Well done on EPFC making the big day…first time we meet since 2001.
Both teams have Two Grades in the GF , so its a huge day for both clubs.
That combined with EP having a good following makes it better crowd wise.
Lets hope for a good fine day. Shame its not a long weekend.
Have just gazed into the crystal ball and seen the weather is looking good for Grand Final day.
After watching them in the pre season game,no surprise to see the Bulldogs in the GF and having a dominant season thus far.As far as we’re concerned,wasn’t sure how we would backup after losing our 2 best midfielders from last season,but here we are with another opportunity,and we must find a way to sow seeds of doubt against the unbeatable looking Bulldogs,but I think Jonesy who’s been nullified by Free in slippery conditions,can be the barometer as to how well we will go next week.
A massive relief to be in front at the final siren, Lucky.
I think one of the learned posters (WAG, I believe) on this site mentioned that it’s forecast to be 27 next Sunday, so hopefully fine conditions will help us combat South after two dismal losses to the Bulldogs in heavy conditions in the past five weeks.
Hopefully, Ross McQueen keeps Scott Jones in cotton wool for what’s sure to be an absorbing duel with Hamish Free.
A more pressing worry than South and Free is whether the Tribunal (hopefully) throws out the first-quarter report of Hamish Brayshaw.
I thought Eastland shaded Jones today. I thought McQueen missed a trick not resting him in the last game when you couldn’t move up or down. You lost it anyway.
Fair points, rnb, Oliver Eastland is certainly an exceptional ruckman.
I thought the East Perth selectors may’ve given interstate recruit Jacob Spasevski a run in the ruck in Round 20, just to see how he handled the step up from the reserves.
After losing that game to Claremont, I would not have envisaged the Royals beating the Tigers twice during the finals.
Jonesy is a work horse, and he thrives on being in the middle in the thick of the action,and what isn’t reflected in stats,is his body work in the packs,and I reckon he’s got one more big game left in him.and his output next week will be very critical.
The thing I’m holding on to the most Arch,is the fact we were very competitive against South on the dry track,and we also have to somehow unsettle the Bulldog backline which is very well organised,and our ability to hit targets with our normally precise kicking,will be another very critical factor
Middleton in the forward line is a distinct difference Lucky. Not afraid to hit bodies. Although we are roughies I do believe South think they are vastly superior. I think they are a bit better true but no reason why we can’t compete for most of the match.
I didnt see the Brayshaw incident. What do people think? Would obviously be a massive blow if he was rubbed out. Hopefully its a fine at worst
Larry, for your sake you’d hope Souths go in over confident thinking they already have it won.
As a Subi tragic, I remember back to the 86 season where the Gummies thrashed us in the 2nd semi by 10++ goals, they were already dusting off a place in their trophy cabinet for the cup, we won a close prelim, like you guys have just done, then jumped them in the GF and won by 60++ points, despite EF having what every pundit considered a vastly superior list. So there’s always hope.
He splits the pack and tackles hard and brings the ball to ground for the crumbers,my only criticism of him is he spills too many marks for my liking but hopefully he has sticky fingers next Sunday.I suppose South are entitled to feel good about themselves,they are 18-1 this season for a reason,and have many experienced players,so we can only hope they have an off day young Larry.
Couldn’t find the incident in the replay,but a telling sign after the game was when Hamish walked off the ground with his brother Andrew,he motioned to him an elbow action hitting the chest,so I doubt he’s got anything to worry about.
Elbow to chest from what I saw. Anything’s possible though depending on what evidence is given.
SF and GF favorites are a bad recipe. I know this from cold hard experience.
Brayshaw in the clear, found guilty offered a week, downgraded to a reprimand with an early guilty plea. Umpires need to do more to protect star players who have to put up with opposition meatballs like Barron with no intentions at a stoppage to do anything but prevent a player from contesting a stoppage.
Charlie Constable had to put up with a shitload of these tactics which I think will cost him the Sandover Medal tonight. Branden Parfitt and Cory Byrne not far behind who have to put up with these shit tactics.
Souths are rightly favourites but EP seem to be able play to a level against most teams. For me that is about the coach and our depth. The depth enables the coach to pick players for the game plan required. Yes the last outing against Souths wasn’t one of our better games but perhaps the coach had a process to get us to the final.
Sportsbet have SF at 1.10 and EP at 5.50. considering the weather for Sunday and how close the game was when they last played in the sushine the odds are an interesting sign.
I’ve seen $6 in some places which is ridiculous,South are good but are they as superior as some of the pre points cap Subi sides???i’m not sure that they are.
Think EP will enjoy the fast track and warmer weather.
But Souths have had an awsome season.
Historically these two clubs are the best supported in the Wafl.
Winner -South Fremantle 18 points
Crowd-30,000
Simpson Medal-Willcocks .EP .was fantastic v Claremont.Cool as a cucumber under pressure.See hes a local zone boy from Ellenbrook.