The penultimate round is upon us. Four teams left to fight out for the right to play in the Grand Final on September 30th. The drama through the week has subsided with Thurston cleared to play for the Cowboys. The question is will it be an “out of town” grand final or will one (or both) of the Sydney teams make it through? Of course if Manly does make then Sydney will unite behind whoever they will play.
Who will contest the Grand Final? Go over the fold where all will be revealed.
Manly v Cowboys, Saturday 7:45pm Sydney Football Stadium
I’m glad that Thurston is free to play. It makes this clash all the more exciting. And while the Cowboy’s hopes rest on Thurston, the Cowboys would not be challenging for a grand final spot without the good deeds of their under sung forward pack. The loss of Webb seems to have hardly affected the Cowboys. But he is back in the squad this week and will be primed for a big one.
Forget Orford, Monaghan is Manly’s key player. The Beagles will miss him next year and he will have a big influence on the game. And Brett Stewart at the back is just a big as threat as Matty Bowen. Note that the Eagles have had a few injury concerns going into the game. I’m not concerned with who will win really. It is one of those games where you just sit back and enjoy what unfolds. But I have a leaning towards the Cowboys along traditional lines of “I’ll support whoever Manly is playing.”
Storm v Eels, Sunday 4:00pm Telstra Dome
A lot of money for the Dogs last week relied on past, not current form. And there is another chance for sweet revenge for the Eels. For 1999 and 2006 to be precise. The trouble is, no matter how well the Eels play, if they lose they will again be labeled as chokers. Not withstanding how well Hagan has done this year to mold a competitive squad. But just between you and me, the Eels are different this year. The curse of Brian has been lifted and I reckon a boil over is on the cards.
All praise to Melbourne who have a fantastic team an deserve favouritism. And a 100% winning record with Mick Crocker in the side. But that run has to end. I’m quite nervous but excited and I reckon the Eels will get to the grand final. Objectivity is for cowards.
5 responses so far ↓
wpd // Sep 21, 2007 at 8:43 am
The Storm deserve to win but they are no certainities. Bellamy will be devasted if they lose again this year.
Mungo Amanda // Sep 21, 2007 at 10:37 am
Go Parra!
Sunday night is a big one ’cause the Matildas are playing Brasil in the WC QF. Go, Matildas!!
There might be some other national team playing that night too but I wouldn’t know about that.
Mungo Amanda // Sep 23, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Beagles v Sturm — to whom do I object more?
A dilemma.
Shaun // Sep 23, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Oh…fiddlesticks. But I’m proud of me lads. They made the Storm earn the win. It was a game where if a boot stud was just a inch inside the line it may have been a different result.
2008 looks good for the Eels.
As for the GF, a very hard decision. I’ve decided to just concentrate on Parra in the Premier and Flegg GF. I’ll reserve my tip for the main decider till later in the week.
tim // Sep 28, 2007 at 12:59 pm
GO COWBOYS!!! screw manly and storm!