Some Important Games This Week

[bunyip]

Whilst  they are not exactly season ending games, there are a few games that would be very handy to win for some teams. With only a handfull of games left you can't afford to drop off at all. I'm talking about Fremantle, Hawthorn, Footscray (they'll always be Footscray to me), and Carlton.
It is really irrelevant what other teams do, if you want to finish in the top 4 you have to win at least 15 games.
The Doggies, Carlton and Hawthorn especially will be very keen to win this week I think.

[Justin Bieber]

Probably bunyip. But Freo have to win to begin life without Barlow. Can't use him as an excuse not to do well.

I don't think Carlton would be able to make top 4 this year. A win could give them more confidence but still don't tink they can finish the year so strongly to get in.

[Goldy22]

Richmond vs Fremantle should be a good game.

[bunyip]

Fantastic win by an undermanned Geelong against an in form Hawthorn. Is a top 4 position now out of reach for the Hawks?

[Hawka]

were 2 games outta the top 4 so it will be hard we would need to only lose 2 or so from here but is possible but hawks were brillant yesterday

[bunyip]

I think you have to win 15 games to get in the top 4 Hawk. Freo may struggle for the rest of the season so a place may open up. The thing is, at this stage I believe it is still in your hands, win enough games and you're in. Other results don't really matter yet.

[bunyip]

Freo's moment of truth this week. They simply cannot afford to lose a home game. Melbourne will be no pushover.
Doesn't really matter who wins between the Saints and Pies, both will finish in the top 4.
Geelong...Doesn't matter
Hawthorn....must win
Ess v WC...doesn't matter Essendon won't make the finals now
Bullies must win
Blues v Swans....Doesn't matter. Both should make up the numbers
Kangas.....must win
If the Hawks and Doggies don't make the top 4 and win their first final, I wouldn't want to play either of them.
Anyone disagree?

[ossie85]

I disagree that the Saints/Pies match doesn't matter - who would you rather play if you were Saints/Cats/Pies in the first week of the finals - the Saints/Cats/Pies or the Dockers/Bulldogs?

The battle for first spot could be crucial.

Other than that I agree!

[bunyip]

If the Bullies or Hawks can grab 4th I wouldn't like to play either of them. The Bullies smashed Carlton and Geelong were lucky against Hawthorn.  Whatever happens, it will be a great relief if your team wins the first qualifying final and gets a rest.
If Freo can hold on to 4th. then they would play their first final in Melbourne unless the league says otherwise. I would much prefer to play Freo here than in Perth.
With so many good teams this year, I think you just get as high on the ladder as you can and not worry about who you play.

[Hawka]

We have only had 2 finals seris in recent years (07 and 08)but it seems the hawks fire up for them we smahed bulldogs and saints in 08 in the finals after losing to them in the H and A season and beating geelong (something we havent done since then)personally doggies are slow can there old list last another long finals series

[bunyip]

Don't underestimate them. If they get a wiff they'll beat anyone on their day. They learnt about the pain last year, they will be a harder proposition this year.