AFL Game Day - Round 24, 2025

[EasternWest]

We had the men's dept down back - all tough as nails and unrelenting in their pressure and ability to defend one-on-one. And we had a makeshift forward line full of assorted hard-nuts, who were able to cobble together winning scores every week in September against more talented and better credentialed teams.

Basically the opposite of what we currently have.

There's something to be said for just pure toughness and will. Our current team seems to really lack that.

[Sedat]

There's something to be said for just pure toughness and will. Our current team seems to really lack that.

Was watching Brisbane v Hawthorn last night after I got home from our game. The contrast was stark - neither team played pretty or free-flowing football but boy did they stick their tackles. And the defenders made their forwards earn absolutely every possession.

There is an undeniable fragility to our senior core, there's absolutely no doubt about that. We can play exhilarating football when it's on our terms - as good as anyone - but when the opposition heat is applied, we fold quicker than any of the other 'good' teams. And many times it can come out of the blue and in-game - I should have seen Q2 coming but yesterday I didn't. I was smoking the pipe at 1/4 time thinking the game was being played exactly how we wanted.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Was watching Brisbane v Hawthorn last night after I got home from our game. The contrast was stark - neither team played pretty or free-flowing football but boy did they stick their tackles. And the defenders made their forwards earn absolutely every possession.

There is an undeniable fragility to our senior core, there's absolutely no doubt about that. We can play exhilarating football when it's on our terms - as good as anyone - but when the opposition heat is applied, we fold quicker than any of the other 'good' teams. And many times it can come out of the blue and in-game - I should have seen Q2 coming but yesterday I didn't. I was smoking the pipe at 1/4 time thinking the game was being played exactly how we wanted.

We all should have seen it. I don't know why I consistently get duped by this lot. I suppose I shouldn't criticise the coaches and players for not learning when I don't myself. I was wary of this going into the game but for some bizarre reason quietly thought we wouldn't let it happen.

Never again.

Pinned for 2026.

[Bornadog]

We all should have seen it. I don't know why I consistently get duped by this lot. I suppose I shouldn't criticise the coaches and players for not learning when I don't myself. I was wary of this going into the game but for some bizarre reason quietly thought we wouldn't let it happen.

Never again.

Pinned for 2026.

The last 2 years 14 wins gets you into finals (2022 there were 22 games) .

Brisbane won 14 last year and went on to win the Premiership.

We fell short, we need to improve for 2026 and it won't be with massive changes, because realistically, that does not work. eg Richmond, West Coast and even North

[Sedat]

Tonight will be much closer than the footy community is predicting. Gold Coast have already shown they are nervous and panicky the last 2 weeks, and they have rushed back Rioli a week ahead of schedule. Their contest and territory game has deserted them late in the season, and it's hard to magically flick the switch.

Essendon's form hasn't been putrid the last few weeks - competitive against Geelong and Swans, pipped at the post by St Kilda and ok in parts against Carlton. Their form has been better in the elements (Shithole Park, SCG) and tonight will be played in dewy and slippery conditions.

You don't think a prick like Brad Scott hasn't noticed the complete and utter lack of respect to his team the last couple of weeks? There are also a number of players playing for their footy life tonight and desperately hoping to get another contract. Their side on paper tonight is probably the best it has been for a few weeks. I'm not bold enough to predict an Essendon win but it will not surprise me in the slightest if it is under 4 goals.

[1eyedog]

I'm of the same mind. I do think the Suns will get it done but it won't be a training session for them.

Essendon have pride to play for no doubt and the other factor in our favour is if they win they won't move draft spots so no need to tank this one.

[Mantis]

So, are you 2 telling me there's a chance?

I've consoled myself with the fact we are where we deserve to be and can't bear the thought of getting down and dirty by wanting Essendon to perform well.

[Sedat]

So, are you 2 telling me there's a chance?

I've consoled myself with the fact we are where we deserve to be and can't bear the thought of getting down and dirty by wanting Essendon to perform well.

Even if they somehow win, I'll still be dirty on how we badly fumbled our opportunity to control our own destiny on Sunday. And it won't change what we obviously need to do in the off-season to get better. I'll gladly take it though.

Gold Coast are wobbly, and 1ED rightly points out that tonight is a free swing for the Bombers in terms of draft position. Port's team on Friday night was even more injury-ravaged than Essendon - I know it was Hinkley and Boak's farewell but Gold Coast should really have smashed them. Again, it was in the elements and the Suns don't like it as much when conditions aren't pristine.

I still reckon they get it done but I don't think it will be a walk in the park. And I've already consoled myself in the knowledge that we are a fully deserved 9th this season based on our inability to get it done against the top 8, irrespective of what happens tonight. An unlikely GC loss is just a bonus, and we still need to urgently correct some key issues with game style and personnel in D50.

Forgot to mention that GC had to travel and are coming off a 5 day break. I reckon the bookies odds are out of whack tonight - line is over 50 points.

[Bornadog]

I'm not bold enough to predict an Essendon win but it will not surprise me in the slightest if it is under 4 goals.

Over 5 goals and Suns get to travel to Perth

[The Adelaide Connection]

I’ll tell you one thing- Relying on Essendon to win feels like Karma just pulled a reverse-schadenfreude card on me.

[G-Mo77]

I just hope Gold Coast finish it early.

[Eastdog]

This is hard!

[chef]

Ben King to outscore the Bombers

[DOG GOD]

Ben King to outscore the Bombers

This could be 100 points

[1eyedog]

I just hope Gold Coast finish it early.

They are