This last quarter thing is becoming a real pain in the worsfold for me. Probably not as much as it is for the coaching staff and players, but it is really getting on my last nerve.
Its not so much that we get run over, its the fact that when something bad happens in recent times (like a post being hit), its that you can see and you can feel the players accepting the fate. That is really hard to handle.
On another negative note, I know they have their fans down sowf, but I am ready to give up on project Duffield and project Thornton. If someone can fill me in on what these guys do for us I'd be mighty pleased.
On a brighter note, Sandilands is reaching those heights that we all thought he might, and he's doing it much more regularly. His marking etc on the weekend has me thinking that by the mid-year point of next year he'll be reaching the top of his powers and should stay there for quite a while.
Also, the hand wringing about Warnockl leaving can now stop. We'll get something for him and the Hipless Vulture has showed more than enough in the backup role for me to be happy seeing him there for years to come.
OK, on with the rankings...
1(2) Geelong - The Geelong response to the loss was predictable wasn't it. The Hawks response to becoming the best n the comp was a bit less so.
2(1) Hawks - A flat spot was inevitable, and I think after the D's and this loss they are in the middle of that spot now. It'll be interesting to see if it spirals or if they pull themselves up from it quickly.
3(3) Bullies - A big case for them to be number 2 after beating the hawks, but in my mind the body of work so far is not enough to get them above the poo stained bananas.
4(4) Brissie - I must admit I didn't think they'd spend much time in the top 4 of these rankings, but they are doing a top job at present.
5(5) Syd - The only people who thought these guys would become a high scoring juggernaut AFTER Hall got his layoff are the guys in the Swans coaches box. And even they're probably amazed at the fact that Sydney is at the top of the percentage ranks right now. Roo's now has his hand up in the CoY comp. Lets hope they keep it up for at least 1 more week.
6(8) Collingwood - FINALLY over that trip to Dubai apparently. Travelling once every 10 seasons does have its drawbacks.
7(7) Crows - That was NOT a convincing display. Burton will be a big loss for them...no really, he will.
8(9) Port - Chocko apparently has given up on the chances of his mob making the 8. More proof that this guy is 1 brain cell separated from a bucket of particularly stupid mud.
9(6) North - I have worked these guys out. Bet on them when everyone has bagged them the previous week or when they have someone in a big milestone game or when noone thinks they can win. Which means they are a real show this week against the Cats. The trouble for this mob is that the "emotion fuelled" wins get harder to achieve each time. At some stage you need something else, and these guys don't have it.
10(11) Saints - Let me get this straight. The aints were soft a week ago, but because they beat Melbourne, they've "silenced the critics". Talk about jumping an easy hurdle. Lets not start fellating these guys until they win the next 2 as well (WB, Syd).
11(10) Tiggers - Welcome back RFC, we missed you.
12(12) Carltank - They are what we thought they would be.
13(14) FFC - Another terrible loss. But the level off effluence below Freo still sees them rise a spot this week. For all the focus on the failings of Freo, the good stuff is awfully good. It is also awfully sporadic.
14(15) Ess- Another team that rises after a loss. Maybe sweet Matty was helped by the conditions but either way, he may now see the advantage of putting some effort in to defensive work as well.
15(15) Melb - Flogged...again. Could it be any worse for these guys? Well yes actually...
16(13) Gutless Quitters - In 60% of the games this year they have been down by 8 goals or more. In 40% they have been beaten by 10 goals or more. Yet apparently they are in better shape than FFC, RFC, MFC & EFC. Source? K. Judge. Words fail me.