AFL
1 year ago
GWS’ finals temperature check: Run home, wildcard player, why they can win it and more
By SEN
SEN’s The Run Home team of Andy Maher, Josh Jenkins and Julian De Stoop have undertaken a finals temperature check on the teams still in contention.
They have taken a close look at some varying categories which could decide whether they qualify for finals in some cases or even contend for the premiership.
The categories are: The Run Home, Recent Signature Win, Wildcard Player, Medical Room (key outs), Why They Can (make it/win it) and Why They Can’t (make it/win it).
The Run Home
Round 20: v Melbourne (MCG)
Round 21: v Hawthorn (Manuka Oval)
Round 22: v Brisbane (Gabba)
Round 23: v Fremantle (ENGIE Stadium)
Round 24: v Western Bulldogs (Mars Stadium)
Recent Signature Win
De Stoop: “Definitely their recent win over Carlton, they gave up a big start but then played their absolute best footy for the next two quarters.”
Wildcard Player
Callum Brown
De Stoop: “He started the season really well but has found himself out of the team in the last few weeks.
“He was really good at the start of the year. He kicked five in Opening Round against Collingwood. If he gets back to that form he adds another dimension for them.”
Medical Room (key outs)
Stephen Coniglio (Shoulder, 1 week)
Isaac Cumming (Hamstring, 6 weeks)
Josh Fahey (Foot, 5-7 weeks)
Cooper Hamilton (Ankle, TBC)
Josh Kelly (Calf, 3 weeks)
Braydon Preuss (Back, Indefinite)
Harry Rowston (Back, Indefinite)
De Stoop: “Stephen Coniglio misses another week and Josh Kelly is three weeks away, they need him back. Isaac Cumming misses the rest of the rest of the home and away season as well.”
Why They Can
De Stoop: “They’ve got A-grade talent, and they got so close last year, so it’s probably fuelling them. They think they can get it done anywhere after pushing the Pies to one point in last year’s Prelim.”
Why They Can’t
De Stoop: “A few too many times this year their ball movement has been stifled. It’s a bit more of a dogfight in finals and it’s harder to move the ball. If that happens, can they find another way to win in September?”
