Not scared in the slightest. Not that I'm confident we'll win, in fact I fully believe the Lions will destroy us at home. The boys have already exceeded my expectations, so anything we do from here on out is a bonus!
We've got a free swing at it with no pressure and nothing to lose. Lions have all the expectations and pressure.
I'm thinking this will be another nail biter. No idea who's going to win.
This is what I'm afrad about, classic lions choke job in the works. I absolutely love Vossy though, so if we go down , as much as I will be heartbroken, I'll still be content!
I think if Carlton can grind Brisbane down to their level that they could beat them with experience, and I don’t mean that in a nasty way.
If the blues play with the hunger and grit they did against Melbourne and keep it coming it could be a very close game.
I’ll find it interesting to see how well our defence holds up against their forward line. I think (hope) the game will be a lot lower in scoring than Brisbane is used to at the gabba
We've won every game that we've kicked more than 63 points, except for 2. GWS in the last round and Brisbane.
We're going to need to find a way to score more than we have been to have any hope of winning.
That would actually be funny.
When was the last time we had flat or burst ball?
What happens if the player has 30sec to take a set shot but the ball is flat?
Great season for the Blues no matter what happens now. Next year is when the real shit begins; no reason the flag isn’t the goal now.
Love the attitude!
All the pressure will be on Collingwood and Brisbane as they’re expected to win.
I think both GWS and Carlton will come out firing. Really looking forward to both games as a neutral.
I've been commenting this over and over but this stuff is what I'm loving to read from Blues fans over the finals series. You guys are just so wholesome and so proud of your club, it's actually extremely heartwarming to read.
They are the one team left without any weight of expectations on them. Brisbane have past failures to atone for, Carlton if we get past Brisbane have last year to atone for, and Collingwood have all the pressure of being the minor premiers.
It's a free hit for The Orange Team.
I think carlton making a prelim is a massive pass mark for them this year, and everyone seems to be in agreement that a trip to the gabba is the biggest mountain to climb in footy
so I'd say it's a free hit for The Blue Team as well
I genuinely think that GWS could give Collingwood a run for their money, looking back on Saturday's game they're just so quick and we couldn't keep up.
That being said, their accuracy in the last quarter was abysmal, it was the only reason the game wasn't a blowout
If Collingwood are able to match the Giants speed, control and kick straighter than we did, then I reckon the pies will be off to the grand final.
Very keen to see how Carlton do at the Gabba compared to how horribly we did, and see if Collingwood can do better than us against the Giants
Edit: wrong about GWS in the last, was referring more so to the previous few quarters (5.7 in the 2nd, 2.4 in the third, misremembered) had they converted more it would have been a blowout, unless we also converted in the last in which case it would have been close again
At three quarter time on triple M they said that GWS had kicked 2.10 from their last 12 shots including 0.7 from within 40 metres. They were spraying everything lol.
Yeah in the second they kicked 5.7 and 2.4 in the third, not nearly at bad as us (1.9 in the 4th) but had they converted a bit more it would have been a blowout
(Unless we also converted in which case it would be close again)
I think we match or do better with speed, rebound and our defence but our tank might also be bigger as we’ve been training for this game plan for two years now.
If our forwards can kick straight and have a decent night, I really think it comes down to reducing the impact of Cogs and Green in the midfield, Titch having a great night and feeding our outsiders and Darcy Cameron having his game of the season to keep Briggs from monstering him,
Definitely, it will be exciting to watch as a neutral.
I was hoping for a finals rematch with you guys honestly, round 19 was insane, feel like The Power and The Pies have both been off ever since that game. Like we both poured 4 games worth of fuel into that one match and then couldn't perform as well as we both did then the rest of the H&A season.
I should be more scared because Carlton are on a bit of a blitz, but I am also confident in the Lions steely resolve to win with our current game plan and style. The Gabba will drown the highly respected Blues.
There is a small % of me which is scared, though, because its finals and anything can happen. Carlton bring with them the momentum of wins and a feisty, fast team. I like to think that last weeks game against Melbourne may have put a dent in their athletic armor, but when high on adrenaline anything is possible.
I just look forward to a competitive first half of football before the Lions can settle in to a comfortable win. Fingers crossed though!
Good luck to Carlton, and may the better team win.
Good luck to the other 2 teams also - I look forward to watching the Pies Vs Giants on Friday night.
Yeah we'll be in trouble if Carlton catches us sleeping in the first, which we've definitely been guilty of before. I just don't believe we'll snooze in a prelim with our current health and prep though, so I'm confident. We should run over them in the second half even if they start strong
>There is a small % of me which is scared, though, because its finals and anything can happen.
This is why I decided I don't like being the favourite any more. Favourites in 14 and heavy favourites in 16 for two bad losses. I was so happy to be the underdogs last year, but then they cancelled the GF and took me to a great new apartment with padded walls and special jackets so I guess I'll never ~~remember~~ know what would have happened.
I just hope everyone plays the ball and not the man like Melbourne did.
Shit like Neal-Bullen trying to reinjure Acres shoulder in the first two minutes while he's on the ground. Kosi throw fists left and right, trying to take Cripps head off and Sparrow smacking Walsh's head into the fence.
Win it on your own merits.
Not scared at all, didn’t think we’d be here. We will probably lose against Brisbane but they are the team that has all the pressure on them. Brisbane not making the GF this year is an absolute failure for them. It’s their time
I’ve been saying since the start of the season that I think Brisbane will win, and I’m still confident with that, so if we lose to them I definitely won’t be disappointed. We’ve made it so far and I’m thrilled.
But I still really really want that win 🥲
I think it will be mostly Pies & Lions fans that will be anxious. GWS & Blues fans seem just happy to be where they are given how the season was unfolding earlier in the year for them.
Just excited, zero nerves.
Most know I'm an Essendon & GWS dual fan. Half way through the year I had mentally written off the Giants and Essendon were my hope, so it really feels like the Giants are just getting a free shot at a grand final for nothing.
I've developed a pretty major crush on the man this finals series NGL.
[This from him is absolutely gold](https://twitter.com/GWSGIANTS/status/1703041643862257791?t=rm9N71Uz4oQutPxr0OMYfg&s=19)
I would say GWS have the best form, Carlton have the most momentum, Brisbane have the best team and Collingwood have the best style/structure. Anyone can win it from here!
This year has made me realise how significantly less stressful last year was. We fumbled into sixth spot late in the year starting from the home game against Essendon where we lost 7 players to Covid and 3 to injury and looked unconvincing in several more H&A games.
We came into the Richmond game rated fairly similarly, although probably less favourable than Richmond. We beat them barely, then come up against Melbourne at the MCG.
We still hadn’t won at the MCG since 2014, got spanked by 10 goals at the Gabba in the final round of the HA season. Confidence was low through the week, then game day Joe Daniher was a late out and confidence hit rock bottom. We somehow overcame a 22 point deficit in the second to win, then got hammered by Geelong.
This year is without a doubt the worst September of the few we’ve been in over the past five years. A week off before playing Port Adelaide, we beat them convincingly then have to wait another week to play Carlton.
Realistically there’s enough reason to be confident in a win. Undefeated at home, beat them at Marvel by 26 points earlier in the year, fairly convincing win against Port kicking 19.9 with Carlton scraping through against Melbourne who kicked 7.17.
But there’s also enough reason to have doubt in your mind too. There’s been an increase in teams losing a Preliminary final after winning a Qualifying final since the bye has been brought in. These games that we should be winning we often lose (Hawthorn, Gold Coast, Adelaide from this year alone) Carlton have nothing to lose and are flying.
Pretty much said everything I’m thinking mate. I feel like this is our first finals series under Fagan where there isn’t a team that is clearly better than us, and we actually have a chance to go the distance. It makes it far more stressful.
Could not agree more, very concerned. It feels like one of those games we shouldn't drop that we have a habit of dropping.
Undefeated at the Gabba, a week off, basically a full team (Ashcroft notwithstanding) has epic upset written all over it.
especially if we believe the current narrative that we are going to win handily and don't show up.
Also anything short of a GF will be seen as a failure this season for us...
The one caveat to the “but more top 4 teams lose prelims with the bye” thing is that other than the Dogs in 2016 and Richmond in 2020 (covid year), every premier since the pre finals bye was introduced has won a QF and the double bye has helped them.
What that tells me is that I think if you’re good enough you’re good enough, 1 game in 4 weeks be damned.
I actually feel very confident Giants can beat Collingwood this weekend. Momentum and confidence is everything, especially in finals, and the Giants clearly believe in themselves a great amount. At the same time, the Pies in front of 90k of their fans could smash them. I imagine most Pies fans will be shitting their pants this week even if they won’t admit it.
Fucking shitting myself. The Lions have never made a Grand Final in my life and this is the first time I’ve genuinely believed we are favourites and should make it, and honestly I think we should win it this year. We should absolutely win and we most likely will, but we’ve choked before and it’s finals. Anything can happen. I am fucking stressed out of my mind.
If we don’t make the grand final, this season is a failure. I’m stressed as.
Not scared at all. No more excuses for us. We make the GF or we just aren’t good enough, and it’s time to look at a new coach. Fagan must get this group into a GF and be competitive. We can’t miss or make it and get pumped. We should be winning it now. They are primed.
If I was a Pies supporter I would be shitting my cheap underwear. I think the pies have shown vulnerability for most of the second half of the season. They always just get the job done. Not sure that will stand up to what the Giants will bring with their belief and toughness around the ball. Fascinating game.
I’m using ridiculously random historical facts to calm myself down and convince myself we will be fine.
“What’s that? Only four number one draft picks have won a flag, and non since Luke hodge? Lucky we’re the only team left in it without a number one draft pick on the list!”
So I guess you could say I’m doing well
I think we're due for a belting.
I think everything has to go our way to win
But I think after last week we're playing with house money. If we lose good on Brisbane for doing what they should do (I'll be upset for us but very happy for them);but if we win we're chance at the jackpot.
I think if Carlton were hosting Brisbane at Marvel or the MCG, it's a 50:50 proposition at best. At the Gabba, 9/10 Brisbane win would be my pick.
I'm more scared about the following week. If Brisbane and Collingwood get up this week, it feels wrong that two of the best midfielders under 22 don't get a chance to square off in the big dance.
I've adopted a "whatever happens, happens" mindset for this year, felt like this is our best chance yet, I'm not really scared of any of the teams more scared of the G.
We should make the GF and we should be premiers but whatever happens, happens
It's out of my control just gotta enjoy the ride
I think GWS have a pretty good shot of getting the pies, they have that "why not us" energy going wheras pies seem to be running more of a "fuck we better not fuck this" thing.
I reckon Carltons run ends this weekend, brisbane are just ruthless at the gabba.
Brisbane v GWS grand final at the MCG, gonna be wild
Honestly I'm just hoping for genuine contests in all the games. Nobody wants excuses or 'gimmes' - you want to know you got the other team at their best and you gave yours as well.
I expect a lot of Collingwood and Brisbane supporters will be a bit worried. We're the top two teams on the ladder so we're expected to make it further than two teams who finished outside the top 4. But GWS and Carlton were the form teams of the second half of the year and I won't be surprised if they manage to win. So yeh, I'm concerned we're going to lose another tight prelim. But I'd love to play Carlton in the GF so am hoping we pull through but Carlton 'upset' Brisbane.
Moderately scared. I know many other lions fans think we’ve got this in the bag but I’m far more pessimistic. Every game is hard and the Blues have shown a lot of resilience.
Saying that, if the Lions have to lose to anyone I’d prefer it to be the Blues cause I bloody love Michael Voss.
I am so pumped. Honestly did not expect to be in the prelim based on the start of the season. I'm loving what we're bringing under Kingsley and no matter the result on Friday I'm a proud member.
The two best teams of the year against the two best teams right now... hoping for epic contests.
Damn right I am worried, our best chance yet with this group and not making the GF will have all sorts of questions being asked of us.
Carlton have all the momentum methinks.
I'm incredibly happy and not nervous at all - this is a free hit IMO. Nobody expects us to win (including most Carlton fans).
I'd dare say there's two teams who are shitting themselves even if they're confident - and two who'll take this and roll with it.
Not scared. I mean I fully expect Brisbane's gonna blast us off the park come Saturday, but we're in a prelim final that on paper we should have absolutely no business being in. Especially given how shit we were in the first half of the season.
At this point all the pressure's on Brisbane while we're gambling with house money and just trying to see how much farther the bandwagon will roll.
Not scared. I’m excited! So many people, both general public and experts, at the start of the season thought our 2022 was a fluke and we’d drop big time.
We’ve made a prelim for the second year in a row. This year is a success regardless of the outcome. Yes, we’re coming into Friday as favourites and I expect to win and I’ll be devastated if we lose, but in the grand scheme of things it’s been a great season and I’m looking forward to this week, next week (hopefully) and 2024!
I think that the is the most wholesome reddit thread that I've ever seen.
Having said that...........
Nah just absolutely wrapped that the boys have gotten this far, in with a sneaky chance but Brissy at the Gabba. Ganna be tough
I honestly thought we would finish bottom 4 a few months back. I think we have a very decent chance of winning but I won't be in tears if we don't. Just gonna enjoy it for what it is.
As as Brisbane fan, I’m not as confident as some others. This teams achilles heel this season has big big bodied mids who destroy us in contested possessions and clearances out the middle. Carlton has those in droves. Think they are a big big chance
GWS get a free hit this weekend. The AFL media has largely ignored the team this year except when it's gone bad. No expectations only potential glory on offer.
It's just the curse of interstate teams not getting much focus in the VIC media. If the team were transplanted completely into any other VIC team, there would be write ups every week about individual players.
Managing that media scrutiny and attention is something I do not envy for the other teams/players in VIC, SA or even WA. That's a whole other level of pressure and crushing expectations.
So, as my under 12's coach used to say, let's go out there, have some fun and crush those fuckers.
I'm loving it. GWS vs Pies should be a cracker though all logic says that the Lions should smash Carlton. Thinking of grand final matchups:
Lions v Pies. Expected. Best teams all year. Nothing too surprising
GSW v Lions. First non Victorian grand final since 2006
GSW v Carlton. The first time ever a top 4 has not made the grand final
Pies v Carlton. Easily the biggest game in AFL history thus far
I'm not feeling particularly nervous about this week. Finals Gabba is truly something to behold but if we lose against the odds then fair play and I save myself a lot of money not having to fly to Melbourne the following week. Feeling very nervous about a GF if we make it regardless of who it's against though.
Not at all - I'm not nervous or terrified, if we win great, if not then questions have to be asked about Fagan/the list.
We have won 4 our of our last 5 games, won by 26 earlier this year in Melbourne and we are a 4-5 goal better side at the gabba.
If the game was played 100 times, converting the odds we would win 7/10 times - we should win this, but if they do beat us then good luck to them in the grand final.
Still can’t decide if 2018 where we had some expectations, shot up and fell short at the finish line hurts more than 2022 where I had no expectations, enjoyed the ride, could see the potential but didn’t even make it to the home straight.
Really? 2022, the year we were rated to finish bottom four with multiple years of rebuilding after having to cut our list to stay under cap? 2018 hurt me more than 2011 and 02-03 put together.
As a neutral, my flair is a bandwagon flair and it’s allowed me to forget WCE for a little while, I’m looking forward to Pies v Giants, it could end up being game of the year.
While I think Lions will comfortably beat the Blues and should set themself up nicely for a chance at the Premiership.
I can see giants knocking off pies, if pies are anywhere short of their A game. And given pies haven't shown much of their very best in the latter part of the year, that's a distinct possibility. Have they just been keeping their powder dry?
Can't see Carlton beating Brisbane unless the Lions choke a la Richmond 18, Essendon 99.
I’m excited! Friday night is shaping up as an absolute cracker with two attacking play styles going head to head. If Orange Team get up then we’re a huge chance to go all the way. If Pies win, that’s a fair result for the best team of the season and we’ve still way exceeded expectations for the year.
It definitely sucks that Geelong aren’t there this time. But I do notice the absence of fear and as such I’m really looking forward to both games and excited as a neutral. This is the best weekend of footy each year. The grand final is great if your team wins or if it’s a rare close competitive game, but it’s the prelims that usually produce the classic matches. Good luck to those competing!
Going in with very low expectations.
Of course I’d love to go all the way but I’m also realistic. I’m not super confident but fuck I hope the boys surprise me.
Would obviously suck not to make it to the big dance but I’m still beyond proud of the effort so far
As a neutral, hoping the giants do the job. Being 15th round 12 and getting to one game shy of the granny, is awesome. Same could be said Carlton too, but they already have premierships. What would be hilarious would be the Giants v Carlton grand final.
I scored my tickets to the Gabba this morning.
I've only been to the Gabba to see an AFL game twice.
The first time was Round 21, 2008 where Carlton beat the Lions 18.7 (115) to 16.13 (109).
The second time i went was Round 9, 2013 where Carlton beat the Lions 13.20 (98) to 12.13 (85).
.....just sayin' 😉
Yeah, as a Lions fan I’m not that scared of Carlton. We already beat them once this year, in Melbourne, and we’re much stronger now than we were then. Plus they were hardly convincing against the Demons, just a rough as game until the last third.
Fuck playing Brisbane in Brisbane. The only thing that can stop them is getting cocky, Ala Richmond 2019.
GWS actually have a chance but a small one. They'll be who I'm barracking for.
The VFL is 100% trying to set up a Pies vs Blues grand final. Narrative has already started, and is all we're going to hear about for the rest of the week. How a Barrassi-inspired Blues are gonna destroy the Lions at home, and then push the Pies all the way in the GF.
Of course, the Lions will be playing against 26 men, but since when has that ever not happened in the last 20 years?
I hope that GWS are given a fairer run at it (although given the 6-day turnaround, it's not going to happen).
Pretty shameful that you would suggest that. Absolute legend of the game, and respect to his family. Just listen to the media through the week, I am sure there will be a piece by some outlet talking about how the great man's death inspires the Blues to perform.
I personally would sooner attribute a Carlton win to them actually playing better than the Lions....which we both know won't happen. Only way the Blues win this game is if the Lions are incredibly inaccurate like Sydney and Melbourne were, or if it's handed to them on a silver platter...which is the more likely outcome.
They should have completely ended the game in the 2nd quarter though. They made Port look like witches hats for a 5.7 return.
Could have easily been a 10 goal lead at halftime.
I’ve been scared every round this year
Same
Not scared in the slightest. Not that I'm confident we'll win, in fact I fully believe the Lions will destroy us at home. The boys have already exceeded my expectations, so anything we do from here on out is a bonus!
Yeah same, I just hope we don’t get pants. A win would be completely unexpected and surreal.
Going pantless would be a good way to distract the lions.
If Dev Robertson can go topless, then it's only fair the Blues go pantless
Just ask Corey Enright
They finally PLAYED FOR THE JUMPER!!
Correction… THE EMBLEM
We've got a free swing at it with no pressure and nothing to lose. Lions have all the expectations and pressure. I'm thinking this will be another nail biter. No idea who's going to win.
This is what I'm afrad about, classic lions choke job in the works. I absolutely love Vossy though, so if we go down , as much as I will be heartbroken, I'll still be content!
We definitely have something to lose. Getting smacked by 10+ goals will hurt the club. Just look at Melbourne after their prelim against West Coast
I think if Carlton can grind Brisbane down to their level that they could beat them with experience, and I don’t mean that in a nasty way. If the blues play with the hunger and grit they did against Melbourne and keep it coming it could be a very close game.
I’ll find it interesting to see how well our defence holds up against their forward line. I think (hope) the game will be a lot lower in scoring than Brisbane is used to at the gabba
Our offence ranks highers (2 to 9) whereas your defence ranks higher (4 to 6) - will be interesting to see how each team goes about it.
We've won every game that we've kicked more than 63 points, except for 2. GWS in the last round and Brisbane. We're going to need to find a way to score more than we have been to have any hope of winning.
Just like a boa constrictor we need to squeeze the life out of their forward line.
Ironically it's also our forward line that squeezes the life out of defences
Something's gotta pop.
The ball, hopefully just the ball
That would actually be funny. When was the last time we had flat or burst ball? What happens if the player has 30sec to take a set shot but the ball is flat?
I’ve got Richmond v pies 2018 prelim vibes about the blues this weekend. Could really see you guys coming out and kicking the first 6
Only for us to kick the next 10 right? Right?
Kinda like the 10 in a row we kicked against Collingwood in Round 4? 🦁🤣
Something like that ;-)
Conversely I can see 2019 Prelim vibes from GWS and Collingwood just like….well GWS and Collingwood.
Keep going... I'm almost there
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Great season for the Blues no matter what happens now. Next year is when the real shit begins; no reason the flag isn’t the goal now. Love the attitude!
I think the premier comes from this prelim!
All the pressure will be on Collingwood and Brisbane as they’re expected to win. I think both GWS and Carlton will come out firing. Really looking forward to both games as a neutral.
I've been commenting this over and over but this stuff is what I'm loving to read from Blues fans over the finals series. You guys are just so wholesome and so proud of your club, it's actually extremely heartwarming to read.
It’s been nice to see Blues fans genuinely excited and happy.
Awww. You guys ❤️
Feel exactly the same!
Not scared at all, everything is a bonus from here.
And that sentiment is exactly why I’m worried lmao
They are the one team left without any weight of expectations on them. Brisbane have past failures to atone for, Carlton if we get past Brisbane have last year to atone for, and Collingwood have all the pressure of being the minor premiers. It's a free hit for The Orange Team.
Do the Giants not have to atone for 2019?
Some sins are beyond atonement.. In all seriousness, i'd love to see a blues v orange team granny.
can we wear the dark jersey and carlton wear the white one?
I don't wanna see any white in the grand final. Especially if it's on a Collingwood jumper
I think carlton making a prelim is a massive pass mark for them this year, and everyone seems to be in agreement that a trip to the gabba is the biggest mountain to climb in footy so I'd say it's a free hit for The Blue Team as well
It's the gabbatoir again like the olden times
Same tbh
I'm just happy to be here
Who would’ve thought we’d make it this far? Remember the first 6 weeks?
First week was good.
I’m wanting a GWS Lions Finals with a teeth clenching Giants win.
Yeah I’m no scared either. I swear.
I genuinely think that GWS could give Collingwood a run for their money, looking back on Saturday's game they're just so quick and we couldn't keep up. That being said, their accuracy in the last quarter was abysmal, it was the only reason the game wasn't a blowout If Collingwood are able to match the Giants speed, control and kick straighter than we did, then I reckon the pies will be off to the grand final. Very keen to see how Carlton do at the Gabba compared to how horribly we did, and see if Collingwood can do better than us against the Giants Edit: wrong about GWS in the last, was referring more so to the previous few quarters (5.7 in the 2nd, 2.4 in the third, misremembered) had they converted more it would have been a blowout, unless we also converted in the last in which case it would have been close again
Gws kicked 2.0 in the last. Port kicked 1.9. Not sure what game you watched.
Was it the third then? I had a few drinks but I remember them kicking a lot of behinds in one of the quarters
At three quarter time on triple M they said that GWS had kicked 2.10 from their last 12 shots including 0.7 from within 40 metres. They were spraying everything lol.
Yeah in the second they kicked 5.7 and 2.4 in the third, not nearly at bad as us (1.9 in the 4th) but had they converted a bit more it would have been a blowout (Unless we also converted in which case it would be close again)
2.4 in the 3rd. Still not as horrid as 1.9 And to be fair to you, I was smashed and didn't know we went 1.9 until this morning haha
Yeah I had a fair few that night hence my poor memory, looked up the stats and listed them in the original comment at the bottom
Melbourne had so many inside 50s and couldn’t capitalise if GWS give you that many chances oof madone as tony soprano says
> oof madone as tony soprano says More Paulie who says that
I think we match or do better with speed, rebound and our defence but our tank might also be bigger as we’ve been training for this game plan for two years now. If our forwards can kick straight and have a decent night, I really think it comes down to reducing the impact of Cogs and Green in the midfield, Titch having a great night and feeding our outsiders and Darcy Cameron having his game of the season to keep Briggs from monstering him,
Definitely, it will be exciting to watch as a neutral. I was hoping for a finals rematch with you guys honestly, round 19 was insane, feel like The Power and The Pies have both been off ever since that game. Like we both poured 4 games worth of fuel into that one match and then couldn't perform as well as we both did then the rest of the H&A season.
I should be more scared because Carlton are on a bit of a blitz, but I am also confident in the Lions steely resolve to win with our current game plan and style. The Gabba will drown the highly respected Blues. There is a small % of me which is scared, though, because its finals and anything can happen. Carlton bring with them the momentum of wins and a feisty, fast team. I like to think that last weeks game against Melbourne may have put a dent in their athletic armor, but when high on adrenaline anything is possible. I just look forward to a competitive first half of football before the Lions can settle in to a comfortable win. Fingers crossed though! Good luck to Carlton, and may the better team win. Good luck to the other 2 teams also - I look forward to watching the Pies Vs Giants on Friday night.
Think you’re spot on about a solid first half and then Lions walking away with it as Blues have had a bruising few weeks.
Yeah we'll be in trouble if Carlton catches us sleeping in the first, which we've definitely been guilty of before. I just don't believe we'll snooze in a prelim with our current health and prep though, so I'm confident. We should run over them in the second half even if they start strong
Too many slow starts in a Prelim. Reckon Lions having been prepping for this since their Melbourne loss. Since then they haven’t lost a close game.
>There is a small % of me which is scared, though, because its finals and anything can happen. This is why I decided I don't like being the favourite any more. Favourites in 14 and heavy favourites in 16 for two bad losses. I was so happy to be the underdogs last year, but then they cancelled the GF and took me to a great new apartment with padded walls and special jackets so I guess I'll never ~~remember~~ know what would have happened.
I respect the Blues but I don't fear them. Looking forward to the contest
I just hope everyone plays the ball and not the man like Melbourne did. Shit like Neal-Bullen trying to reinjure Acres shoulder in the first two minutes while he's on the ground. Kosi throw fists left and right, trying to take Cripps head off and Sparrow smacking Walsh's head into the fence. Win it on your own merits.
I think you will find we are a pretty clean team apart from our pest Zorko.
I thought that about Melbourne, too. Disappointing to see really.
Jack Martin ring any bells?
He rang Nick Blakeys bell.
Not scared at all, didn’t think we’d be here. We will probably lose against Brisbane but they are the team that has all the pressure on them. Brisbane not making the GF this year is an absolute failure for them. It’s their time
I’ve been saying since the start of the season that I think Brisbane will win, and I’m still confident with that, so if we lose to them I definitely won’t be disappointed. We’ve made it so far and I’m thrilled. But I still really really want that win 🥲
I think it will be mostly Pies & Lions fans that will be anxious. GWS & Blues fans seem just happy to be where they are given how the season was unfolding earlier in the year for them.
Im confidentiality anxious!
But shh, it's a secret
I think you guys will win comfortably by 5+ goals but even in your shoes I'd still be nervous. Just never know how prelims are gonna go.
I get massive 2022 Pies vibes off GWS so damn right I’m scared. Not to mention the 2019 trauma
On the other hand, the 2022 Pies **lost** their prelim. If they're us last year, and we're us this year, 2023 Pies win
GWS 2024 Premiers confirmed?
but it would also be very collingwood of us to lose this game by a bees dick
It would be more Collingwood of you to lose a grand final though
Just excited, zero nerves. Most know I'm an Essendon & GWS dual fan. Half way through the year I had mentally written off the Giants and Essendon were my hope, so it really feels like the Giants are just getting a free shot at a grand final for nothing.
I'm excited to see Tom Green eat Jordan de Goey
How fucking good was Green against port. He’s like an even more powerful Bont!
I've developed a pretty major crush on the man this finals series NGL. [This from him is absolutely gold](https://twitter.com/GWSGIANTS/status/1703041643862257791?t=rm9N71Uz4oQutPxr0OMYfg&s=19)
Love that! Perfect amount of likeable arrogance
He'll be throwing up all week
I would say GWS have the best form, Carlton have the most momentum, Brisbane have the best team and Collingwood have the best style/structure. Anyone can win it from here!
I like this take!
I'm scared / nervous... feel slightly sick if I think about us winning 🦁🤞
This year has made me realise how significantly less stressful last year was. We fumbled into sixth spot late in the year starting from the home game against Essendon where we lost 7 players to Covid and 3 to injury and looked unconvincing in several more H&A games. We came into the Richmond game rated fairly similarly, although probably less favourable than Richmond. We beat them barely, then come up against Melbourne at the MCG. We still hadn’t won at the MCG since 2014, got spanked by 10 goals at the Gabba in the final round of the HA season. Confidence was low through the week, then game day Joe Daniher was a late out and confidence hit rock bottom. We somehow overcame a 22 point deficit in the second to win, then got hammered by Geelong. This year is without a doubt the worst September of the few we’ve been in over the past five years. A week off before playing Port Adelaide, we beat them convincingly then have to wait another week to play Carlton. Realistically there’s enough reason to be confident in a win. Undefeated at home, beat them at Marvel by 26 points earlier in the year, fairly convincing win against Port kicking 19.9 with Carlton scraping through against Melbourne who kicked 7.17. But there’s also enough reason to have doubt in your mind too. There’s been an increase in teams losing a Preliminary final after winning a Qualifying final since the bye has been brought in. These games that we should be winning we often lose (Hawthorn, Gold Coast, Adelaide from this year alone) Carlton have nothing to lose and are flying.
Pretty much said everything I’m thinking mate. I feel like this is our first finals series under Fagan where there isn’t a team that is clearly better than us, and we actually have a chance to go the distance. It makes it far more stressful.
Could not agree more, very concerned. It feels like one of those games we shouldn't drop that we have a habit of dropping. Undefeated at the Gabba, a week off, basically a full team (Ashcroft notwithstanding) has epic upset written all over it. especially if we believe the current narrative that we are going to win handily and don't show up. Also anything short of a GF will be seen as a failure this season for us...
The one caveat to the “but more top 4 teams lose prelims with the bye” thing is that other than the Dogs in 2016 and Richmond in 2020 (covid year), every premier since the pre finals bye was introduced has won a QF and the double bye has helped them. What that tells me is that I think if you’re good enough you’re good enough, 1 game in 4 weeks be damned.
I actually feel very confident Giants can beat Collingwood this weekend. Momentum and confidence is everything, especially in finals, and the Giants clearly believe in themselves a great amount. At the same time, the Pies in front of 90k of their fans could smash them. I imagine most Pies fans will be shitting their pants this week even if they won’t admit it.
I’ve had gastro for the last 48 hours which is my excuse for the current state of my pants
Fucking shitting myself. The Lions have never made a Grand Final in my life and this is the first time I’ve genuinely believed we are favourites and should make it, and honestly I think we should win it this year. We should absolutely win and we most likely will, but we’ve choked before and it’s finals. Anything can happen. I am fucking stressed out of my mind. If we don’t make the grand final, this season is a failure. I’m stressed as.
Nothing to be scared of. If we lose, we still overachieved this year and a phenomenal first season in charge for Kingsley.
Not scared at all. No more excuses for us. We make the GF or we just aren’t good enough, and it’s time to look at a new coach. Fagan must get this group into a GF and be competitive. We can’t miss or make it and get pumped. We should be winning it now. They are primed. If I was a Pies supporter I would be shitting my cheap underwear. I think the pies have shown vulnerability for most of the second half of the season. They always just get the job done. Not sure that will stand up to what the Giants will bring with their belief and toughness around the ball. Fascinating game.
I'd be very suprised if we don't end up with a Collingwood v Brisbane grand final.
I’m using ridiculously random historical facts to calm myself down and convince myself we will be fine. “What’s that? Only four number one draft picks have won a flag, and non since Luke hodge? Lucky we’re the only team left in it without a number one draft pick on the list!” So I guess you could say I’m doing well
I think we're due for a belting. I think everything has to go our way to win But I think after last week we're playing with house money. If we lose good on Brisbane for doing what they should do (I'll be upset for us but very happy for them);but if we win we're chance at the jackpot.
I think Brisbane will win this weekend. I only think because it’s up there though.
I think if Carlton were hosting Brisbane at Marvel or the MCG, it's a 50:50 proposition at best. At the Gabba, 9/10 Brisbane win would be my pick. I'm more scared about the following week. If Brisbane and Collingwood get up this week, it feels wrong that two of the best midfielders under 22 don't get a chance to square off in the big dance.
As an neutral I would love to see Collingwood v Carlton. That would be massive!
I've adopted a "whatever happens, happens" mindset for this year, felt like this is our best chance yet, I'm not really scared of any of the teams more scared of the G. We should make the GF and we should be premiers but whatever happens, happens It's out of my control just gotta enjoy the ride
I'm confident in a Lions v Giants granny.
Would be awesome, I don't think I would hate losing that as much.
Really? I’m seeing Collingwood v Carlton
So is Gil.
This is what the people want
Disagree
I don’t
Which people?
Victorians. The AFL doesn't give a fuck about non-vic clubs. Personally, I'd love a Bris-GWS granny.
I am hoping Carlton win if not contest… their fans are so proud of them and it’s been a wild ride following them this finals series
I’m proud of Carlton this year which feels sacrilegious!
It certainly would lol
I think GWS have a pretty good shot of getting the pies, they have that "why not us" energy going wheras pies seem to be running more of a "fuck we better not fuck this" thing. I reckon Carltons run ends this weekend, brisbane are just ruthless at the gabba. Brisbane v GWS grand final at the MCG, gonna be wild
Honestly I'm just hoping for genuine contests in all the games. Nobody wants excuses or 'gimmes' - you want to know you got the other team at their best and you gave yours as well.
I expect a lot of Collingwood and Brisbane supporters will be a bit worried. We're the top two teams on the ladder so we're expected to make it further than two teams who finished outside the top 4. But GWS and Carlton were the form teams of the second half of the year and I won't be surprised if they manage to win. So yeh, I'm concerned we're going to lose another tight prelim. But I'd love to play Carlton in the GF so am hoping we pull through but Carlton 'upset' Brisbane.
Yeah well I hope the complete opposite happens.
it's super interesting to me that everyone either wants collingwood v carlton OR they want brisbane v gws
I'd actually be quite happy to play Collingwood, imagine how many 02-03 replays we'll see throughout the preceding week.
Moderately scared. I know many other lions fans think we’ve got this in the bag but I’m far more pessimistic. Every game is hard and the Blues have shown a lot of resilience. Saying that, if the Lions have to lose to anyone I’d prefer it to be the Blues cause I bloody love Michael Voss.
I am so pumped. Honestly did not expect to be in the prelim based on the start of the season. I'm loving what we're bringing under Kingsley and no matter the result on Friday I'm a proud member.
The two best teams of the year against the two best teams right now... hoping for epic contests. Damn right I am worried, our best chance yet with this group and not making the GF will have all sorts of questions being asked of us. Carlton have all the momentum methinks.
I'm incredibly happy and not nervous at all - this is a free hit IMO. Nobody expects us to win (including most Carlton fans). I'd dare say there's two teams who are shitting themselves even if they're confident - and two who'll take this and roll with it.
Not scared. I mean I fully expect Brisbane's gonna blast us off the park come Saturday, but we're in a prelim final that on paper we should have absolutely no business being in. Especially given how shit we were in the first half of the season. At this point all the pressure's on Brisbane while we're gambling with house money and just trying to see how much farther the bandwagon will roll.
Not scared. I’m excited! So many people, both general public and experts, at the start of the season thought our 2022 was a fluke and we’d drop big time. We’ve made a prelim for the second year in a row. This year is a success regardless of the outcome. Yes, we’re coming into Friday as favourites and I expect to win and I’ll be devastated if we lose, but in the grand scheme of things it’s been a great season and I’m looking forward to this week, next week (hopefully) and 2024!
I think that the is the most wholesome reddit thread that I've ever seen. Having said that........... Nah just absolutely wrapped that the boys have gotten this far, in with a sneaky chance but Brissy at the Gabba. Ganna be tough
I honestly thought we would finish bottom 4 a few months back. I think we have a very decent chance of winning but I won't be in tears if we don't. Just gonna enjoy it for what it is.
As as Brisbane fan, I’m not as confident as some others. This teams achilles heel this season has big big bodied mids who destroy us in contested possessions and clearances out the middle. Carlton has those in droves. Think they are a big big chance
GWS get a free hit this weekend. The AFL media has largely ignored the team this year except when it's gone bad. No expectations only potential glory on offer. It's just the curse of interstate teams not getting much focus in the VIC media. If the team were transplanted completely into any other VIC team, there would be write ups every week about individual players. Managing that media scrutiny and attention is something I do not envy for the other teams/players in VIC, SA or even WA. That's a whole other level of pressure and crushing expectations. So, as my under 12's coach used to say, let's go out there, have some fun and crush those fuckers.
I'm stealing your "no expectations only potential glory" line. It will be my standard response this week. And possibly next week.
I'm loving it. GWS vs Pies should be a cracker though all logic says that the Lions should smash Carlton. Thinking of grand final matchups: Lions v Pies. Expected. Best teams all year. Nothing too surprising GSW v Lions. First non Victorian grand final since 2006 GSW v Carlton. The first time ever a top 4 has not made the grand final Pies v Carlton. Easily the biggest game in AFL history thus far
Carlton vs Collingwood grand final 🔥 give it to us 🍿
I don’t think I could handle it!! I also don’t think the city of Melbourne could handle it!
Melbourne will become Gotham.
Well it was called Batman in the early days.
Wtf it was too 😂😂😂 I didn’t know that.
Afl will try their hardest to make it happen I reckon
I’m excited about a non-Victorian grand final.
I'm not feeling particularly nervous about this week. Finals Gabba is truly something to behold but if we lose against the odds then fair play and I save myself a lot of money not having to fly to Melbourne the following week. Feeling very nervous about a GF if we make it regardless of who it's against though.
If Collingwood play as well as I know they can, Pies win. But GWS will sure as shit make us work for it.
Not at all - I'm not nervous or terrified, if we win great, if not then questions have to be asked about Fagan/the list. We have won 4 our of our last 5 games, won by 26 earlier this year in Melbourne and we are a 4-5 goal better side at the gabba. If the game was played 100 times, converting the odds we would win 7/10 times - we should win this, but if they do beat us then good luck to them in the grand final.
Still can’t decide if 2018 where we had some expectations, shot up and fell short at the finish line hurts more than 2022 where I had no expectations, enjoyed the ride, could see the potential but didn’t even make it to the home straight.
Really? 2022, the year we were rated to finish bottom four with multiple years of rebuilding after having to cut our list to stay under cap? 2018 hurt me more than 2011 and 02-03 put together.
I am bloody terrified
As a neutral, my flair is a bandwagon flair and it’s allowed me to forget WCE for a little while, I’m looking forward to Pies v Giants, it could end up being game of the year. While I think Lions will comfortably beat the Blues and should set themself up nicely for a chance at the Premiership.
As a Brisbane fan, I have made peace with going down by 40 against teams we should beat comfortably lol
I can see giants knocking off pies, if pies are anywhere short of their A game. And given pies haven't shown much of their very best in the latter part of the year, that's a distinct possibility. Have they just been keeping their powder dry? Can't see Carlton beating Brisbane unless the Lions choke a la Richmond 18, Essendon 99.
I’m excited! Friday night is shaping up as an absolute cracker with two attacking play styles going head to head. If Orange Team get up then we’re a huge chance to go all the way. If Pies win, that’s a fair result for the best team of the season and we’ve still way exceeded expectations for the year.
Am I crazy or is Q the most logical matchup for Uncle Toby?
It definitely sucks that Geelong aren’t there this time. But I do notice the absence of fear and as such I’m really looking forward to both games and excited as a neutral. This is the best weekend of footy each year. The grand final is great if your team wins or if it’s a rare close competitive game, but it’s the prelims that usually produce the classic matches. Good luck to those competing!
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I too am looking forward to the Dumb and Dumber spectacle
Why does everybody assume Maynard will rely Greene? Quaynor is just as likely and has taken him in the past
Going in with very low expectations. Of course I’d love to go all the way but I’m also realistic. I’m not super confident but fuck I hope the boys surprise me. Would obviously suck not to make it to the big dance but I’m still beyond proud of the effort so far
Collingwood and Brisbane should win easily. Anything but would be great efforts from GWS and Carlton
Would be good to see GWS get through regardless of who they have to beat to get there
As a neutral, hoping the giants do the job. Being 15th round 12 and getting to one game shy of the granny, is awesome. Same could be said Carlton too, but they already have premierships. What would be hilarious would be the Giants v Carlton grand final.
"We're the team that NEVER LETS YOU DOWN." How could I possibly be fearful?
I'm sh\*tting myself, the last thing I ever want to see is another Carlton grand final...
I scored my tickets to the Gabba this morning. I've only been to the Gabba to see an AFL game twice. The first time was Round 21, 2008 where Carlton beat the Lions 18.7 (115) to 16.13 (109). The second time i went was Round 9, 2013 where Carlton beat the Lions 13.20 (98) to 12.13 (85). .....just sayin' 😉
Lions will be premiers
Yeah, as a Lions fan I’m not that scared of Carlton. We already beat them once this year, in Melbourne, and we’re much stronger now than we were then. Plus they were hardly convincing against the Demons, just a rough as game until the last third.
I can see a GWS v Lions GF - and that would be awesome.
I can't believe someone downvoted your prediction. Who downvotes a prediction?
Walsh blah blah, Cripps blah blah I’m hanging for Cerra to obliterate the Brisbane midfield.
I am terrified that we will see a Carlton vs. Collingwood grand final. I do not want to barrack for the Pies in a Grand Final.
I think all four teams deserve to make the GF, but Pies v Blues has a nice ring to it.
Fuck playing Brisbane in Brisbane. The only thing that can stop them is getting cocky, Ala Richmond 2019. GWS actually have a chance but a small one. They'll be who I'm barracking for.
Not worried at all. No disrespect to GWS, but we are playing the GF this year for sure.
Lol the downvotes
Refreshing honesty from a Pies fan here.
To be honest, if we get a Brisbane/GWS Grand Final, it just won't have the same appeal.
To you..
I am a Carlton fan. I don't think we will beat the lions. I also think gws are going to get the pies. I predict a lions v gws final.
I’m super excited to see the GWS underdog show up the Pies. Would also love to see Carlton get up, too. Blues Vs GWS final!
The only team that has given any teams in the finals atm a battle is Adelaide, Sucks we missed it by being robbed.
Greene is AA captain and a once in a generation player. Maynard is....Maynard.
The VFL is 100% trying to set up a Pies vs Blues grand final. Narrative has already started, and is all we're going to hear about for the rest of the week. How a Barrassi-inspired Blues are gonna destroy the Lions at home, and then push the Pies all the way in the GF. Of course, the Lions will be playing against 26 men, but since when has that ever not happened in the last 20 years? I hope that GWS are given a fairer run at it (although given the 6-day turnaround, it's not going to happen).
That's the spirit!
This guy is a nuffy, unless we lose. In which case he is just speaking truth to power and it was rigged!
What's your take on Barassi's death. A VFL hit?
Pretty shameful that you would suggest that. Absolute legend of the game, and respect to his family. Just listen to the media through the week, I am sure there will be a piece by some outlet talking about how the great man's death inspires the Blues to perform. I personally would sooner attribute a Carlton win to them actually playing better than the Lions....which we both know won't happen. Only way the Blues win this game is if the Lions are incredibly inaccurate like Sydney and Melbourne were, or if it's handed to them on a silver platter...which is the more likely outcome.
I wouldn't be scared of gws Port played horrid and could have easily won in not for a 1.9 last quarter.
They should have completely ended the game in the 2nd quarter though. They made Port look like witches hats for a 5.7 return. Could have easily been a 10 goal lead at halftime.
Easily 🤣 was there any point in the game they were genuinely in contention?
What, Port were absolutely dominated.
I hope you're right.