An amazing season no matter what

[Born to Pie]

As we approach the weekend and another GF, I won't speculate as to how well we should go.

But having been alive for only two premierships 1990 & 2010, and multiple GF heart aches 1966, 1970, 1977 x 2, 1979, 1980, 1981, 2002, 2003 and 2011. I feel this has probably been the most amazing season I can remember.

If for no other reason than being a Collingwood supporter and member I am proud of this club.

But when we consider the well documented review at the end of last year and the thread but which Buck's future dangled, the changes made by our senior coach and the whole coaching staff have been outstanding.

The injury list from the get go lead me and quite a few others here to believe the eight was probably as good as we could do. Consider this information prior to the season commencing and imagine what your prediction might have been:

Elliott & Kirby 0 games,

Fasolo, Smith & Broomhead 1 game,

Goldsack 3 games knee reco pre season,

Wells 4 games,

Reid 6 games,

Moore 7 games,

Aish 12 games,

Dunn 14 games knee reco,

Treloar 16 games surgery,

Scharenberg 17 knee reco, and

Howe 20 games surgery.

Especially when you consider the number of games played out of a possible 25 for some key players, we have weathered a significant injury storm once again.

We have also blooded seven new players,

Murray 13 games no comment,

Murphy 2 games,

Stephenson 25 games,

Sier 11 games,

Appleby 9 games

Mihocek 15 games, and

Madgen 4 games.

I think we have two gems in Stevo & Sier and perhaps a diamond in the rough with Mihocek, the others will take time. We have also put games into C. Brown & Daicos.

So regardless of what transpires this week-end we were written off prior to the season by the "experts" (as were West Coast), some even had us as wooden spooners (thanks Carlton).

We are Collingwood and Side By Side we will ride the roller coaster of this week and the Grand Final, but even the most one eyed Pie would not have dared to dream this week would have still held the possibility of a Premiership being there for the taking. We should be proud, we should be Side by Side and black & white until the end.

No matter what happens on Saturday, this has been an amazing season.

My head and my heart says................don't panic

[Adz]

I'd be shattered more than 2011 if we lost this. At least we still had 2010 fresh in our minds, a loss this week and we have nothing.

[thebaldfacts]

Has indeed been an amazing season, but really needs the cup,to top it of.

[Jezza]

Been one of the most enjoyable seasons I've witnessed. To see a team grow and emerge after several years in the wilderness has been very satisfying.

Winning on Saturday would be one of the club's greatest achievements in its history after the adversity it went through.

[Piesnchess]

lets just win this, the dogs won an amazing flag, and against an interstate team, lest just win, nothing else matters. nothing.

[E]

i agree PNC. No excuses. Let's win. We have a very strong team out there. They are missing maybe their 2 best midfielders and we are missing a couple of backmen. otherwise we are both full strength. We can win. Let's win!

[Deja Vu]

Why not us?

[BazBoy]

Right from the get go we were challenged with both social and injury issues
and never in my wildest dreams (the logical ones) did I see a GF coming

There were signs at every twist and turn of finals footy interrupted by a hammy or a broken leg etc etc which had us all wondering the eventual
finish

As said what ever happen on the G next Saturday i say this

This could be the start of something big

[Raw Hammer]

It’s coming home. Enjoy this Saturday night and beyond.

Nothing surer.

You’re welcome.

[Johnno75]

Regardless of where we have come from and how much we have improved. Gotta win it now if you came this far, nothing less.

I think we have a big advantage at the G. They wont have 60,000 fans behind them and have only played there twice this year. Yes they did beat us in Round 17 but go have a look at that game it was bruise free footy and we let their midfield spread like there was no tomorrow, that won't happen on Saturday. Just keep doing what we have been doing concentrate on contested footy and ground balls and limit their supply and our defence will hold up.

[Abdul The Bull]

I'd like to think the narration will be:
Coach under immense pressure and close to axing;
Injuries beyond compare, devastating our list;
Guys coming in off the rookie list to fill the gaps
American import learning and developing
Also not forgetting the tragedy Varcoe and his family have had to endure...
And yet, we weathered the storm, we persevered and, ultimately, we prevailed!

What a story it would be!

Here's hoping.... Floreat Pica!

[tbaker]

[RudeBoy]

Just win the phucking thing.

[mgbourne]

[Born to Pie]

Last time we had a Bownlow Medal runner up, we won a flag - 1990 Graham Wright

Last time we had a coach of the year, we won a flag - 2010 Mick Malthouse