So how confident are you of a win vs North

[skeptic]

I was confident but the heebie jeebies hit me today

Feel like we’re vulnerable to their talls.

Alternatively though, if our mids fire I reckon we have way more class running through.

Feel like the game is dependent on how our backs function and I wish we had a bit more experience there

What do others think?

[samuraisaint]

Not at all.
Against guys like Larkey and Brown we are playing Clark and Wilkie as key position defenders *FACE PALM*. Reckon we get our pants pulled down there for sure. I don't know what's wrong with #2 but our Brown should have come in.
Their midfielders like Cunnington are very hard at it and are seasoned veterans. I think we're quicker though.
If King has a tough day at the office against Tarrant, we better hope Membrey kicks straight or we will be in strife.
We haven't beaten them for years and not much in the 2010s.
North will win, I think, but one thing that gives me hope is our form against Collingwood and Hawthorn in the practice matches. We play like that, we win.

[Secret Kiel]

A win in the current climate will be defined by the hope that no players or thier children, parents, siblings or friends will die as a result of the greed focused decision making forcing these games to be played.

Totally disgusting that these games haven't been cancelled. And as this weekend grows longer the total anger and distain grows towards those responsible for deciding they should be played.

[samuraisaint]

And goodnight.
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/colli ... 42536ce48f

[remboy]

273%

[Secret Kiel]

And goodnight.
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/colli ... 42536ce48f

Games of AFL being played is a total F*** you to humanity and lacks so much decency and respect.

Good night.

[The_Dud]

And goodnight.
https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/colli ... 42536ce48f

Games of AFL being played is a total F*** you to humanity and lacks so much decency and respect.

Good night.

To be fair, the staff member has had no contact with the club.

Though at this point these games just feel like an extended preseason cup.

Brown to kick a bag

[saintbob]

23pt win & Billings BOG

[The Fireman]

Carlisle in a certainty.. now 50 50

[Newman]

Well if we can't beat North Melbourne with pretty much our best side on paper (ok no Carlisle, Webster) then it's not looking too good for 2020. Surely Brown must be a bit underdone having not played one game.

[WellardSaint]

I hope we get ahead by a goal or two, early, and keep plugging away.
Our infusion of speed and talent should help, and as long as we kick accurately, we'll prevail.

I see us keeping the play in our forward line for 70% of the game, I just hope we convert well

[desertsaint]

crikey. just a couple of weeks ago most on here were crowing about our prospects this season.
now we're pessimistic about north!
lose to the likes of them and we're treading water.

[stevie]

I think we smash them! Go Sainters!!!

[Goose is king]

Very confident. 80% chance in my mind

[Linton Lodger]

50/50

[Linton Lodger]

crikey. just a couple of weeks ago most on here were crowing about our prospects this season.
now we're pessimistic about north!
lose to the likes of them and we're treading water.

Round 1 games are always banana skin games.

[desertsaint]

crikey. just a couple of weeks ago most on here were crowing about our prospects this season.
now we're pessimistic about north!
lose to the likes of them and we're treading water.

Round 1 games are always banana skin games.

yes, but that applies equally to both teams.

[older saint]

Game against a team i seethe same "bracket" as us on pre season ladder so a must win, even more important with 17 game season.

Will be a tight battle so fingers crossed.

[Gershwin]

Personally I never feel confident. New coach, new players, new gameplan. What can go wrong?

[samuraisaint]

Not at all.
Against guys like Larkey and Brown we are playing Clark and Wilkie as key position defenders *FACE PALM*. Reckon we get our pants pulled down there for sure. I don't know what's wrong with #2 but our Brown should have come in.
Their midfielders like Cunnington are very hard at it and are seasoned veterans. I think we're quicker though.
If King has a tough day at the office against Tarrant, we better hope Membrey kicks straight or we will be in strife.
We haven't beaten them for years and not much in the 2010s.
North will win, I think, but one thing that gives me hope is our form against Collingwood and Hawthorn in the practice matches. We play like that, we win.

Match not over - but I picked this.

1 goal in a half of football in perfect conditions - and that came from a charity free kick to King,

[SydneySainter]

Great. Squander a match winning lead and vindicate David King - at least for now.

I guess North have had the wood on us since 2011.

[samuraisaint]

Personally I never feel confident. New coach, new players, new gameplan. What can go wrong?

Lost at the selection table.

Too short in the backline.

We banked on our mids winning enough of the ball - which they were never going to do with Cunnington there.

I tipped this result yesterday.

Not enough respect at selection.

[Gershwin]

Personally I never feel confident. New coach, new players, new gameplan. What can go wrong?

Lost at the selection table.

Too short in the backline.

We banked on our mids winning enough of the ball - which they were never going to do with Cunnington there.

I tipped this result yesterday.

Not enough respect at selection.

I have no problem with the backline.
Problem is that Kent has no impact when he gets possession, Butler can’t kick a goal, Jones can’t kick at all, King is on L plates, and mids like Dunstan, Haneberry, Steele and Ross are just battlers.

[samuraisaint]

Personally I never feel confident. New coach, new players, new gameplan. What can go wrong?

Lost at the selection table.

Too short in the backline.

We banked on our mids winning enough of the ball - which they were never going to do with Cunnington there.

I tipped this result yesterday.

Not enough respect at selection.

I have no problem with the backline.
Problem is that Kent has no impact when he gets possession, Butler can’t kick a goal, Jones can’t kick at all, King is on L plates, and mids like Dunstan, Haneberry, Steele and Ross are just battlers.

I predicted the other day that our backline was completely wrong. And, sadly, that prediction came to fruition.

We had no-one who could take an intercept mark across half back today which would have halted their momentum. I don't disagree with any of your points in fact I think you have made some salient points, but to my mind I can't think of how the selection committee never came up with the idea that he opposition would ever get a run on against us - with players of the calibre of Cunnington in the midfield and Brown and Larkey in the forward line.

Team selection was completely and utterly disingenuous for this match, and the only consolation out of today is that the season is over for the time being and they can spend the next six months mulling over some of the howlers of decisions in the second half - and the people that put those players in those positions on the field.

The problem with change of personnel comes from coaches and assistants from successful clubs who don't realise they are now coaching St Kilda with all of the baggage and skills deficits which come along with it.

Same sh1t different year.

[Ghost Like]

A win in the current climate will be defined by the hope that no players or thier children, parents, siblings or friends will die as a result of the greed focused decision making forcing these games to be played.

Totally disgusting that these games haven't been cancelled. And as this weekend grows longer the total anger and distain grows towards those responsible for deciding they should be played.

WOW, just read this. A man for a crisis without doubt. Pick the hoarder.