AFL 2007

[Christabella]

And since this thread seems to have turned into a how good are those Roos going thread I thought I'd post a blog I wrote after beating the Swans last week:

Well done Kangaroos, I was wrong to doubt you.

Dean Laidley spoke about the 'Shinboner Spirit' all week and his words had the desired effect. Saturday night's performance was among the best I have seen for the last couple of years (and not just because I enjoy beating Sydney more than anyone else). It was brilliant and gritty all at once and it came at the expense of a much highly fancied opponent, allowing fans to dream as they had dared not to this year.

For the first half of the match last years grand finalists were thoroughly dominated. The Swans stars were given no freedom to move and found themselves seven goals down before they could muster one of their own. When they tried to step up a gear in the latter stages the Kangaroos matched them and refused to give in.

In the first five matches of 2007 that shinboner spirit had been there: written off by all the experts the Roos were in every contest. They had won the first quarter on every occasion and had fought ferociously throughout as evidenced by the fact they are leading the league in hard ball gets.

Their tenacity finally paid off in round 4 with their first won of the year and from then they have only become stronger and more determined. This latest victory, more so than the previous two, has provided hope for a good season as it demonstrates that we are able to match the top teams.

What's more is there is still so much room for improvement in the side. In all matches the Kangaroos have started strongly only to fade away. However if they were to string together four full quarters they would be capable of destroying an opponent in a similar style to what Geelong has already done this season. After all Geelong were one of the teams the Kangaroos have knocked off.

The next three opponents appear easier prospects than Sydney and if the Kangaroos maintain the determined attitude they are certainly capable of winning all three. Should they manage this then they will be well on their way to a top eight finish.

Given their preseason favouritism for the wooden spoon, not to mention the off field distractions of boardroom dramas and possible permanent relocation, this would be an amazing effort

[Buzz]

Based on today's performance by Carlton, and last nights by the Roos, I'll be tipping a close game - Roos to win by 35 pts!

[Andy]

I thought the Blues were going to win that one today, until the Pies had a ripping final quarter.

I think through sufferance I tipped the pies.

My AFL tipping is shot this year anyway, at least I'm equal 3rd in my NRL tips. 

[perthstormer]

im very impressed with the way we are playing very similar to the way we came out in the NAB cup.  running it out of the midfield Mcintosh is playing fantastic.  Edwards looks like he could have a very good season.

[perthstormer]

unlucky Buzz but we are the in form team you know congrats boys keep the wins a comming in

[Buzz]

Sounds like it was a game worthy of greatness. When both teams score more than 100 points, I feel gladdened even if we lose. The pathetic game between Hawks and Saints is a horrible result for everyone. "But we got the 4 points".... And so what? You cheapen the game for it.

[Christabella]

I think I got my teams mixed up in my presason expectations ... it's the Roos who will probably make up numbers in the 8 while the Dogs are only going to make up the numbers.

[perthstormer]

Well with Melbourne getting smashed over here Im hoping for another win against the dees christa do you what our longetst winning streak was in the 90's ?

[Christabella]

In 2005 we won the first 5 matches of the year, we have a long way to go to get to the 10 in a row from the 1999 premiership year though.
I can't recall other long streaks without looking it up.

[Christabella]

Just had a quick look and we won 11 in a row before losing the 1998 GF
What a game to break the streak, they just never turned up in the final quarter *sigh*

[perthstormer]

I was gutted couldnt get tickets and prob glad i didnt in the end

[Andy]

Just had a quick look and we won 11 in a row before losing the 1998 GF
What a game to break the streak, they just never turned up in the final quarter *sigh*

I did a bad, bad thing in the MCG car park after that game.

'99 sort of made up for it, but I would rather beat those Crows than the Blues.

[TC]

And after the dramas and disappointment of the last few years, at last they're a happy team at Hawthorn again.

[perthstormer]

we did only6 just 1 point thriller bring on the eagles.  I think the only way the media is going to take us seriously if we beat the eagles.  Hutchy today  was saying how he thought the dees were going to win as the roos steak was a "mere coincedence" and how we are not true top eight contenders.

[Tigger]

And after the dramas and disappointment of the last few years, at last they're a happy team at Hawthorn again.

For a week at least