I'm having a difficult time comprehending that we are actually in the preliminary final. The final four. I thought this would be another year of digression. Yet, we have flown from the ashes of embarrassment and into the MCG in late September, a place reserved for football's elite.
The Eagles have, quite surprisingly, managed to maintain the same line-up that edged the Blues last week. The only negative from that news is that Rosa isn't playing. Not that I rate him highly, but Masten's performance on Saturday night suggested his good form has come to screeching halt. Yes, the Masten we all love to hate has returned. But perhaps the Prelim will help him focus his energy on doing the basics right. If he can't do that then perhaps it should be the last time he plays with an eagle on his guernsey. Perhaps I'm harsh, but his development has been seriously lacking.
Geelong have made one change as Corey replaces Menzel. That knee injury could be quite the blow to the Cats. Menzel is a highly impressive youngster, whereas Corey seems to be fading as his old legs begin to crumble underneath his aged torso, antiquated neck and prehistoric cranium.
We beat the Cats earlier in the season at Subi by a small margin after leading big at the half. I don't think that's of much significance to this matchup. It's a final, at the MCG and Geelong is off a bye. Not that I'm certain the bye means much. If they crush us, sure I'll blame the bye. Also, I'm sure if we beat them some portions of the football world will point to the bye as hurting the momentum of the Cats. From a practical standpoint they will be fresh and we will be bruised and beaten. But it's the prelim, and if a trip to the Grand Final can't make you forget about the fact that when you walk it feels like someone is stabbing you in the back...well actually that's probably normal. The point is: leave it all on the field.
Do I think we can win this? Yes we can. I don't expect us to win, but expectations are influenced by annoying things such as logic. Logic said the Eagles would finish in the bottom 4 this season. Logic said we would get thrashed by Collingwood in the Qualifying final. So screw you logic, you aint the boss of me.
Perhaps their age will show against an energetic, young and bold Eagles team. Ottens is decent, but we have the best ruck pairing in the comp. Yes, their backline looks impressive, but Scarlett, Wojcinski and to a lesser extent Hunt can have accountability issues. Moreover, I hate Scarlett; the weird haired jerk-face. But it's their forward line which is most vulnerable. The J-Pod and girly-face, small shorts Hawkins don't frighten me at all. Especially given the form of our solid and experienced backline.
So matchup wise it's very achievable. If we play to our ability anything is possible. Plus, we have never lost to Geelong in a finals game...which is totally irrelevant.
Still, biggest game since the 06 grandfinal.
Let's Eagle Rock the G!!!
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