Preview 2016 AFL Grand Final - Sydney v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 2.10pm, Sat Oct 1

[Flags_In_The_Bag]

OK, the Doggies tsunami is official. Now their fans are even recruiting semiotics to boost their flag chances.

Swans fans should not comment about an over exuberance after a prelim. Seem to recall a red and white orgy going on after the siren when Locket kicked that point.

 

[maddog37]

You wait until first bounce. It is absolutely nerve wracking to point where you can't even really enjoy the game. It's that bad. It's all just a horrible lead up to the point when you're sure you've won or lost and then joy or despair takes over.

Sounds fun huh?

I think you're holding on too tight Maverick. You've lost your edge.

 

[maddog37]

Sydney is by far the best side you will play so far. GWS was a big sculp but the other 2 were nothing compared to Sydney

The same thing was said the last two weeks. Revisionist history.

Swans were flattered by the Cats not turning up and Adelaide being Adelaide away from home.

 

[zetz]

Swans fans should not comment about an over exuberance after a prelim. Seem to recall a red and white orgy going on after the siren when Locket kicked that point.

And what happened the week after?

 

[Flags_In_The_Bag]

Bulldogs supporter talking like a grand final regular. World officially gone mad.[/QUOTE
Rich comming from a supporter of a club that waited 72 years. You forgot already it can all of a sudden flow on with success

 

[Flags_In_The_Bag]

And what happened the week after?

Typical missing the point. After that would you have defended your side if people said they will be tired now and loos the GF because of over celebrating?

 

[TedDougChris]

You wait until first bounce. It is absolutely nerve wracking to point where you can't even really enjoy the game. It's that bad. It's all just a horrible lead up to the point when you're sure you've won or lost and then joy or despair takes over.

Sounds fun huh?

I am glad it's a holiday tomorrow, as I am not sure I'll be in a fit state if I had to go into the office. Luckily they only test for drugs and alcohol, not 'Holy Shit ****, the Dogs are in the GF tomorrow' - as I'd be done for sure....

 

[Flags_In_The_Bag]

Our gameplan must be simple. Take the umps out of the game.

Sydney 2016 Finals...yeah they hated us every single game.
Footscray 2016 Finals...yeah they loved them every single game.

Over an entire season
Free Kicks FOR :Footscray 2nd, Sydney 11th
Free Kicks AGAINST: Footscray 18th , Sydney 5th

Just how can you be a contested ball winning mob and not give away free kicks ? Are they ball whisperers ?

The umps rolled out the red carpet for the entire first half of their season...every single game.
It wasn't until the media and opposition fans forced a late season stewards enquiry they suddenly got the same treatment as others...at least for a short while.
Unfortunately the finals have brought back the same dream treatment from the umps. They are absolute sweethearts.
We need to be vigilant at all times, and watch out for those sneaky little momentum stopper free kicks the umps love to pay them....then somehow win the ball without ever actually touching any of them.

Not easy but it must be done...also that snivvling little cheat McLean needs to be either knocked out early or given 5m space at all times so the umps don't get the opportunity to punish anyone touching him.

All we ask for is a fair go.

All we ask for is stupid people not to be even more stupid, and think umpires either get instructed to or willingly give the dogs more free kicks when they are not there. Yes winning contested ball means they are the ones getting tackled more when the other team are trying to get the ball off them. Simple really

 

[Wolfgang West]

Got your excuses for the final result going the Dog's way out nice and early I see.

So I guess your sticking with your fellow tin rattlers then right ???

Suppose you have to stick together.

Gotta get some satisfaction out of another mediocre season I suppose.

Oh and for the record if Mills plays he won't breakdown you can be sure of it. Just to put your mind at ease though you should be aware He plays for a very professional football Club coached by John Longmire not Brad Scott.

 

[Leviathan Pie]

Ling Jong unlucky?

 

[Glenn_]

Mills and McVeigh in for Sydney , Allir (inj) Marsh (Omitted)
No change for the Dogs.

 

[master bate]

Right call from both sides.

Mills and McVeigh are quality players and both have done the rehab. So often we hear players/clubs say 'if it was a grand final he'd play but we are just keeping him for 1 more'. Well it's the grand final now. They play. Marsh the unlucky out but against the Dogs smaller line up the combination of Laidler, Rampe and Mills cover off as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th taller players and Zak Jones and McVeigh provide the rebound.

Suckling does a lot of good but can be terrible defensively and make silly decisions with the ball. If he wasn't 100% fit then he's not worth playing. Roberts can now go to Tippett/Naismith, Morris and Hamling can chop and change on Buddy with the other on Richards and that leaves Easton Wood to do what he does bets without being stuck on a taller opponent. His intercepting is really the Dogs best chance to stop the Swans forward line not one on ones. The concern is by playing a lot of talls that M Boyd, Biggs and Johanissen are left to do a lot of rebounding but the Dogs aren't planning on an aggressive game plan. I think they'll use their run and midfield depth to work the ball out of the backline rather than try and pin point kicks.

 

[Crankyhawk]

Our gameplan must be simple. Take the umps out of the game.

Sydney 2016 Finals...yeah they hated us every single game.
Footscray 2016 Finals...yeah they loved them every single game.

Over an entire season
Free Kicks FOR :Footscray 2nd, Sydney 11th
Free Kicks AGAINST: Footscray 18th , Sydney 5th

Just how can you be a contested ball winning mob and not give away free kicks ? Are they ball whisperers ?

The umps rolled out the red carpet for the entire first half of their season...every single game.
It wasn't until the media and opposition fans forced a late season stewards enquiry they suddenly got the same treatment as others...at least for a short while.
Unfortunately the finals have brought back the same dream treatment from the umps. They are absolute sweethearts.
We need to be vigilant at all times, and watch out for those sneaky little momentum stopper free kicks the umps love to pay them....then somehow win the ball without ever actually touching any of them.

Not easy but it must be done...also that snivvling little cheat McLean needs to be either knocked out early or given 5m space at all times so the umps don't get the opportunity to punish anyone touching him.

All we ask for is a fair go.

Umpires were too busy refuting #freekickhawthorn that they didn't see the #freekickdoggies

 

[Mutt]

Ling Jong unlucky?

Yep. But so too would be whoever lost their spot for him. Seems to happen every Grand Final.

 

[Malifice]

Luckily they only test for drugs and alcohol, not 'Holy Shit ****, the Dogs are in the GF tomorrow' - as I'd be done for sure....

If Carlton were in the GF, I'd test positive for all three.

 

[Maxxpowa]

I have to say, this is one of the weirdest lead ups to a grand final I can remember.

As a Swans fan, it is odd to have the whole of Australia against us, now I know how a Hawks (and sometimes a Pies) supporter feels!
Even though some of the media aren't getting caught up in the doggies hype - there are plenty of non-sport focused outlets who are posting "why dogs can win articles" etc. Not to mention to huge amount of support coming from the public.

I'd be interested to hear what other people think of the hype - will it effect the Dogs players on the day? Will they start to believe the hype around them? I know you have to have confidence.... but maybe all this pressure will get to them, while the Swans are largely flying under the radar even on grand final week.

This isn't a boasting post.....just trying to portray the feeling im getting as a Swans fan this week.

 

[boncer34]

Ling Jong unlucky?

Who would you have dropped?

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

I'm not having a go at the exuberance mate. (But I am struggling to recall one instance in GF Week 2005 when we started speaking to the Eagles supporters like we Swans were GF regulars.)

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Geelong made Sydney look the greatest side of all time last week. What a difference for the Swannies this week playing against a side that will bleed for the jumper and are prepared to go to any lengths to bring success to their great club. Sydney will get smashed from pillar to post in this game and a beautiful story will end at around 5.15 on Saturday when Schultzy hands Woody and Bevo the cup. Dogs by 20 points, oh this is going to special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geelong finished second. You finished seventh. Do facts no longer matter?

 

[freo_leo29]

Bulldogs needed to bring in Suckling, every team since 1996 has had atleast one premiership player in it before the match.
The curse will continue now

 

[The Gong]

Right call from both sides.

Mills and McVeigh are quality players and both have done the rehab. So often we hear players/clubs say 'if it was a grand final he'd play but we are just keeping him for 1 more'. Well it's the grand final now. They play. Marsh the unlucky out but against the Dogs smaller line up the combination of Laidler, Rampe and Mills cover off as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th taller players and Zak Jones and McVeigh provide the rebound.

Suckling does a lot of good but can be terrible defensively and make silly decisions with the ball. If he wasn't 100% fit then he's not worth playing. Roberts can now go to Tippett/Nankervis, Morris and Hamling can chop and change on Buddy with the other on Richards and that leaves Easton Wood to do what he does bets without being stuck on a taller opponent. His intercepting is really the Dogs best chance to stop the Swans forward line not one on ones. The concern is by playing a lot of talls that M Boyd, Biggs and Johanissen are left to do a lot of rebounding but the Dogs aren't planning on an aggressive game plan. I think they'll use their run and midfield depth to work the ball out of the backline rather than try and pin point kicks.

Nankervis not playing. Naismith shares the ruck duties with Tippett.

 

[2006_Eagles]

Who would you have dropped?

Roberts, possibly Tobes

 

[boncer34]

Roberts

Drop a defender for a midfielder?

 

[SSSSSS]

Wow surprised neither Jong or Suckling made selection.

That's a few Grand Final's suckers has missed out now.

 

[2006_Eagles]

Drop a defender for a midfielder?

Swans only have Buddy and Tippett as talls in the forward line. Dogs have enough talls without Roberts IMO.