Where does the 2021 Prelim rank for you?

[jazzadogs]

Objectively, the 2021 prelim final is one of the Western Bulldogs greatest victories.

Subjectively, it is rarely thought of or spoken about.

11/09/2021 - Adelaide Oval
Port Adelaide 6.9.45
Western Bulldogs 17.14.116

We kicked the first five goals of the game, including one to Bailey Smith inside the first minute. At quarter time, against the favourite at their home ground, we led 44-7.

Baz kicked 4, Hannan 3, Naughton and Bont 2 each.
Macrae leading disposals with 36.

Schache shut down Aliir and kicked 1.3, Gardner and Cordy locked down their tall forwards.

For me, the combination of lockdown (so watching by myself on the couch) and what followed the week after have caused this game to be forgotten, or at least not given the respect it deserves.

So where does it rank for you, in terms of best wins the club has had?

https://www.afl.com.au/video/676481

[mjp]

The 2021 season does not exist and I 100% did not attend a game at Optus where Melbourne kicked 6 gazillion goals in a row. Therefore how could we have won the prelim final that year?

[Sedat]

It's not the best win we've ever had but it is the absolutely best we have played in any game IMO. That first half was absolutely flawless and totally ruthless - to completely destroy a heavily favoured and well-rested opponent on their home soil in PF was a sight to behold.

It felt like destiny was awaiting us after that night - it still felt like that 20 minutes into the 3rd qtr of the GF.

[my plums]

Always check out youtube videos of this game when I need a pick up

[bornadog]

It was one of the best finals victories as far as really belting a side. Hopefully we can repeat the effort tomorrow.

[josie]

Duryea stopping Cameron for a certain winning goal, VDM valuable toe poke point, Bailey Smith’s beautiful running goal and ice in the veins gesture and Schache’s best ever game for us. Pulling the power plug out. An epic win.

I always wondered why, subsequent to this game, Schache wasn’t given more roles/opportunities to lock down oppo intercepting/attacking defenders with us.

[Eastdog]

Great win. It is not everyday you win a Prelim final by 71 points. We totally played Port off their own park that night to make our 4th grand final in history. You still rather make a GF than not make one anyday.

I am as disappointed as anyone about the 2021 GF and that loss but remember we were in that GF right into the 3rd quarter until the Demons piled on those goals.

2021 GF was bad but 2021 season overall was very good.

[The Underdog]

The 2021 season does not exist and I 100% did not attend a game at Optus where Melbourne kicked 6 gazillion goals in a row. Therefore how could we have won the prelim final that year?

You say that, but that would negate beating Essendon in a final which is 100% a thing I want to remember, regardless of circumstances

[mjp]

You say that, but that would negate beating Essendon in a final which is 100% a thing I want to remember, regardless of circumstances

I think having to suck eggs in front of 30000 pretend Melbourne supporters when they kicked loads of imaginary goals overides any positive feelings I might have about the games vs Essendon, Brisbane and Port.

[EasternWest]

I think having to suck eggs in front of 30000 pretend Melbourne supporters when they kicked loads of imaginary goals overides any positive feelings I might have about the games vs Essendon, Brisbane and Port.

What on earth are you talking about?

On that note, can anyone tell me why they stopped the 2021.finals series at the prelims and never played a Grand Final?

[Grantysghost]

Great win.

But.... Always a massive asterisk on those two seasons.

Considering we lost Bruce late it was a great effort by the team to make the GF.

[Sedat]

it was a great effort by the team to make the GF.

That's not what you said on the night (and well into the wee small hours of the following Sunday morning)

Weve all got the receipts

[Grantysghost]

That's not what you said on the night (and well into the wee small hours of the following Sunday morning)

Weve all got the receipts

Lest we forget.

That was the most unbelievable qtr and a half of footy I've ever forgotten.

Those anomalous results, 2 x Prelim and GF just show you how insane that whole concept was.

The AFL did well to give us something to watch, I'll give them that.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

I'm not too sure why some on here are pretending 2021 didn't happen. Sounds like sour grapes to me.

Melbourne won a tier 2 final fair and square. Are we gonna use this thread to also start poo pooing the saints' wizard cup while we're at it? You guys are strange.

[Grantysghost]

I'm not too sure why some on here are pretending 2021 didn't happen. Sounds like sour grapes to me.

Melbourne won a tier 2 final fair and square. Are we gonna use this thread to also start poo pooing the saints' wizard cup while we're at it? You guys are strange.