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 for crimes 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.