Round 8 Recap: Welcome to the House of Pain

Although the Saints showed admirable spirit fighting back in the third, the Eagles were clearly the dominant team as we extend our unbeaten run at home. Premiership contenders, especially non-Victorian teams, must build a strong home ground advantage to have a legitimate chance to push for a flag. The Eagles seem to have re-engineered the sense of invincibility we possessed at home when we last hoisted the cup. Although they would never admit it I tend to believe teams look at games at Subiaco as games where 'honourable losses' may just be acceptable. That's fine by me, because it's a silent 'honourable', you suckers.

Neither was there anything honourable about the way the Eagles tore through the Saints in the first half. If last week our midfield was zombie-like they rose from the dead (again) to dominate this week. Shuey was sublime with S.Selwood and Gaff also excellent.

The importance of Naitanui was perhaps never better witnessed than a comparison of this week versus last. Last week, we struggled to take any marks in our forward 50. This week, as Naitanui reassumed the position (no. 1 ruckman), Cox pushed forward and kicked 5 huge goals including 3 in the second. NicNat himself also kicked 2. He is a catylyst. Take him out and we look lethargic and our forward line almost looks tiny. It's not only what he does but what he allows to happen.

Some may point to the Saint's second half resurgence as evidence of our inability to put teams away. But, StKilda have a very strong and experienced side. Such a team down by 8 goals at the half will always fight back to some degree. We held them off, despite all their momentum and never allowed them within 17 points.

So still top, by percentage points, and next we face our estranged cousins from across the way. This is one of two times this season I will tolerate watching the boring bastards.

Mind the Gap.