Finals qualification

[David]

If so, they’re overstating things somewhat given nobody would have expected Essendon to win either of their last two games anyway. The only upset that’s really changed the equation is Geelong beating Fremantle, and that’s just one of at least six results we needed from other games.

[Gerry Cooper]

I know it isn't in the best interests of our chances but I would love to see Carlton smash Hawthorn today. Probably won't happen as they are too weak for that. (Carlton then going out in straight sets in the finals would be the optimum result I think).

[RudeBoy]

I've accepted the fact that we won't play finals this year. As others have said, it's probably a blessing. We need as much time as possible to get our recruitment, fitness and game-plan in order, so we can attack the 2025 season with confidence.

FWIW, we need at least one new quality midfielder, or we are destined to more disappointments. Let's hope that Allan, DeMattia, Smit and TJ all step up and provide us with some much improved depth. Richards looks the goods and hopefully Harrison will be able to have an impact by mid season.

Sullivan and Long are probably worth retaining, but I do not believe that Bytel, McInnes, Macrae, Dean or Begg are worth persevering with. Nevertheless, I'd be more than happy to be proved wrong.

One thing's for sure, we need some serious changes/improvements if we are to become a genuine contender in 2025.

[SLORT]

Collingwood fans supporting the Blues...so unnatural.
And thus they're getting injuries everywhere, lol. Seems like we've given them the kiss of death.
Hawk's should thrash them at this point but yeah, who the hell knows...

[SLORT]

And with a lead of 67 points Hawks in the 8, Blues out...

[RudeBoy]

Our only hope now....as far as I can tell....and apart from us having to beat the Lions and Dees....is for the Blues to extend their losing streak to the Eagles in Perth and then to the Saints. That's very unlikely, but given how shit the Blues are playing atm it's certainly possible. However, even if this eventuates, we would also require the Dockers to lose their remaining games to the Giants (A) and to Port (H). This is certainly on the cards.

[SLORT]

Multiple injuries, including Curnow, Martin, and Saad, reckon Eagles are a good chance at home next week.

[David]

At least the Blues’ percentage got a smashing, which was the next best result to the Hawks losing.

Still have 135 points on us in For/Against terms, but that’s manageable if we get two wins and they have one more big loss. Otherwise two losses can see us leapfrog them regardless.

[Pete 70]

They were so s…t today. Eagles not a forgone conclusion and then we need sainters to do their doctor jeckyl Mr hide crap and play the game of their lives to save Ross’s job. What’s helpful is that gws and port desperately need to win both games. Still have hope. Come on the crows

[SLORT]

Nice start by Crows, qtr time 32 v 10.

[RudeBoy]

Assuming the Bulldogs lose to the Crows, their next game is against the Roos, which you'd expect them to win.

[Pete 70]

Agreed RudeB but we are in funky town at the moment

[Jezza]

I'm deathriding Fremantle, Carlton and the Bulldogs. Need to win our final two matches obviously.

Fremantle play GWS (A) and Port Adelaide (H). Carlton play West Coast (A) and St Kilda (H). Western Bulldogs play North Melbourne (H) and GWS (H in Ballarat).

Absolutely rueing our defeat against Sydney. Such a missed opportunity to give it one last shake for a finals spot.

[David]

We’ll still be mathematically alive on Saturday night if we beat Brisbane, but we’ll know by the start of the game whether we still have anything resembling a plausible chance based on the Giants–Dockers result. Even if it’s probably not going to happen either way, it’d be nice to at least keep the hope alive a little longer! So I hope GWS get the job done for us.

[Jezza]

Sydney beating Essendon helps, but isn't defining for our finals hopes.

The key tomorrow is us beating Brisbane, and GWS beating Fremantle. Need both results to happen for us to have any chance.

It's the hope that kills you. I'm not giving up until it's impossible to qualify.