And here I was thinking that the curse was dead

[Mitcha]

Keath out has knocked me around a bit. So both bookends not there, our small clever pressure forward not there and the best player in the game going in underdone. Are we cursed? I thought winning the flag in 16 may have put an end to it but ever since then the injury gods and bloody covid have bent us over severely. All you ask for is a fair run at it but it hasn't been the case. If Melbourne don't win it this year they never will missing only Tomlinson from their best 22 and even though they have been forced into a change this week their team gets stronger as Smith was probably an out anyway. Every injury we cop is to a best 8-10 player. It's hard to take. I'm sure our boys will have a crack but it is now a bridge too far unfortunately.

[comrade]

It is kind of hilarious that the only injury Melbourne cops in prelim week is to Joel Smith, while we lose Keath and Cody along with Bont under a cloud. Smith would literally be last picked in that side!

But we’re not without a chance and weird things can happen on prelim night. If we’re close late, Port will **** themselves.

[bornadog]

I am confident with our talented midfield, we will get over Port. Port may have talent up forward, but they don't kick a lot of goals and their backline is undersized.

I am predicting Naughton will have a day out, and Dunkley and Treloar will help share more of the midfield load taken on by Bont and Macrae. Libba needs to also have a big game.

I was more worried about the Essendon game, but Prelims are not easy, and after beating Brisbane at their fortress, I have regained my confidence.

Port have lost at Adelaide oval to us, Dees and Cats - Go Dogs!!!

All even at half time, then -


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiV88r9fFbQ&ab_channel=ALsHighlights

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Melbourne have had a dream run at it, but Port have had a legup this year almost so much that you’d have to consider an * if they win it all. It hasn’t been a level playing field at all.

The injuries certainly haven’t been balanced. How one side can lose their leading goal kicker, best defender, best small forward and have an injury cloud over their best player, while another club only loses their 22nd best player is just cruel.

[jeemak]

Melbourne won't even get over the line tonight.

A classic bed shitting is on the cards, and Port are in the gun for it.

[Happy Days]

It is kind of hilarious that the only injury Melbourne cops in prelim week is to Joel Smith, while we lose Keath and Cody along with Bont under a cloud. Smith would literally be last picked in that side!

But we’re not without a chance and weird things can happen on prelim night. If we’re close late, Port will **** themselves.

That Smith injury isn't even real. Dees are just so in their head about this being a feel good triumph that they're making sure no one can get their feelings hurt under any circumstances; Smith can't rightfully get dropped after letting Cameron kick 5 goals from the 10 or so i50s the Lions got, he has to be injured and out for the season and don't we all feel so bad for him.

See also - the unbelievably washed Nathan Jones "beating the door down".

[bulldogtragic]

We are a 1 in 3 Chance to be Premier as of 12 hours time.

Right now I’m not prepared to go even close to Jones Town final act. I’m going to enjoy this 2021 ride until the last second.

[jeemak]

That Smith injury isn't even real. Dees are just so in their head about this being a feel good triumph that they're making sure no one can get their feelings hurt under any circumstances; Smith can't rightfully get dropped after letting Cameron kick 5 goals from the 10 or so i50s the Lions got, he has to be injured and out for the season and don't we all feel so bad for him.

See also - the unbelievably washed Nathan Jones "beating the door down".

I can't wait for them to crumble.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

So we’re going for geelong tonight or….?

I hate Geelong. But having them make the GF is good for 2 reasons.
1) I like our chances better than against melb (not that it would be a big difference. If we get up tomorrow, it’ll be pretty much our cup).
2) Whatever happens tomorrow, I’ll have a clear team to barrack against in the GF. Nothing worse than watching a game where you don’t care who wins or loses (ie each Anzac Day game. I hate both teams so never watch it).

[bulldogtragic]

So we’re going for geelong tonight or….?

I hate Geelong. But having them make the GF is good for 2 reasons.
1) I like our chances better than against melb (not that it would be a big difference. If we get up tomorrow, it’ll be pretty much our cup).
2) Whatever happens tomorrow, I’ll have a clear team to barrack against in the GF. Nothing worse than watching a game where you don’t care who wins or loses (ie each Anzac Day game. I hate both teams so never watch it).

Whomever gets the most 3+ week injuries to decent players. We’ve beat Port Adelaide & Melbourne at their home grounds and was in front at final siren vs Geelong at The Tax Payers Stadium.

[Ghost Dog]

I remember watching a Larry Bird interview. I found it paraphrased on Reddit.

Larry Bird said they were in some cold weather city getting ready to fly to their game in New Jersey, there was a storm and there flight got cancelled. They couldn't get to a hotel so they had to stay at the airport all night and the next day just eating hot dogs. They finally got a flight to NJ and didn't even have time to go to the hotel, just straight to the game. When Bird stepped on the court he said to the Nets: "Don't take this ass whooping personally, but I've been tired all day and eating hot dogs." The Celtics went on to blow them out behind a huge game from Bird.

[mjp]

The injuries certainly haven’t been balanced. How one side can lose their leading goal kicker, best defender, best small forward and have an injury cloud over their best player, while another club only loses their 22nd best player is just cruel.

Which will make victory all the SWEETER.

Can we beat Port 10 times without Alex Keath? Probs not. But we only have to beat them once.

This game will be over before half time and our lead will exceed 7-goals. Mark it down. With every (Dogs) player who goes down, the pressure on the Power builds. They have had a week off. Their opponents have flown from Tassie to Brisbane to Perth to Adelaide. They have had to travel around the corner to buy a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk (maybe). Their opponents look like they have key players dropping out of the side - they have (with the exception of a 19yo kid with potential who has yet to put together 3-good games in a row) a FULL SQUAD to choose from. They have NO EXCUSES. They JUST MISSED OUT last year. JUST. This is their time.

It's gonna get to them. They are gonna crack. Our players/staff have overcome a lot in the last few weeks - criticism in the media etc not the least of it...hell, there was a thread on here a few weeks ago asking for the coach to be sacked.

It's gonna be OK. We will win this game going away.

[Mofra]

Slap Stef around before the game. He'll play angry, and let's not forget English beat the Big O in the last quarter lats week for hit-outs and impact around the ground. Stef busts his arse in the first three quarters then can hyperventilate on the bench while we defend a lead.

We arguably have a better record as underdogs than we do as favourites. Treloar is due a big one. Dunkley has had the acid put on him. Libba won't want to get beaten twice. Port deserve to be favourites but we absolutely can win this.

[DOG GOD]

I do not want Geel to win.
If by a miracle we made the GF and lost to Geel, I couldn’t stomach the fact that our club gave Dangerfield a premiership medal, so I’ll be cheering on melb like it’s the dogs.
With that being said, in round 21 I predicted a Geel/Port GF on the ladder predictor, so with that, I’m expecting Geel to win tonight.

[bornadog]

I do not want Geel to win.
If by a miracle we made the GF and lost to Geel, I couldn’t stomach the fact that our club gave Dangerfield a premiership medal, so I’ll be cheering on melb like it’s the dogs.
With that being said, in round 21 I predicted a Geel/Port GF on the ladder predictor, so with that, I’m expecting Geel to win tonight.

Yes, I prefer Melbourne make it. I didn't want Geelong anywhere near yet another GF

[Mofra]

I actually don't care who wins it if it isn't us.
As long as Essendon's winless finals streak continues I can take solace in any AFL season outcome.

[Bulldog Joe]

I do not want Geel to win.
If by a miracle we made the GF and lost to Geel, I couldn’t stomach the fact that our club gave Dangerfield a premiership medal, so I’ll be cheering on melb like it’s the dogs.
With that being said, in round 21 I predicted a Geel/Port GF on the ladder predictor, so with that, I’m expecting Geel to win tonight.

But think how sweet it will be to deny Geelong the cup.

[bulldogtragic]

But think how sweet it will be to deny Geelong the cup.

They’ve won I think it’s 22 of the last 23 from memory. Plus handing them the after the siren win. That’s some scar tissue we need to overcome.

Amazing if we did it. 20 H&A wins is *!*!*!*! all compared to a flag.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

They’ve won I think it’s 22 of the last 23 from memory. Plus handing them the after the siren win. That’s some scar tissue we need to overcome.

Amazing if we did it. 20 H&A wins is *!*!*!*! all compared to a flag.

I never once thought anything could top 2016. But a scenario of winning tomorrow night and defeating geelong in a grand final might just do it after everything we’ve been through.

[bulldogtragic]

I never once thought anything could top 2016. But a scenario of winning tomorrow night and defeating geelong in a grand final might just do it after everything we’ve been through.

I fear for our followers. My dear old nan said she’d die happy if we won the GF. Didn’t last a whole lot longer.

Doing Geelong in a GF. I think my extended family will shrink. That will kill more people than COVID has nationwide.

[Twodogs]

I fear for our followers. My dear old nan said she’d die happy if we won the GF. Didn’t last a whole lot longer.

Doing Geelong in a GF. I think my extended family will shrink. That will kill more people than COVID has nationwide.

My family will shrink too but nobody lives forever and looking on the bright side they'll die happy.

Very, very happy!

[Twodogs]

Which will make victory all the SWEETER.

Can we beat Port 10 times without Alex Keath? Probs not. But we only have to beat them once.

This game will be over before half time and our lead will exceed 7-goals. Mark it down. With every (Dogs) player who goes down, the pressure on the Power builds. They have had a week off. Their opponents have flown from Tassie to Brisbane to Perth to Adelaide. They have had to travel around the corner to buy a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk (maybe). Their opponents look like they have key players dropping out of the side - they have (with the exception of a 19yo kid with potential who has yet to put together 3-good games in a row) a FULL SQUAD to choose from. They have NO EXCUSES. They JUST MISSED OUT last year. JUST. This is their time.

It's gonna get to them. They are gonna crack. Our players/staff have overcome a lot in the last few weeks - criticism in the media etc not the least of it...hell, there was a thread on here a few weeks ago asking for the coach to be sacked.

It's gonna be OK. We will win this game going away.


It feels a bit like the 1998 prelim final but in reverse. We were desperately unlucky to lose the prelim final in 1997, we cruised into the prelim in 1998, we were overwhelming favourite to win the 1998 prelim because everything seemed to have fallen into place for us- the game was in our home state and Adelaide had to travel to Victoria, we were an inform team, our opponents had come from outside the top four (Adelaide had finished 5th like we did this year) and we were set to avenge the unlucky loss we'd had in the same game the year before. We had to win. It was the only thing that made any sense.

In a nice bit of symmetry we were 34 points down at half time and went on to lose by 68 points.

[mjp]

It was the only thing that made any sense.

In a nice bit of symmetry we were 34 points down at half time and went on to lose by 68 points.

I thought we were cooked that day...had just been looking and playing tired since we lost that R#22 game (and top spot) to North. Today we'll be fine.

[Mantis]

I thought we were cooked that day...had just been looking and playing tired since we lost that R#22 game (and top spot) to North. Today we'll be fine.

I thought we were still going to win at 1/2 time. IIRC we kicked the first 2 goals of the 3rd before Grant marked about 30m from goal directly in front. He handballed to Hudson running past, but we fluffed it and Adel held firm. They kicked the next and once we were done our heads dropped and Adel kicked away.

If Grant goes back and kicks the goal, and given he was just about the best player in the competition at the time he should’ve, then we carry all the momentum and who knows where it takes us.

Oh, the memories!

[bornadog]

I thought we were still going to win at 1/2 time. IIRC we kicked the first 2 goals of the 3rd before Grant marked about 30m from goal directly in front. He handballed to Hudson running past, but we fluffed it and Adel held firm. They kicked the next and once we were done our heads dropped and Adel kicked away.

If Grant goes back and kicks the goal, and given he was just about the best player in the competition at the time he should’ve, then we carry all the momentum and who knows where it takes us.

Oh, the memories!

All I can remember about that game is we made Robran look like Carey.

[Twodogs]

I thought we were cooked that day...had just been looking and playing tired since we lost that R#22 game (and top spot) to North. Today we'll be fine.

I'd just become a dad for the first time about a month before. I reckon that I slept through most of the game. He's 23 now and ironically I'm still up most nights with him. It's EPL tonight.


All I can remember about that game is we made Robran look like Carey.

Rohan Smith manned him up so it's not surprising. Bubba was a great player but playing as a tall defender wasn't exactly his one wood.

[Grantysghost]

I thought we were cooked that day...had just been looking and playing tired since we lost that R#22 game (and top spot) to North. Today we'll be fine.

Hadn't we only played one final after that v the Eagles and pounded them?
I remember being confident in a prelim for the first time ever. Wrong bet! Plus I think somehow the Crows lost in the first week from outside the top 4 and stayed in the finals. It was the old final 8 system.

Edit :another memory from that day was someone in the dogs cheer squad where I was sitting someone actually had a pole with a real dead crow on the end of it. No joke.

[The bulldog tragician]

Hadn't we only played one final after that v the Eagles and pounded them?
I remember being confident in a prelim for the first time ever. Wrong bet! Plus I think somehow the Crows lost in the first week from outside the top 4 and stayed in the finals. It was the old final 8 system.

Edit :another memory from that day was someone in the dogs cheer squad where I was sitting actually had a pole with a real dead crow on the end of it. No joke.
It was going to be redemption for 97, we were sitting pretty with a fit and rested squad, blah blah blah. In many ways even more disappointing than 97 in terms of what we produced on the day compared to how we’d performed through the year.

[Grantysghost]

It was going to be redemption for 97, we were sitting pretty with a fit and rested squad, blah blah blah. In many ways even more disappointing than 97 in terms of what we produced on the day compared to how we’d performed through the year.

Yes agree TBT it was the expectation of redemption. Think in 99 we played them at the G and came from behind with Powell kicking a few late ones. I remember feeling like I'd got some payback that day... But not really. It was fleeting.

[The bulldog tragician]

Yes agree TBT it was the expectation of redemption. Think in 99 we played them at the G and came from behind with Powell kicking a few late ones. I remember feeling like I'd got some payback that day... But not really. It was fleeting.

That never works does it. Even if we’d prevailed in 98, we’d never get back 97. It’s always so important to seize the day and every moment in it. You don’t ever know what’s ahead… to be one win from a grand final is a difficult pinnacle to reach in itself. You can never assume you’ll automatically be thereabouts the next year.

[Raw Toast]

Which will make victory all the SWEETER.

Can we beat Port 10 times without Alex Keath? Probs not. But we only have to beat them once.

This game will be over before half time and our lead will exceed 7-goals. Mark it down. With every (Dogs) player who goes down, the pressure on the Power builds. They have had a week off. Their opponents have flown from Tassie to Brisbane to Perth to Adelaide. They have had to travel around the corner to buy a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk (maybe). Their opponents look like they have key players dropping out of the side - they have (with the exception of a 19yo kid with potential who has yet to put together 3-good games in a row) a FULL SQUAD to choose from. They have NO EXCUSES. They JUST MISSED OUT last year. JUST. This is their time.

It's gonna get to them. They are gonna crack. Our players/staff have overcome a lot in the last few weeks - criticism in the media etc not the least of it...hell, there was a thread on here a few weeks ago asking for the coach to be sacked.

It's gonna be OK. We will win this game going away.

I would like to hail the prophetic MJP.

More seriously, I took great solace from this post, as I have from many other things that he's taken the time to write these past few season. I'm thankful for all the work he and so many others put into make Woof glorious.

And obviously it's thrilling that this superb prophetic vision was so accurate.

[The bulldog tragician]

I would like to hail the prophetic MJP.

More seriously, I took great solace from this post, as I have from many other things that he's taken the time to write these past few season. I'm thankful for all the work he and so many others put into make Woof glorious.

And obviously it's thrilling that this superb prophetic vision was so accurate.
It lifted my spirits too in the middle of the Alex Keath gloom I suddenly felt hope. Thanks mjp

[jazzadogs]

Yeh I think the prelim curse is dead btw.

[angelopetraglia]

Yeh I think the prelim curse is dead btw.

Yes. We lost seven in a row. We now have won two in a row including a 71 point thumping on foreign territory. Curse is officially dead.

[Twodogs]

Yes. We lost seven in a row. We now have won two in a row including a 71 point thumping on foreign territory. Curse is officially dead.

I was there n person for each Preliminary final that we lost. I've watched each one that we won on TV..

It's me, it just has to be.

[jeemak]

I was there n person for each Preliminary final that we lost. I've watched each one that we won on TV..

It's me, it just has to be.

Hey TD, is there a particular story about winning prelims and going crazy that we woofers have never heard before but could tell of your experience in watching from home?

[angelopetraglia]

I was there n person for each Preliminary final that we lost. I've watched each one that we won on TV..

It's me, it just has to be.

Never attend one in person please. Ha.

I attended the seven losing Prelims in person starting in 1985. I was luckier enough to attend 2016 in Sydney.