In what should be a fantastic game of football, I have to say, all the signs are pointing towards a Melbourne Storm win for me. They’ve got the players, the coach, and the forward pack to do the job.
Their turn around in the latter half of this season from the rut they were in is a testament to the shrewd coaching and player management of Craig Bellamy. Somehow he resurrected a team that looked like it was going off the rails and has them peaking at precisely the right time.
Look at way they demolished Souths.
It was clinical. And they probably should have beaten Manly by an even wider margin, such was their dominance in that game.
On the other hand, Souths were right in their match against the Bulldogs, and if Reynolds had stayed on the field, they may well have gotten up.
The Rabbitohs showed that you can nullify the power and size of the Bulldogs forwards by going straight through the middle of the ruck, exploiting tired defenders with short inside balls.
Think about the likes of SLater and Cronk running up the middle of the ground on the back of good yardage from Norrie and co. They’ll isolate guys like Kasiano and Eastwood, who are great players but can get a little lazy sometimes in defence.
In the Souths game, Isaac Luke found them out badly around the ruck area. Cameron Smith will do the same. He simply commands respect around the middle of the park.
That said, there will be some big personal showdowns: Slater vs Barba; Morris vs Chambers; Kasiano against Norrie, who, miraculously, was going to play for Wagga Wagga in park football a few years ago before Bellamy offered him a lifeline.
If the Bulldogs can get Pritchard and Eastwood firing, they’ll be a threat. But they will need to go to a whole new level.
I don’t think they have it in them and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Storm get up in the end comfortably by 12 or more points.
Droppa
Guest
Bulldogs up the middle.The Storm cant win without a hidden ledger.
Roarsome
Guest
Unfortunately, I expect the refs to have an influence on this and get sucked in by the local crowd. I think we are seeing the two best teams in the comp though the dogs have not played good footy (lots of errors) in the finals. They also had a dream draw for the regular season maying more teams out of the 8 twice. Nevertheless, here's to a good game, hopefully the best team will win and someone belts Ennis on behalf of rest of the comp. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
There's certainly a wonderful spirit to your name - It rings true blue ... Storm by 6 ... But I won't be punting tomorrow, praying, wishing and hoping will keep me in good sted while awaiting the GF ... Nothing a pizza party and a few nips won't do to help me through a couple of hours, while cheering my team on ... :-D
Campaign to return Melbournes lost Premierships
Guest
It should be a very good match no matter who wins. I think the storm have the edge. They are faster and more clinical. Expect Belamy to have the doggies weaknesses highlighted. Sorry doggies fans not this year.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Yes indeedy doo ... I suspect that there will be a few Buldog players doning black and white or green and gold jersey's later this year in the NZ v Oz clash in Townsville ... Best we take a sneek preview of the Aussie's the coach may consider - albiet Incumbancies, SOO, Dally M's and or Grand Finalists - Could be a bit of a conundrum but I'll take a punt ~ #1 - Slater ~ #2 - Tait ~ #3 - Inglis ~ #4 - Morris ~ #5 (?) Boyd/Uate/Chambers/O'Neil/Merritt ~ #6 - Thurston ~ #7 - Cronk ~ #8 - Scott ~ #9 - Smith (Captain) ~ #10 - Tamou ~ #11 - Myles ~ #12 - Hoffman ~ #13 - Gallon ~ #14 - Tolman, #15 - Schillington, #16 - Hannat ~ #17 - Lewis ~ #18 - Barba ... (Depending on injuries) :-)
Arthur Fonzarelli
Guest
the beauty of the dogs is that their whole forward pack are playmakers. Keating and Reynolds just get to play the role of bull terriers which they do very well. the Dogs will be far too good for the Storm.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
https://twitter.com/i/#!/MelbStormRLC/media/slideshow?url=http%3A%2F%2Finstagr.am%2Fp%2FQJuSbQvq1u%2F I don't just like this pic - I luv it ... :-) Someone must have read my poem ...
matthewthorpe
Roar Pro
worried about the bulldogs playmakers, not much experience apart from ennis, and one mistake could cost the game
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Raugeee ... Did you watch the Channel 9 sports news tonight ... Slater letting loose of all his shackles ... Yes, of course you're right, Billy Slater is a liability, but too his opposition ... Just a shame the Xperts rate him as not only the best fullback to play the game, but they also tout he is best footballer in rugby league of the last 5 years - A future Immortal - Who would have guessed ??? What the Bulldogs could do with a recruit with his resume', and and old boy at that - 29, but not quite ready to give the game away, anytime real soon ... The Dogs should be fairly pleased having Tolman on their team,- What a cheap buy he was, and a former Melbourne Storm player to boot ... Turner too, just a shame he is injured, and can't join his good mates in the game of the year ... Just imagine what it would have been like if the Rabbitoh's had beaten the Bulldogs last weekend - A Melbourne Storm reunion, if nothing else ...
yewonk
Guest
has anyone seen the footage coming out of bankstown area. they to had shut down punchbowl main street twice, they have not even won yet hope they do. its big club about to get alot bigger.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Oikee - If you're going to the Grand Final, apparently they now sell bake bean rolls, as apposed to sausage rolls ... I love baked beans on Sao's - a scraping of butter and a table spoon of beans per Sao biscuit and a sprinkling of pepper, washed down with a mid strength white coffee - no sugar, I'm sweet enough ... AFL Update - Sydneysiders went to Melbourne and stole the game in the last minute ... Goodness knows what tomorrow will bring - Que Sara Sara. whatever will be, will be ... Just hope those Doggies fans who tried their best to intimidate the Storm fans on The Game Plan last night, realise that the Melbourne Storm only have one Victorian in their squad ... Just not sure that insiting vengence and or violence is a good look or a good thing on national television, or in a sporting crowd of 80,000+ and most certainly not in an arena like ANZ Stadium. So perhaps the ARLC should spred the word around, that abhorent and unsportsmanly behaviour will incur a life ban from all rugby league games ... May the fans enjoy the contest and may both teams be respected for the spectacle and their performances !!! :-) No team is bigger then the game !!!
Raugeee
Guest
Doggies by 6. I just feel their irresistible attack and home ground should see them over the line in classic match. Watch for a Slater ( much as I love him he can be a liability ) mistake at a crucial juncture late in the game.
oikee
Guest
:) that should be who gives a fork even. Love it. Much like the pork on ya fork ad. Narly and grainy. Catch ya next year Gary.
oikee
Guest
Not to many posts Gazza, seems like nobody gives a fork. Tell ya what, i am the worst mocka ever for puittin the curse on teams, and i am going for the Doggies, all the way with LBJ. Yeah, doggie power, barking doggies. Hey Gary, something needs to be done about the Warriors mate. This country is like a lemon missing all the action. Loved it last year when the wwarriors were kicking it. Anyhow till next year, how gives a fork. Heard that on the radio today. Eating bake beans without a fork. :)
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Dogs to win it easily through the rucks AND out wide ;0) Bazzio ~ Dragons since 1965
Arthur Fonzarelli
Guest
The Big Doggy forwards will roll through the Storm. Too much skill and power. Dogs by 14
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Wow !!! Way to go Garry Freeman - one of those players league fans like myself miss seeing - Or perhaps it's that nostalgic side of me in over-drive ... "Bring It On!" ... ~ Storm brewing in NRL League Land ~ A Storm warning rings out in Sydney town Dark purple clouds seen on the horizon ~ Rumbling thunder is heard in the distance They hold their breaths, awaiting the noise ~ Patience, Perserverance and Anticipation When the whistle blows, there'll be lighting ~ So wave those flags ~ Display your banners It's time we put "Purple Pride" on the line ~ Let's get on board ~ And, cheer like mad Give of your best boys ~ Give it your all ~ "Braver Hearts" ~ We'er "One 4 All" In Rugby League Melbourne Storm are #1 ...