We can beat the Tigers, but will we be underdone?

[sainterinsydney]

I strongly believe that even though we had the hiccup against the Gold Coast, we can definitely beat the Tigers. They were lucky to get over the top of Carlton, and they would have exerted alot of emotional energy in that game. We will also likely see Dempster, Fisher, and Joey back as well, which will only strengthen the team.

However, my main concern this week is if the combination of the 6 day break and the trying conditions last week will mean we are going into the game already with a disadvantage. Are we fit enough to turn it around this week? Or are we doomed from the beginning?

[BigMart]

Would you put 500 on us to win?

[ROLS-LEE]

we would be lucky to get within 30 points of Richmond on Friday

[sainterinsydney]

[ROLS-LEE]

What is your estimate then???

Sorry I'm a realist.

[sainterinsydney]

I think with a full team that we definitely have a chance. I think alot of factors--size of the ground, the humidity, senior players out--worked against us in the Gold Coast game. I think it would be crazy to say that Richmond will definitely beat us; they arn't Geelong. However, I think the quick turnaround could mean that we are behind from the start.

The bottom line: we will definitely know how the team will go this year from this game--and if last week was just an aberration.

[thejiggingsaint]

my take?.........GO SAINTS!!!!!!!

[ROLS-LEE]

So what is your estimate ??? Win or Lose and how much???

I believe more than 30 points because there mids will kill us and if not and we win, I will be happy to say that I was wrong unlike some in here

I will be there also.

[SunburySaint]

I will be happy if we get within 4 goals of them

[thejiggingsaint]

I don't "expect" us to win...However I have a BELIEF that we CAN win! Now that's MY starting point for Friday! GO SAINTERS!!!!

[thejiggingsaint]

Sunbury Saint? can I ask you? Why are you bothering?

[ROLS-LEE]

Sunbury Saint? can I ask you? Why are you bothering?

The thing is, we all know on our day the saints can beat anyone, right. It would be fantastic if we beat the tigers at the G and start our season, but I feel that their team has now surpassed ours and there on the up. Richmond this year will be like us in 2004.

[Grrrrr]

Why can't we win on Friday night!? FFS

Potential ins are Montagna, Dempster, Fisher, Simpkin, Schneider

Surprised by some comments regarding comparing the mid fields. We more than match up with the Tigers mid field, maybe leg speed might be an issue but we have the tougher bodies to get in and under.

[ROLS-LEE]

Which mid field would you want right now???

I reckon will get smashed in the ruck then smashed in the midfield.

Time will tell.

Hope Dal has a better week.

[Junction Oval]

Yes, we CAN win, but we need some experience back. I just hope that Fisher can get up for the game. Monty will be a good get on the big MCG and should be at 100%. Not so sure about Dempster and his hammy or Schneid's fitness level. We can't carry 4 new "ins" if there is suspicion of them not being 100%.

Gold Coast was our first match for the year, so the boys should recover reasonably well. Also, it was more a pacy match, than a tough one. Our US training camp was supposed to set us up to handle this level of fitness intensity.

It will be a real test of where we are at and an insight for the rest of the year.

[SunburySaint]

Sunbury Saint? can I ask you? Why are you bothering?

I will be there on friday night, supporting the saints 100% but on last weeks display I can't see us getting close to Richmond... would be happy to be proven wrong, but I am realistic about our chances.... as I said would be happy to be proven wrong

[thejiggingsaint]

Fair comment mate! Lets BOTH of us ebjoy a great game AND a win?!

[SunburySaint]

Fair comment mate! Lets BOTH of us ebjoy a great game AND a win?!

I'm sure we will enjoy it, win lose or draw... but mostly win

[SainterK]

Last tear we beat massively hyped teams, underdogs certainly sits well in recent times

[spert]

It will be won or lost in the midfield, so Hayes, NDS, Armo and Steven (and Montagna if he gets a gig) need to work their butts off. I guess Watters will be looking at our game against the Tiges last year, where Cousin Jack got a few too many easy goals.

[ROLS-LEE]

Why can't we win on Friday night!? FFS

Potential ins are Montagna, Dempster, Fisher, Simpkin, Schneider

Surprised by some comments regarding comparing the mid fields. We more than match up with the Tigers mid field, maybe leg speed might be an issue but we have the tougher bodies to get in and under.

Im surprised that you think our midfield is comparable to theirs.

Tougher bodies??? Werent we all complaining that we have trimmed up too much and get pushed off the ball way too easily against GC

[Grrrrr]

Why can't we win on Friday night!? FFS

Potential ins are Montagna, Dempster, Fisher, Simpkin, Schneider

Surprised by some comments regarding comparing the mid fields. We more than match up with the Tigers mid field, maybe leg speed might be an issue but we have the tougher bodies to get in and under.

Im surprised that you think our midfield is comparable to theirs.

Tougher bodies??? Werent we all complaining that we have trimmed up too much and get pushed off the ball way too easily against GC

s***, we must be following different teams then

[saintspremiers]

The GC game was tiring due to heat not crunching tackles.

The boys will be fine.

[ROLS-LEE]

Why can't we win on Friday night!? FFS

Potential ins are Montagna, Dempster, Fisher, Simpkin, Schneider

Surprised by some comments regarding comparing the mid fields. We more than match up with the Tigers mid field, maybe leg speed might be an issue but we have the tougher bodies to get in and under.

Im surprised that you think our midfield is comparable to theirs.

Tougher bodies??? Werent we all complaining that we have trimmed up too much and get pushed off the ball way too easily against GC

s***, we must be following different teams then

Yes i know, Goddard doesn't play for us any more. Maybe you forgot that.

[doggerel]

Tiges off a 9 day break and getting up in a close one. Us, 6 day break, travel, going down in a close one. All adds up to a 10 goal loss I am afraid.