Collateral said:
Nope Willow, 'fraid not.
We WILL win, because we are going to be the 2006 Premiers. We have Melbournes measure!
OK. How's this...?
If this forum is anything to go on, there's definitely a buzz out there. Its bumper-to-bumper discussions with twice as many posts on the usual.
Whatever the result and regardless of the views of snotty-nosed trolls, the mighty Saints are worthy contenders. Make no mistake about it.
There is definite self-belief and in my opinion, that's half the battle won.
The roller coaster ride with Saints has been a tough one this year, but it now looks like the lads have their straps with precision timing. Was it extra clever coaching in making sure the team didn't peak too early? I don't know, but last year the team was on a dip coming into the finals and this year we appear to be on a rise, if that makes any sense.
The players are backing each other up and fighting for each other. Everyone appears to ready to grow an extra leg to play faster and smarter.
They have not conceded a point in the second half since round 24.
Their defence out of the line has been full of aggro and they are hurting their opposites. They have been muscling up better than at any other time this year and have shown us that can defend their line when the going gets tough.
The forwards have been outstanding of late. In particular, Bailey and Ryles appear to be playing the best football of their careers.
The team as a whole is showing a variety in attack and defence which is keeping the other mob guessing.
The players are sticking to the game plan and the coach seems to be doing his homework. I look forward to what they'll come up with this week and what the game plan will be.
The great thing is that we're over the complex matters of calculating who we're up against or what lies beyond. It has now come down to a simple matter of do or die. Easy.