Nothing to lose? No.

[Damien]

The term ‘nothing to lose’ is being bandied around here a lot. The fact is though, we have just as much to lose as Richmond. A loss means we miss a crack at a flag. Those opportunities don’t come around that often. For some players it may never come again.

Expectation is another thing though. We can play without the weight of expectation on our shoulders; unlike Richmond. That expectation can weigh heavily on individuals and build and compound across a team. Richmond played without that expectation last year and won the flag. Hardwick encouraged them to take the game on and enjoy the ride. It paid off.

This year is different for them. They’re the hunted. We’re the hunters like they were last year. We can play with the ‘abandon’ that they did last year. They can’t.

When we don’t take risks during periods in games we don’t get the rewards. That is clear and Bucks is on the record about that, saying he wants more risks taken.

Enjoy the ride Collingwood players. Take it on. Risk everything for the ultimate reward.

We can win two more games in 2018. Floreat Pica.

[tbaker]

I see the 'nothing to lose' term as relative to expectation. Many supporters adopt this as a way of preparing themselves for the likely outcome, and anything beyond that is a huge bonus. Well, that's the approach I'm taking. If I go to the game preparing as though it's the last time I see the Pies play this year then I won't be as disappointed as if I go expecting a win. Of course I'm still going to cheer my lungs out and hope for a win, and extreme disappointment will result if we fail, but it will be less of a letdown than if I go expecting a win...
I'm sure the players won't go in with the same 'nothing to lose' attitude - if they did they'd be giving up the fight as soon as the pressure becomes a bit much during the game...

[uuuuu..... The LoneSTAR]

The weight of expectation can be heavy.
The tigers are carrying it Friday night.

[Abdul The Bull]

Problem is, if we manage to dethrone them we will become hot favourites for the flag. Not sure I'd welcome that!

[uuuuu..... The LoneSTAR]

^ Let's use the underdog tag for now because it suits us

[David]

[toovmeister]

[Cam]

We have less repercussions if we lose. Ok, we'll have wasted a good chance to win a flag. If they lose, they will be lambasted as the equal of '99 Essendon, achieving possibly one flag despite being so dominant. Historically and consequently they'll become a laughing stock, again. Mind you, that's a powerful motivator if it works for you. Or an albatross around your neck if it doesn't.