Game Day 2015 Grand Final - Hawthorn v West Coast, MCG 2.30pm

[EightyNineChamps]

We have to get them on the back foot very early, keep the pressure on and settle into the style we are the best at.

Do this and we'll have one hand on that cup!

Go you good thing!

 

[RelaxMax]

There is a calm around the club. I like it

That's good

I'm a wreck

 

[diggydig]

Expecting that Clarko held back some things tactically in the QF and we will see a different Hawthorn than we did three weeks ago. Bring it on!

Actually think we are taking the same strategy into the game - beat them for height in their back line. The difference this time is twofold.

First, the retention of Schoenmachers in the side indicates we are not going to move Frawley to the forward line to do it, as that leaves our defense exposed. This wasn't just a whimsical decision, Clarko played Frawley forward the two weeks preceding the SF in preparation, but the past fortnight has shown Frawley is too valuable against big mobile forwards.

Second, everyone has focused on the MCG as creating problems for the WC 'Web'. Neglected is the fact that the extra width also creates problems for 'team defense'. We will be spreading in the forward 50 to isolate their defenders and let us use our height advantage; expect some set shots from the boundary.

 

[macdaddio]

With a two year old that doesn't sleep and plus the GF on my mind the whole night I'm sooooooooo sleep deprived
Just want the game to be exactly how it was last year so I can enjoy it without any stress...

 

[Noneedforaname]

In the words of Bruce, we are 'the best team of the modern era', no matter the result tomorrow, that fact stands.

That's last years news.
This year, I wanna hear the other commentators say it.
And if we have to go again next year to hear the rest of the footy world say it, so much the better.

 

[kenneje]

I am not relaxed.

Reckon Mitch is in for an absolutely massive day. The guy is obsessed with being the best and this is his chance to go down in history as one of the greats.

COME ON HAWKS!

 

[Skyfire15]

So much Brown and Gold here in the MCC line.. What a beautiful sight and what a cracking day for it!!

So nervous and excited!!!

Carn the mighty Hawkas!!! Bring home history!!

 

[Gaston]

With the oracle Clarkson in our corner the boys will not be lacking in motivation. The only concern today is fatigue and the swirly wind (it aids defensive footy).
I remember seeing the look on Luke Hodges face as he walked up the race before the game last year. It said everything and I hope to see that same look again.

 

[Big A]

Predicting a devastating 8 goal to 2 burst in the 3rd to put WC to the sword then cruise in the 4th

Sent from my SM-G925I using Tapatalk

 

[Boot Studder]

I have enough nervous energy to power Victoria for several years to come. I have every confidence in our preparations and abilities. That doesn't help the nerves, though.

 

[Ned Ryerson]

I remember seeing the look on Luke Hodges face as he walked up the race before the game last year. It said everything and I hope to see that same look again.

Had the same look in 2013 as did Sewell - put me at ease.

 

[In2theWild]

Slept lika baby but woke earlyish.

Best of both worlds.

Today is gonna be a good day folks!

 

[Noneedforaname]

I am not relaxed.

Reckon Mitch is in for an absolutely massive day. The guy is obsessed with being the best and this is his chance to go down in history as one of the greats.

COME ON HAWKS!

I'm the opposite. Very relaxed.

I don't know if it's complacency, apathy, or whether i just have the confidence in the boys to really get it done. Very weird for a GF, even H & A games've been nervier. Was more relief in 13 that we got the job done, and last year, well let's just say I hate nothing more in this world than our opponents and their supporters. Thems were nerves.

Our ground, our town, and playing in front of a big noisy crowd - should all favour us. Less vocal support, and fewer crowd influenced umpiring decisions can only hurt the Weagles. We have form in GFs, they didn't even make the 8 last year. Massive edge in experience, and we should make use of it early and not let them settle.

While the Weagles may not get as many frees from the umps, they will benefit from the umps putting their whistles away and being given the green light to scragg, hold, block, throw, niggle more than they usually do. Hawks just have stay focused on the ball. And if we need to negate this off the ball stuff with a few heavy hits, (late, high whatever is required if the umps aint gonna do their job) then so be it. Hale to rip into and crush someone at some stage, Lake to arrive late on JK and smear him Buddstyle.

Hmmmmm. Coffee time. Gonna be a long day and night so I gotta pace myself.

Glory awaits.

 

[Big Hotdog]

Late change is still being thrown around on various networks.

 

[Messenger]

Late change is still being thrown around on various networks.

Gunston hasn't done much in the last couple of days and the top temperature has crept up to over 30.

Billy may yet play.

 

[savagelunchbox]

Same shit, different day.

 

[SnakePlisskin]

Good luck today people , huge respect for your club, enjoy.

 

[benneth]

I am nervous, I was pretty calm up until now, but game day is upon us, I am confident because we have been through it before which I reckon will give us a big edge. I will be watching on the couch with my kids, my son won't take a loss well and I am supposed to lead by example which is probably not going to happen so we can both kick something. Go Hawks!

You could kick each other!?

 

[MinerBoy]

Happy Hawthorn Day.

 

[dipper86]

Piss Off wind

 

[Briar Gold]

More telling was the terrified look on the Freo players. They were overawed. WCE don't strike me as being the same but we can only hope!

Had the same look in 2013 as did Sewell - put me at ease.

 

[cryptor]

Been quite relaxed all week. Even managed to get to sleep last night pretty easily. Woke up at 6am and the nerves have hit. But not the dreading variety - the excitement type!

I'm really keen to see us start off well like the North Melbourne game (without the reports) and the Adelaide SF a couple weeks ago. Would even settle for last weeks kicking 5 of the last 7 in the first quarter though I'd prefer we don't let them score at all haha.

The heat may play some part but hopefully our guys run smarter. West Coast will be zipping about early, getting to the mark and jumping up and down trying to put pressure on. We just need to asorb that, let them waste energy and then hit them hard and fast when they take a breath.

Rope a dope!

 

[Flag08]

Doesn't feel like GF day with the weather. The howling northerly already kicked in.

 

[benneth]

I can smell the Grand Final on the wind, which is pretty strong and gusty at least in the bayside area so I hope that will settle a bit.

I can't get a reading from my gut on this one, Swans and Freo I felt quietly confident, this one I have NFI. Strange days...

 

[thejockey]

Very nervous and excited

Feel it will be a 4-5 goal margin either way with the warmer conditions contributing to the game opening right up
Both teams more then capable of putting the other away if there are 'off' at all

Huge respect for the Eagles to get here where they have come from and missing two key backs all season
For our guys to make 4 straight in this era is nothing short of amazing

May the best team today win (hopefully us ! )