Melbourne vs West Coast

[clogged]

What kind of result do you expect in this game?

Last year, in the corresponding match, Melbourne were coming off two very bad losses, however they were to eventual finalists*. Things were dire for the club.

West Coast were also coming off two losses, both against the eventual grand finalists. Things were less dire for West Coast however it raised questions about their pre season premiership favouritism.

While Melbourne started well, West Coast dominated the second half to win by nearly 100 points. As bad a thrashing as it was, Melbourne's percentage went up!

West Coast look better this year. In Melbourne's case the jury is out, losing to a St Kilda side that no one expects much of in 2014, but not losing badly.

So what will happen in this game? Does anyone at all give Melbourne a chance at victory? If not, what margin will be acceptable? If it is a bloodbath, as I expect it might be, to where do Melbourne turn next?

*Essendon's situation notwithstanding.

 

[FootyJunkie]

1988 Elimination Final

 

[Scotland]

As an unbiased observer (which I'm not) you'd expect West Coast to win by somewhere between 5-10 goals.

Melbourne were crap on the weekend, but they were crap and lost by 17. Last year a 17 point loss (even to St Kilda) would've been a pass mark. They've improved. 2-20 is not about to become 20-2, but their percentage is 75 without winning a game, and they've ended 4 of the last 6 seasons with percentages lower than that so I'm expecting to see less 60+ point losses.

People are also getting carried away with West Coast. Yeah we were arse in 2013 and we beat the Dogs easily but they're not expected to make the top 8, had their best player and captain out and have an awful record in Perth.

I'm anticipating a West Coast win by 30 points or less, but I'm hoping Melbourne revert to type and we get up by 100.

 

[Riccardo11]

It will be interesting to see if the Eagles punish Melbournes mistakes more harshly than the Saints were able to. I haven't heard of any potential ins to the Demons as yet, but if even one of their forwards make a return, it could make all the difference.

Still, I'd expect the Eagles to have this one in the bag fairly comfortably, by around 8-10 goals.

 

[Kram]

Don't think it will be a thrashing but West Coast will still win fairly comfortably.

 

[Hot Pocket]

Melbourne will win. They will have learned some lessons from last week, are playing on the G where they perform best, and are unlikely to have quite as many talls missing from the team as last week. (was legitimately catastrophic by half time with all of Clark, Dawes, Hogan, Jamar, Gawn, Fitzpatrick, MacDonald being out of action).

Melbourne will definitely win the midfield battle, they just need to kick straight and J Watts will be BOG for us two weeks running.

 

[who_let_the_dogs_out]

If they play with the same intensity at the ball as they did against us on the wkend, the result will get pretty ugly for the Dees.

 

[Crawb]

I think there is a lot of hype about West Coast. Still not convinced however, they just seem to be the classic example of February Champions. I think West Coast will win, but Melbourne will be competitive and show some good signs (WCE win by 24-36 points).

 

[The Falcon Strike]

I'm more interested in the score we restrict Melbourne too - rather than the margin or what we score*

I'd be disappointed if they got near 10 goals.

* as long as we win.

 

[i am a logo]

Should be a 10 goal Eagles win considering our recent thrashings of them and the fact we are coming off a great performance and they are coming off a terrible performance. Anything less and i'd be disappointed. A 100 point win is possible, although i'd say our meeting at Subi later this year is more likely to have a 100+ margin.

 

[Kram]

Melbourne will win. They will have learned some lessons from last week, are playing on the G where they perform best, and are unlikely to have quite as many talls missing from the team as last week. (was legitimately catastrophic by half time with all of Clark, Dawes, Hogan, Jamar, Gawn, Fitzpatrick, MacDonald being out of action).

Melbourne will definitely win the midfield battle, they just need to kick straight and J Watts will be BOG for us two weeks running.

You are an optimist, aren't you mate

 

[clivenator26]

West coast by plenty. Simply too many talls for Melbourne but hopefully the dees don't roll over by 80+ and can keep it right for 2-3 qtrs

 

[Hipster Doofus]

West Coast too tall up forward. 50+

 

[Vineyy]

As a biased Melbourne supporter I say West Coast by at least 50 points.

 

[Donakebab]

Melbourne will get belted.

 

[im_a_lazy_sod]

West Coast should win - but my guess is around 30-50.

West Coast were very good against the dogs, but the dogs looked shell-shocked and pretty average, which made West Coast look even better (similar to our game v Collingwood)

Paul Roos usually enjoys beating West Coast (as a coach) and maybe the Demons players will take some confidence from that and go out feeling taller & stronger? Who knows. Am still going for a West Coast win, but it's by no means set in stone and Melbourne won't be pushovers imo.

 

[brisbane13]

West coast by plenty. Simply too many talls for Melbourne but hopefully the dees don't roll over by 80+ and can keep it right for 2-3 qtrs

the Eagles will win easily. simply Melbourne's forward line are not playing their 5 or 6 top forwards are all injured

 

[Coaster2012]

Considering Melbourne have their entire tall forward line out, and west coast have all theirs in, it's going to get messy

 

[LeverPuller]

The problem is we just don't have avenues to goal.

 

[the harry]

What kind of result do you expect in this game?

Last year, in the corresponding match, Melbourne were coming off two very bad losses, however they were to eventual finalists*. Things were dire for the club.

West Coast were also coming off two losses, both against the eventual grand finalists. Things were less dire for West Coast however it raised questions about their pre season premiership favouritism.

While Melbourne started well, West Coast dominated the second half to win by nearly 100 points. As bad a thrashing as it was, Melbourne's percentage went up!

West Coast look better this year. In Melbourne's case the jury is out, losing to a St Kilda side that no one expects much of in 2014, but not losing badly.

So what will happen in this game? Does anyone at all give Melbourne a chance at victory? If not, what margin will be acceptable? If it is a bloodbath, as I expect it might be, to where do Melbourne turn next?

*Essendon's situation notwithstanding.

We're winning by enough to take back first place on the ladder. Thanks for keeping it warm for us

 

[dajesmac]

Melbourne will definitely win the midfield battle, they just need to kick straight and J Watts will be BOG for us two weeks running.

Where do you think Melbourne's midfield ranks in the league, out of interest?

 

[greatwhiteshark]

I agree with others that people should not get carried away with West Coast, we have improved one would think but we won't know how much we have improved until we play the top sides. Geelong at Geelong in a few weeks will let us know where the Eagles are at.

But as far as this week goes I think it will be not pretty for Melbourne. Just pound for pound, player for player they are out gunned almost everywhere. Of course miracles can happen but I don't think it will be this week.
West Coast by 70+

 

[00Stinger]

Melbourne by 7

 

[syl]

Melbourne to win

 

[Hot Pocket]

Considering Melbourne have their entire tall forward line out, and west coast have all theirs in, it's going to get messy

Our tall defenders do a pretty good job though - we need to get on top in the midfield and restrict your chances. Our defenders match up well with your forwards. We just need to find a reliable avenue to goal or Fitzy to have one of his 4 goal bizarro world games.