After twelve games we are split right down the middle at 6-6, with a mixed bag of results of late to cap off what has been an ‘on-par’ start to the 2012 season.
When I looked at our fixture at the start of the season and the incredibly tough run we had to start it, I knew that if we were able to weather the storm and cutback on as many big losses as possible it would leave us in good stead for the run home to the finals.
Going back over the games so far, looking at it from a pre-season expectations point of view, I believe 6-6 is just about a spot on reflection of where our club should be.
There have been some terrific performances, such as the massive win against premiership fancies Hawthorn and finally getting over the hurdle that has been St. Kilda for almost a decade. Mixed in with these particular games and other strong showings however has been the bitterly disappointing effort against Fremantle and the ‘almost capitulation against GWS.
Because of these performances it makes it really difficult to predict the remainder of our season, and whether or not finals are a distinct possibility, or a far-fetched dream.
To make the final eight this year it looks as though you’ll have to win at least 13 games to guarantee a spot. That means we would have to notch up victories in seven of our final ten games to make it which is obviously no easy task.
The way I see it, the loss to Fremantle could well prove to be the kicker when it comes to whether we make finals or not. Every win is going to count as the season winds down, so dropping a game against a team who traditionally doesn’t perform well in Melbourne really hurt us in more ways than one.
An extra win or two is going to have to come against an unlikely opponent, which brings us to the clash with Adelaide this weekend.
AAMI Stadium has been a relatively happy hunting ground for us in recent times and this week gives us a great opportunity to try and win back a game to make up for the Dockers loss.
The midfield battle will be thrilling to watch, as arguably the two most improved engine rooms go head to head. This battle is even more important for us, given Adelaide’s amazing firepower up forward with Kurt Tippett and Taylor Walker who have looked ominous all season.
The boys also have to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal this week, especially given they are playing in enemy territory. Kicking at goal almost cost us dearly against GWS but a good side like Adelaide won’t let us get away with that so easily.
It’s great to see the club blood another youngster this week, with key forward Todd Elton getting his chance this week. Throughout the NAB Cup he looked like a lively type up forward who isn’t scared to jump for his marks. With Tyrone Vickery struggling with injury/form, there is a real chance for Elton to come in and cement a position in the line-up.
A loss won’t be the end of the world come Saturday, however if the club can use this ‘free-hit’ against Adelaide and cause an upset, all of a sudden playing finals may be back on the cards.
Go Tiges!
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