Pre-Grand Final. Magpies v. Lions. All comments.

[Jezza]

Frampton for McStay is a sensible change, though it comes with the risk of Frampton lacking finals experience. To maintain the size and balance of our team, he needed to be brought in.

Lipinski had a stinker for much of the PF, so he's lucky to hold on. Once Adams was ruled out, I think his spot was secure albeit as the sub.

It's getting real now...

[Rick]

At this point I suppose it’s neither here nor there but I would’ve preferred to see Carmichael as an emergency. Hard bodied, goal kicking midfielder.

[What'sinaname]

I love that McRae lives in a 'No Bullshit' world.

No stupid mind-games around selection.

Agree. I appreciate the transparency and honesty from Fly.

Yeah, but I'd love him to use GF week to pull a huge shifty to completely fvck with Fagan's head.

[Pete 70]

You loved Pendel’s comments that finals are simple and hard games and players that get dinky possessions all year get found out in big games. Watch PF again last night - man Degoey’s performance just gets better and you can see Nick growing the whole time. Anyone see that bit where he alarmist tackles Titch to get the ball. I love his hunger.
Feeling excited and nervous.

[jonmac1954]

Cometh the hour cometh the man.

23 men.

We are primed and have an injury free team.

Time to rip some teddy bear rrrrsole!!!

[What'sinaname]

^ spot on. Curnow learned that the hard way. Looked like a Millionaire during the year and a spud during finals.

[Take_a_Screamer]

At this point I suppose it’s neither here nor there but I would’ve preferred to see Carmichael as an emergency. Hard bodied, goal kicking midfielder.

I'm a Carmichael fan but he has not broken into the team this year.
Moreover, he hasn't played in a game for a few weeks now.
If Carmichael is still at Collingwood next year, he should have more chances especially if we win the GF and there are retirements. I assume he has not been given a contract but I don't know.

[Piethagoras' Theorem]

He would've been found out in a GF. Good vfl player, at best. Not sure he even played a senior game this year?

[ANNODAM]

Any one of youse down at the GF Parade?
My kids went down today & they just got their heads on TV & interviewed by Ch 7.

Wearing Pies & Penrith gear will do that

[Mr Miyagi]

I’m very happy with Ginni starting and Lipinski as sub. Given Paddy’s two way gut running link role, fresh legs on a hot day could win it.

[woodys_world69]

At this point I suppose it’s neither here nor there but I would’ve preferred to see Carmichael as an emergency. Hard bodied, goal kicking midfielder.

pendles on his podcast mentioned Reef in the list of possibles to replace McStay so sounds like he was closer than Carmichael for that specific position.

[gurugeoff]

just read that Lions have beaten us the last 6 times. Is that a concern, or has it given us a lot to think about and adjust. Working in the garden atm, not used to the sun being out and getting a bit hot - hope that does not become a factor. It is back to 13 degrees one day next week.

[jonmac1954]

just read that Lions have beaten us the last 6 times. Is that a concern, or has it given us a lot to think about and adjust. Working in the garden atm, not used to the sun being out and getting a bit hot - hope that does not become a factor. It is back to 13 degrees one day next week.

At the Gabba and Marvel.

The G is a vastly different matter.

[Magpietothemax]

just read that Lions have beaten us the last 6 times. Is that a concern, or has it given us a lot to think about and adjust. Working in the garden atm, not used to the sun being out and getting a bit hot - hope that does not become a factor. It is back to 13 degrees one day next week.

As Jonmac, says, both games were at venues favouring Brisbane (Gabba, Marvel). Even more importantly, during both games we had enormous personnel issues (at the Gabba, no recognised rucks) and at Marvel, all of Naicos, JDG, Bobby Hill, Moore were out. We played with minimal pressure.
I don't think either of our games against Brisbane this year have any relevance to what plays out tomorrow.

[What'sinaname]

just read that Lions have beaten us the last 6 times. Is that a concern, or has it given us a lot to think about and adjust. Working in the garden atm, not used to the sun being out and getting a bit hot - hope that does not become a factor. It is back to 13 degrees one day next week.

Put it another way

If we had beaten the Lions the last six times at the Gabba and Marvel, would it been seen as an advantage to us?