This years flag

[GVGjr]

Interested to hear which teams our WOOF members think can realistically win the flag this year?

I'll go with 7 legitimate chances Geelong, Port, Collingwood, Richmond, Brisbane, West Coast and Western Bulldogs

GWS will be very competitive but I suspect they will fall short when it counts

[EasternWest]

I think Richmond and Collingwood.

I think on paper we should be a chance, but in reality we're no chance.

[comrade]

I think Richmond and Collingwood.

I think on paper we should be a chance, but in reality we're no chance.

Sadly, I agree.

I also think Brisbane should storm out of the blocks with their first 4 games after re-start all at the GABBA. They had a tough draw prior to COVID and now that's been neutralised, they're set up for success.

[Happy Days]

I was very confident of our chances prior to Round 1, but then they actually went out and played Round 1.

It all has that 2009 feeling of not being able to beat a team (Collingwood) that we definitely will have to beat if we want to get anywhere.

[bornadog]

Hoping we can play better than round one, but not confident.

I think West Coast will be hard to beat, especially with the addition of Kelly into the midfield. Hate to say it but GWS will be right up there and Richmond is still very strong. Collingwood is still a strong team, but other than that it is a bit of a toss up.

This year, as in previous years, available players will play a big part, so those teams with least injuries and fit players will be hard to beat. I say fit players, as the past two months in ISO, there are players (all clubs) that have put on a few kgs and didn't train hard enough. We don't know who they are, but it will be a factor.

[GVGjr]

Hoping we can play better than round one, but not confident.



What's the main concerns from your perspective BAD?

[bornadog]

What's the main concerns from your perspective BAD?

We have discussed it many times, but the last two games were a concern, especially in the midfield and the ruck. In the past we have been able to shark the ball off the opposition ruck, but with our mids all being sat on, Mumford and Grundy had it easy tapping the ball to their mids. I think we really need Libba's grunt in there to help out, but with him missing so much footy, we may not have that luxury.

My other concern is the match committee in the last two games.

Against GWS, we really should have picked Trengove and I am not sure why West got the gig over Dickson.

The Pies game was a real dilemma - why did Gardner and Cavarra get picked? I also felt Lew Young hasn't found a spot yet. Either we stick him at FB and stay with him, or he doesn't play.

So overall, we need backup in the midfield, and the MC has to get it right.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Down to 4 for mine - Richmond, Collingwood, West Coast and GWS.

[SonofScray]

It's potentially wide open. The season interruption and changes to routine, personnel etc would have to have some type of impact on performances.

Brisbane would be the team I think will take another step.

[Bulldog Joe]

I have completely changed my view of our chances after round 1.

We don't have time to be cute with selection, but Bevo has always seemed to be like that.

For me the shortened season suits Richmond, Collingwood and GWS, but injuries are going to play a big part.

GWS have struggled to keep their best on the park consistently.

Not a big wrap for West Coast as I feel they will be seriously compromised by the hub situation in Queensland removing a key advantage.

[bornadog]

Not a big wrap for West Coast as I feel they will be seriously compromised by the hub situation in Queensland removing a key advantage.

I thought of that, but also thought they seem to have travel down pat and know what they need to do when away from home. It will be slightly different than the normal season, but I think they can handle it.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I have completely changed my view of our chances after round 1.

We don't have time to be cute with selection, but Bevo has always seemed to be like that.


I agree with this.

Feels like we're a team who works themselves into the year and we don't have that luxury after R1 and a shortened season.

On paper our mids and forwards should be as dangerous as any. Our back half isnt right and we're not mentally there yet either.

Think we're close to an onslaught but we're a few key elements short.

[Remi Moses]

I think the pies are a massive show
Going level with Carlton and essendon will be huge for them
Gotta say we do have challenge flags , so I guess this isn’t as compromised

[Remi Moses]

I agree with this.

Feels like we're a team who works themselves into the year and we don't have that luxury after R1 and a shortened season.

On paper our mids and forwards should be as dangerous as any. Our back half isnt right and we're not mentally there yet either.

Think we're close to an onslaught but we're a few key elements short.

Agree B/B
Reckon we’re short

[mjp]

I heard a stat on one podcast or another last week that in the NFL - who play a 16-game season - teams that go 0-2 only make the playoffs 12% of the time.

I would suggest that to win the flag, we first need to make the finals. And to make the finals, we first need to win a game. And to win a game, we first need to play a competitive game of footy.

Really looking forward to this week and super annoyed that I have to wait until Sunday to see my team play.

[ratsmac]

I think Geelong are a big show due to getting to play at their shit hole of a ground. And the fact that they are the only team playing home games there. The hub teams will get used to the NSW and Qld grounds which may be take the edge of the home ground advantage for the NSW and QLD teams. If Geelong do make finals and there are still no crowds or limited crowds the AEFL will certainly grant them a home prelim (if they earn one) even against a Richmond or Collingwood. The shortened fixture and shortened quarters plays right into the hands of their aging list as well.

As for the other flag fancies, you'd have to go with the obvious ones in Richmond, Collingwood, GWS and West Coast. The way Collingwood took us apart has them on top of the list but it's only one game and we have them a fair head start with our selection and endeavor from the opening bounce.

As far as our chances go, I'll get back to you Sunday evening. Before round 1 I had us firmly in the conversation but there were way too many 'back to their old ways' signs against good opposition, which puts them back in the pack for mine.

[GVGjr]

The Saints have been a bit of surprise this year but most of the top 8 looked somewhat set

Does anyone have a thought on why the Saints improved enough to get themselves into the finals mix?

[bornadog]

The Saints have been a bit of surprise this year but most of the top 8 looked somewhat set

Does anyone have a thought on why the Saints improved enough to get themselves into the finals mix?

9 years since they made the finals, I guess they got sick of waiting and brought in 4 or 5 ready made players, plus a new coach.

[GVGjr]

9 years since they made the finals, I guess they got sick of waiting and brought in 4 or 5 ready made players, plus a new coach.

I think they have a pretty good mix of players and they've been prepared to use a tagger in a very positive way.
There could be some lessons to learn from the way they about things

[bulldogsthru&thru]

The Saints have been a bit of surprise this year but most of the top 8 looked somewhat set

Does anyone have a thought on why the Saints improved enough to get themselves into the finals mix?

I think Ratten has had a fair bit to do with it. He’s an astute coach and has the players playing with hunger. I also think with his new game plan, it’s caught teams unawares. However the better teams clued on to it late in the season and hence they haven’t performed as well. GWS last night played perfectly into the hands of the saints’ game style just as we did in round 2. They got caught on the rebound, overused the footy and were not accountable inside 50 which allowed Butler and the like to crumb under no pressure. Watch Geelong v Saints for how to perfectly play against the saints. If we make the finals, we’ll most likely play the saints and I hope we study what Geelong did intensely.

However the saints are certainly worthy finalists. Whilst their recruits aren’t spectacular, they’re well balanced on the field and they’re now playing with desire and confidence under Ratts.

[Bulldog Joe]

The Saints have been a bit of surprise this year but most of the top 8 looked somewhat set

Does anyone have a thought on why the Saints improved enough to get themselves into the finals mix?

The addition of some experience helps, with Ryder, Butler and Howard being significant contributors. Zak Jones would also be a plus and Brad Hill has some class (although I felt he has been the most underperformed).

They also had good contributions from recent draftees with Hunter and Coffield both being excellent. Max King has also been very good as a first year player.

However, I think the big change was the coach and the team has been very well organised and I feel their game has been built to suit the list.

[GVGjr]

So how many teams can win it this year?

I'll go with 5, Port, Geelong, Richmond, Brisbane and of course Western Bulldogs

[Twodogs]

So how many teams can win it this year?

I'll go with 5, Port, Geelong, Richmond, Brisbane and of course Western Bulldogs


Geelong started to splutter over the last month. They would have to improve a lot to be a contender I reckon.
Brisbane playing finals on their homeground must be a big advantage for them, but I just don't see them in the same bracket as Richmond.

I think that everything might be coming up Milhaus for the Tiges. Although if we get past St Kilda they won't want to play us in week three if we get through.

[Sedat]

Richmond are in the box seat for mine. They have won 14 in a row against Brisbane, so an extraordinary historical change needs to happen this week for Brisbane to get up. I just can't see it.

The other side of the draw is more open. Port have done nothing wrong at all and get to play both finals at home. I expect them to push Geelong much harder than they did a few weeks ago and actually beat them next week - Cats are just going at the minute and have been for a month. A Port win pushes us and St Kilda (and Brisbane if they lose to Richmond as I expect them to) into the Port side of the prelim draw. A Port win also pushes Geelong into the Richmond side of the prelim draw, and Richmond has their measure. I can't see West Coast away from Perth or the Pies trouble Richmond in a PF either.

I'm happy to take our chances against St Kilda, Brisbane and Port en route to a GF against Richmond.

[Dancin' Douggy]

I think, honestly, we could do it again. I think Ratten has been great for the saints, and I'm really happy for him. I thought he was shafted by the blues with their obsession with big names and big cheques. So I'm happy for him to be having a renaissance as a coach and you can really see the Saints playing with a perfect combination of flair, freedom, joy AND discipline. Having said that. I think we can and should beat them. Our midfield is so powerful, and when LIBBA is on song we just look so.....well.......unbeatable. Libba is the key for me. He's not the only good player we have of course....but when Libba is ON, we are just so much a better team

[Ozza]

I backed Geelong earlier this year - and even though they've had two poor weeks, think they are the side most likely to upset Richmond.

Last week was the first week getting a number of stars back, and they seemed to need the run. I think their best footy, was the best I've seen this season (particualrly dismantling Port and Brisbane) - but its a matter of if they can find it again, or whether the last two weeks form has 'set in'.

[Axe Man]

Geelong started to splutter over the last month. They would have to improve a lot to be a contender I reckon.
Brisbane playing finals on their homeground must be a big advantage for them, but I just don't see them in the same bracket as Richmond.

I think that everything might be coming up Milhaus for the Tiges. Although if we get past St Kilda they won't want to play us in week three if we get through.

We can't play Richmond in a prelim. It would either be in a semi if they lose to Brisbane, or a Grand Final.

[bornadog]

We can't play Richmond in a prelim. It would either be in a semi if they lose to Brisbane, or a Grand Final.

GF will do