The hands of stone
Norm Smith Medallist
- Sep 13, 2020
- 7,340
- 21,540
- AFL Club
- Hawthorn
Gibcus for the Tigs looks a likely type
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AFLW 2024 - Round 9 - Indigenous Round - Chat, game threads, injury lists, team lineups and more.
I don't have a lot of time for them as a club, that's no different to pretty much every other club, but I know they're a very good side.....that's not to say that I don't think that they've had a very good run with injury though.
He's going to be a star.Gibcus for the Tigs looks a likely type
Also I think Casey are undefeated as well this year.The gap between Melbourne and the rest is currently large. There’s months to go for them to slip up or for others to improve but right now, they’re absolutely cruising. They’re doing that thing great sides do which is play 1-2 unbelievable bursts each week and that’s enough to win comfortably.
Fortunately unlike the Richmond era, they play attractive footy
Injury is the only thing that could get them.The gap between Melbourne and the rest is currently large. There’s months to go for them to slip up or for others to improve but right now, they’re absolutely cruising. They’re doing that thing great sides do which is play 1-2 unbelievable bursts each week and that’s enough to win comfortably.
Fortunately unlike the Richmond era, they play attractive footy
Only takes 1 bad game or opposition playing out of their skin ala 2018 & 2019 prelims.Injury is the only thing that could get them.
Melbourne is remarkably similar to Geelong in 2008.The gap between Melbourne and the rest is currently large. There’s months to go for them to slip up or for others to improve but right now, they’re absolutely cruising. They’re doing that thing great sides do which is play 1-2 unbelievable bursts each week and that’s enough to win comfortably.
Fortunately unlike the Richmond era, they play attractive footy
I knew he had to have something when KM said he would barely take him second round.He's going to be a star.
Reality is that 2-3 key injuries, and they’d fall back to the pack.Although it’s early days melbourne are miles in front of the pack, can’t see them losing it unless they get a pile of injuries.
We're one side that can really trouble the dees with our aerobic style of play that allows us to run out qtrs til the end . And our frwds are super dangerous and our backs super quick.
They can lose those players and still comfortably make top 4, it’s whether those players are out come the business end of the season and even then it just makes it closer. Easily the best team since our peak era, they just need to produce the silverware (this year?) to prove it.Reality is that 2-3 key injuries, and they’d fall back to the pack.
Imagine if they lost Fritsch, Gawn and Oliver for a period of time(our Lewis, Reeves and Mitchell).
In 2008 there was a clear challenger though. Same as 2011 for Collingwood. It’s not just their dominance it’s the relative weakness of the chasing packMelbourne is remarkably similar to Geelong in 2008.
They're winning through sheer weight of numbers. If they don't correct it, it will cost them at the end of the season
We really weren't a clear challenger though. In fact, our losses during the season had all come against the other top 4 teams (plus richmond)In 2008 there was a clear challenger though. Same as 2011 for Collingwood. It’s not just their dominance it’s the relative weakness of the chasing pack
At the moment I am not sure who that challenger is as the rest seem quite a distance behind.
As well as injuries, the big curve ball this year remains covid. Always possible it runs through the squad and wipes 5-6 key players in a final
Bearing in mind also that this is who Melbourne have beaten so far - I think they're the best in the league at the moment but until they test it against the form teams it's still too early.Dees are miles better than anyone else , probably 5 goals clear of the next best side.
But its very early in the season , plenty of time for things to happen and change.
Big gap , yes but nowhere near the engraver cranking up .
How often do you see in sport the best/unbeatable side not win at the end of the day ......its actually not uncommon
Kinda funny that their beaten opponents all sit together on the ladder!Bearing in mind also that this is who Melbourne have beaten so far - I think they're the best in the league at the moment but until they test it against the form teams it's still too early.
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Exactly. People judge top teams in isolation but the strength of their main rivals is equally important.In 2008 there was a clear challenger though. Same as 2011 for Collingwood. It’s not just their dominance it’s the relative weakness of the chasing pack
As bad as we looked, St Kilda played the best footy I've seen this year when they beat us.Kinda funny that their beaten opponents all sit together on the ladder!
I agree that who they've beaten isn't anything special, but they still look better than anyone else. And even then, they haven't looked super amazing. Hasn't looked like a year for high quality skills so far.
I reckon that’s arguable.They can lose those players and still comfortably make top 4, it’s whether those players are out come the business end of the season and even then it just makes it closer. Easily the best team since our peak era, they just need to produce the silverware (this year?) to prove it.