Parallels with Port 2004 and CArlton 1995

[jackal]

I see some strong similarities to these two premiership teams of recent past to the St. KIlda team of today.

Carlton only lost 2 games all year (to the lowly Swans and Saints from memory) had two close finals and then smashed Geelong (who had monstered their opponents in their 2 finals that year).
Our situation is much the same so hopefully next Sat will continue the coincidence.

Also Port in 2004 faced the triple premiers Brisbane in the GF after years of 'choking'/failing to make the grandy. As it turns out Brisbane were past their prime and once Port got over the psychological roadblock to make the grandy (we all remember how they got there) they were too good for Brissy.
I believe we have got over the psychological barrier that is the Prelim and now our players will be in good shape to beat the opponents (I am pretty confident that it will be like Port in that we will play the 'champs' Geelong who we will see have done their dash.

Go Saints!

[Bernard Shakey]

Prelims are harder to win than Grand Finals.

We are there and we will win. Ross and the players believe.

[Enrico_Misso]

Agree with all that.

Also parallels with 2007.
The Cats were the best performed team all year.
Went into the Prelim as clear favourites.
But came up against a super determined Collingwood who threw everything at them.
They "escaped" with a 5 point win and a serious scare.
But it gave them the belief that they were good enough to withstand serious pressure.

The next week they came out and blitzed Port.

Last night should similarly give us the belief that we can stand up in a final under intense pressure.

Destiny awaits.