that probable arse-whooping, the draw would really open up for us.
Anyway, that''s for future discussion.
Today is huge. We want revenge for the minor meltdown earlier in the year. We want...to win. And we should.
We get a big boost with Glass and Waters returning. McG (susp.) and Brown drop out. The Bombers' one substantial change is the loss of Hurley. I guess Perth cab drivers will be glad they don't have to take that guy anywhere.
I expect the Bombers to come out firing. They're trying to solidify a top 8 spot and they've shown some decent form of late.
Still, we are the superior team with a lot to play for. I shall be there for this one, the first time this season, so if they lose you'll know who to blame.
Let's go Eagles!!!
Tuesday 16 August 2011
McGinnity Suspended
I assume you have all heard this already.
Following an investigation, the club took the steps of suspending McG for a game, fining him $2500 and compelling him to undergo counselling.
I find it hard to comment on this without knowing what he said. Obviously if it had anything to with religion, race, cultual affiliation then that's unacceptable. But if it's something along the lines of "I had sex with your mother", then meh.
However, I'm going to assume it's the former. If so, the club did the right thing in being proactive. I don't know why McG would bother with sledging. It's stupid, unhelpful and now he's hurt let the team down. Moreover he's made the club look bad, which isn't what we need after the last few years.
I mean if he had to taunt anyone, it should have been Lynden Dunn. Have you seen this guy's moustache? It makes Chris Masten look sophisticated. Well, like a premium porn star, whereas Dunn would be a volunteer on the set...cleaning up afterwards.
Following an investigation, the club took the steps of suspending McG for a game, fining him $2500 and compelling him to undergo counselling.
I find it hard to comment on this without knowing what he said. Obviously if it had anything to with religion, race, cultual affiliation then that's unacceptable. But if it's something along the lines of "I had sex with your mother", then meh.
However, I'm going to assume it's the former. If so, the club did the right thing in being proactive. I don't know why McG would bother with sledging. It's stupid, unhelpful and now he's hurt let the team down. Moreover he's made the club look bad, which isn't what we need after the last few years.
I mean if he had to taunt anyone, it should have been Lynden Dunn. Have you seen this guy's moustache? It makes Chris Masten look sophisticated. Well, like a premium porn star, whereas Dunn would be a volunteer on the set...cleaning up afterwards.
Monday 15 August 2011
Round 21 Recap: Eagles victory soured by apparent injuries; that don't exist
As the rather poorly worded title suggests, injury fears from yesterday's beat down seem to be misplaced. Both Cox and Shuey were allegedly sore after the game, but appear to be okay for Saturday's pivotal clash against the Dons. It seems redundant to state that their presence is very much needed to push our way into the top 4.
But back to yesterday's game. The result never really appeared in doubt. We dominated most of the play from the 10 minute mark of the game and won comfortably. Contrary to what the geniuses at Foxtel kept pushing, we were never troubled. I found it quite incredulous that the commentators seemed to only concede the game was over with about 5 minutes left in the last. That was despite the fact that the Demons never got within 5 goals of us from the second quarter onwards. Still, stupid is as stupid does.
Speaking of stupid, Melbourne were stupidly bad. I would hate to be a Demons fan. Not that many bothered to turn up to the game; the Eagles fans were almost as vocal as the home team contingent.
In terms of our actual performance, we got the job done. It wasn't an overly impressive display. We won it early and maintained the lead until the final siren. It was a business trip, without the (usually) mandatory karaoke and suitcases full of shredded newspaper. It was yet another win that showed our burgeoning maturity as a team.
We're still 5th but with the game in hand over Juddas's minions. We are '4th-elect' if you will excuse my political analogy. This time next week I envisage us being sworn in, sitting in the oval office sipping brandy. If we can do that without fondling any interns, all the better. Still, it is dependent on two things. Firstly, Hawthorn beating Carlton; probable but not certain. Of course, we have to beat Essendon. A tough one, but eminently winnable. I shall examine that one later in the week.
Cheerio.
P.S By 'examine' I mean mocking the Bombers until I get bored.
But back to yesterday's game. The result never really appeared in doubt. We dominated most of the play from the 10 minute mark of the game and won comfortably. Contrary to what the geniuses at Foxtel kept pushing, we were never troubled. I found it quite incredulous that the commentators seemed to only concede the game was over with about 5 minutes left in the last. That was despite the fact that the Demons never got within 5 goals of us from the second quarter onwards. Still, stupid is as stupid does.
Speaking of stupid, Melbourne were stupidly bad. I would hate to be a Demons fan. Not that many bothered to turn up to the game; the Eagles fans were almost as vocal as the home team contingent.
In terms of our actual performance, we got the job done. It wasn't an overly impressive display. We won it early and maintained the lead until the final siren. It was a business trip, without the (usually) mandatory karaoke and suitcases full of shredded newspaper. It was yet another win that showed our burgeoning maturity as a team.
We're still 5th but with the game in hand over Juddas's minions. We are '4th-elect' if you will excuse my political analogy. This time next week I envisage us being sworn in, sitting in the oval office sipping brandy. If we can do that without fondling any interns, all the better. Still, it is dependent on two things. Firstly, Hawthorn beating Carlton; probable but not certain. Of course, we have to beat Essendon. A tough one, but eminently winnable. I shall examine that one later in the week.
Cheerio.
P.S By 'examine' I mean mocking the Bombers until I get bored.
Friday 12 August 2011
Round 21 Preview: Dees v Eagles
Apologies for the dormancy of the blog, but my reasons are twofold. Primarily, early semester uni related study. Also I really had nothing to say about the Richmond game, before or after. It was always going to be a cakewalk or at least a muffinwalk or a cookiewalk or a even a beerwalk. The Tigers are quite the disgrace, really embarrassing and we're like...awesome. The game reflected that.
One comment I would make is that I was unimpressed with the medal winners. I can partially accept Kerr, but Naitaniu was just okay. He had a good 10 minute patch, but nothing more, nothing less. Shuey was great. But I don't really care.
On to the Melbourne game. I expect us to win this one too. We thrashed them earlier in the year and are a far superior team. Yet, beware the wounded...demon. I've been (re)watching quite a bit of Buffy lately and two things are clear. One, SMG is amazing...even as a cavewoman (see season 4 episode entitled 'Beer Bad')
Secondly, and more pertinently, Demons can be troublesome, especially when motivated.
Are these Demons motivated? They should be. They've been killed the last couple of weeks. Their coach was recently sacked and they get a bunch of decent players back. Jamar and Sylvia are the headliners.
Furthermore, our team news is unsettling. Glass and Rosa are out. Glass with general soreness. I actually think this is real 'soreness' as opposed to Kerr soreness. He's resting and it's understandable. I'm sure I-can't-kick-to-save-my-own-life McKenzie can guard Melbourne's big forward who is of course...um...is Schwarz still playing?
The Rosa omission is more troubling. He was having an okay year (overrated in my opinion) but then the Richmond dufus decided to be all dufusy. It happens. I think he's a key player in the sense that he is solid. Unremarkable for sure, but far better than any possible replacement.
Masten is out. Insert obligatory insult here.
In good news, JJK is back. So is Hams. I know he had a great WAFL game, but he's not the answer as a small forward. I just don't think he's up to it. Against Melbourne however...he could kick 5 goals.
Still, I think the Dees may push us hard in this game. They will surely show something this week. Or we will destroy them. Or lose. What do I know? I'm just a humble blogger.
It's a bit of a shame it's not at the G. It would be nice to play there again before the qualifying finals...
In related top 4 news, Go Dockers! At least until the final siren tomorrow, then we can go back to holding them in utter contempt. The purple fools.
One comment I would make is that I was unimpressed with the medal winners. I can partially accept Kerr, but Naitaniu was just okay. He had a good 10 minute patch, but nothing more, nothing less. Shuey was great. But I don't really care.
On to the Melbourne game. I expect us to win this one too. We thrashed them earlier in the year and are a far superior team. Yet, beware the wounded...demon. I've been (re)watching quite a bit of Buffy lately and two things are clear. One, SMG is amazing...even as a cavewoman (see season 4 episode entitled 'Beer Bad')
Secondly, and more pertinently, Demons can be troublesome, especially when motivated.
Are these Demons motivated? They should be. They've been killed the last couple of weeks. Their coach was recently sacked and they get a bunch of decent players back. Jamar and Sylvia are the headliners.
Furthermore, our team news is unsettling. Glass and Rosa are out. Glass with general soreness. I actually think this is real 'soreness' as opposed to Kerr soreness. He's resting and it's understandable. I'm sure I-can't-kick-to-save-my-own-life McKenzie can guard Melbourne's big forward who is of course...um...is Schwarz still playing?
The Rosa omission is more troubling. He was having an okay year (overrated in my opinion) but then the Richmond dufus decided to be all dufusy. It happens. I think he's a key player in the sense that he is solid. Unremarkable for sure, but far better than any possible replacement.
Masten is out. Insert obligatory insult here.
In good news, JJK is back. So is Hams. I know he had a great WAFL game, but he's not the answer as a small forward. I just don't think he's up to it. Against Melbourne however...he could kick 5 goals.
Still, I think the Dees may push us hard in this game. They will surely show something this week. Or we will destroy them. Or lose. What do I know? I'm just a humble blogger.
It's a bit of a shame it's not at the G. It would be nice to play there again before the qualifying finals...
In related top 4 news, Go Dockers! At least until the final siren tomorrow, then we can go back to holding them in utter contempt. The purple fools.
Monday 1 August 2011
Round 19 Recap: Eagles avoid embarassment; beat Dogs
The only thing I could think of when watching our lead rapidly disappear was the Geelong game from 06. You know the one. We were down by 9 goals in the 3rd only to come steamrolling home (sans Juddas by the way) and make Ablett cry. Good times.
Anyway, all that matters was that we averted suffering the same fate as the Cats. Our first half and a bit were very impressive. Without 3 of our key players we were dominant all over the ground; unrelenting in applying our now trademark forward press and we capitalised (fairly) well.
Yet, to their credit, the Dogs decided to try in the second half and seemed almost irresistable in their march towards the lead. In a way I was impressed by our response. Sure, I would've preferrred the situation not to arise. Our players seemed to only react when the Dogs hit the front. Still, we halted their momentum and kicked the last 2 goals of the game to re-snatch the win.
It goes without saying that Cox was incredible, especially without Naitanui. Gaff continues to impress me, whilst Lycett had a very solid debut. He actually looks like he has some agility, though it's hard to see where he fits in our forward line with a healthy Kennedy.
Overall, it was a critical win for our top 4 prospects. Win our remaining 5 games and we finish at least 4th. Then we get to play Collingwood at the MCG...a great reward.
Anyway, all that matters was that we averted suffering the same fate as the Cats. Our first half and a bit were very impressive. Without 3 of our key players we were dominant all over the ground; unrelenting in applying our now trademark forward press and we capitalised (fairly) well.
Yet, to their credit, the Dogs decided to try in the second half and seemed almost irresistable in their march towards the lead. In a way I was impressed by our response. Sure, I would've preferrred the situation not to arise. Our players seemed to only react when the Dogs hit the front. Still, we halted their momentum and kicked the last 2 goals of the game to re-snatch the win.
It goes without saying that Cox was incredible, especially without Naitanui. Gaff continues to impress me, whilst Lycett had a very solid debut. He actually looks like he has some agility, though it's hard to see where he fits in our forward line with a healthy Kennedy.
Overall, it was a critical win for our top 4 prospects. Win our remaining 5 games and we finish at least 4th. Then we get to play Collingwood at the MCG...a great reward.
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