Yes, it's do or die this Thursday night at Subiaco. I know I've being saying that pretty much every week since the Port debacle, but this really is IT. Lose another game at home (that would make it 5) and another one against a top 8 team (that would make it 5), one against a genetically modified team (that would make it 1) and we can kiss this season goodbye.
It wouldn't be a loving kiss either. This season has been nothing but a massive jerk to us (and us to it). Debilitating injuries, added to this week with Hurn and Selwood pretty much done, a coach that doesn't know if he has the passion, an indifferent playing group and now...a poorly balanced and blatantly unfair fixture.
It's worth noting that after travelling East to play the Hawks on a Friday night, the Eagles had a mere 6 days to fly home, recover and face the fully rested (although at Windy Hill who knows) Bombers off their bye.
Is there a reason for such stupidity? Is there a reason or any justification for ever having a Thursday night game? Not that it's an excuse. It's just unfortunate.
As for the game, it'll be tough. As tough as an interview by ASADA? Probably not. As tough as being used as a lab-rat by the maniacal Dr D? Nah. As tough as the rhino hide smuggled in from Zimbabwe, doused in Gypsy tears, mixed with elk wisdom and intravenously fed to certain members of the Bomber's coaching staff. Wouldn't think so.
You know I heard (from the voice inside my head) that instead of spraying first gamers with powerade after games, Essendon players actually drenched debutantes with magical formula made from incandescent goat's hoof that was meant to make them run faster. Plus, it's common knowledge that Bombers officials have been secretly acquiring Fletcher's DNA for 7 years and putting it in other players Wheaties to make them live forever. Of course, that's 'Fletcher the 4th's' DNA, as the original retired back in 2002. But his clones continue to prosper.
Then there's Jobe. Jobe the Captain. Jobe the Brownlow medallist. Jobe the self-confessed 'accidental' cheat. The very fact that he's allowed to play in this game is an affront to the league. He also needs to hand his medal back, or the AFL needs to take it back. WADA and ASADA have both made it clear: strict liability on banned substances. The fact that he says "I didn't know" is no excuse. Although in many respects the club and the hierarchy (read James 'Jesus/Saint/amateur chemist enthusiast' Hird) bare more responsibility. I honestly think the Bombers should be stripped of all Premiership points this season.
But I digress. The Bombers, as they stand, so constituted, until the findings of a certain investigation are handed down, have a very strong team. The strongest since probably the early 2000s. It seems they've finally managed to get over their tendency for mid-season slumps. They've grabbed great come-from-behind wins over Freo and Carlton, easily accounted for the Tigers and upset the Pies and Crows. Perhaps stemming from their perception that it's 'us against the world' (when really they should be on the world's side) they've displayed great mental strength over the first 12 weeks. There was the slip up against the Lions, but it happens: see Cats.
No, this aint the Bombers of recent memory. Youngtsers like whatshisface...um...defender guy, the addition of money-bags Goddard and the continuing development of others have been pivotal. Jake Carlyle! That's who I meant. And how about Hibberd? That kid got mighty buff mighty quick didn't he? Some might say unnaturally quickly...but not me.
There's quite a few changes, all expected except for Wilson who has been omitted. Tunbridge makes his debut. Joe Daniher has been left out, which is a shame because that's one Bombers player who probably deserves to be playing, not having been subjected to pharmacological acupuncture last season.
West Coast Eagles
IN: Simon Tunbridge, Mark Hutchings, Brad Sheppard, Ashley Smith
OUT: Blayne Wilson (Omitted), Andrew Embley (Suspension), Shannon Hurn (Ankle), Scott Selwood (thumb)
Essendon FC (R.I.P)
IN: Tom Bellchambers, Courtenay Dempsey
OUT: Joe Daniher (Omitted), Heath Hocking (Calf)
What gives me hope is two-fold. Firstly, it was undoubtedly our best performance last week. Pressure, effort, intensity. It was all there. The losses of Hurn and Selwood hurt, but players must step-in and step-up. No excuses.
Secondly, history. It may be meaningless but it's worth noting. Over our illustrious 26 year history, the Bombers have beaten us twice at Subiaco. That's 2 out of 15. It's an impressive record for us and hopefully it continues. We desperately need to reassert our home ground dominance to save this season.
Because frankly, even though the Bombers are a good team, without this win there's little chance of securing enough games to make the finals.
I'm heading to this one, which makes me think we'll win, but it really is a 50-50 proposition. Let's hope the crowd gives the team the edge and we get the job done.
LET'S GO EAGLES!!!
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