The most important thing to come out of next Sunday

Beej · Post: # 765111Post **Beej** » Mon 29 Jun 2009 4:32pm

Of course, we'll see how our game plan stacks up against theirs. Whether our high-pressing style will stifle their ball movement. Whether we will force the most skilful side in the competition into error.

For everything they have achieved over the last few years, they have never seen defensive pressure like ours.

How will they handle it? That's what everyone wants to know.

But for me, even more important than that -

We'll see how St Kilda copes on the big stage.

As far as home and away clashes go, there have been none bigger in VFL/AFL history.

The build up will be intense, the pressure on the field will be palpable, the atmosphere at fever pitch and the pace of the game will be absolutely frenetic.

It may not be a grand final, and there may be a "next week" but this is a home and away grand final if ever there was one.

If we can stand up on Sunday, it will go a long way to giving our footballers the belief that they can stand up on the biggest of occasions.

We are the challengers, they occupy the throne.

On Sunday we will know exactly how worthy our challenge is.

#1GILL · Post: # 765115Post **#1GILL** » Mon 29 Jun 2009 4:41pm

I get excited just thinking about it.Go get em sainters

Moods · Post: # 765117Post **Moods** » Mon 29 Jun 2009 4:41pm

I agree with most of what you wrote. However, I don't reckon either club sits on the throne. That honour belongs to the hawks.

#1GILL · Post: # 765118Post **#1GILL** » Mon 29 Jun 2009 4:42pm

Moods wrote:I agree with most of what you wrote. However, I don't reckon either club sits on the throne. That honour belongs to the hawks.

Although i think they are slowing slipping from the throne....

Or are they being pushed

Moods · Post: # 765120Post **Moods** » Mon 29 Jun 2009 4:44pm

Fair enough. The throne is now vacant!

Beej · Post: # 765232Post **Beej** » Mon 29 Jun 2009 7:13pm

That's the disappointing thing about Hawthorn's season. Most likely they won't have to be beaten for their title. Their won't be a premiership defence.

They're just going to hand the title over, whether they like it or not.

Unless something drastic happens, they won't even be part of the conversation.

However, if that's their supporters' most pressing issue at the moment, I envy them.

I can't wait till we experience a premiership hangover.

meher baba · Post: # 765245Post **meher baba** » Mon 29 Jun 2009 7:27pm

I agree with the proposition that Sunday is a major test on a big stage (not the biggest stage, as it is only taking place at the Dome).

In this regard, it will be fascinating to see how some of our key players perform vis-a-vis last years disappointing finals efforts against Geelong and the Hawks.

Kosi: we definitely hope will produce more than last year

Milne: contributed more in the final series last year than at previous attempts, but could deliver more

Riewoldt: was fabulous in the finals last year, nothing to prove

Hayes: see Riewoldt

Goddard: see Riewoldt

Sam Fisher: see Riewoldt

Blake: see Riewoldt

Joey: almost nothing to prove, but has morphed into a superstar this season

Schneider: did little in last years' finals, will need to step up

Gilbert: a disappointing end to a relatively disappointing season, should do better

Dal: see Gilbert

Gram: should do better

McQualter: was ok last year, but has come on

CJ: see McQualter

We probably won't have Max and Raph, who were great last year, and we certainly won't have King, but we will have

Ball
Bakes
a new and improved Gardi
the amazing Zac
Geary (although I wouldn't be surprised to see either Armo or Dempster brought in to replace him)

and 100% guaranteed no Aaron Fiora

It'd be nice to have Raph in his 2008 form, but, on the whole, I reckon we're good to go!!

Bring it on.