You can say the Tigers are the real deal again this season. They’ve defeated much of the competition’s best and look set to go back to back in claiming another flag.
Their win was no surprise despite Collingwood’s good form this season, however it does raise a few questions. What if the Pies were not so injury riddled, could they have defeated the Tigers?
On Saturday afternoon at the MCG, the Pies took it right up to the Tigers for three out of the four quarters.
The Pies challenged the Tigers all day until the Tigers put on a master class in the last stanza.
Reliable highflying Pies defender Jeremy Howe’s day finished prematurely after being kneed in the head by teammate Darcy Moore.
Then the Pies were dealt another injury blow with defender Matthew Schranberg coming off with a knee injury, with the early prognosis suggesting a suspected ACL tear.
Despite being one down on the bench for most of the afternoon and then two late in the second half the Pies put up an incredible fight to the reigning premiers.
If the Pies had Jordan de Goey, Jamie Elliott, Alex Fasolo, Adam Treloar and Daniel Wells the end result may have been different.
The Pies are yet to defeat another top eight side other than Melbourne, so their struggles against the top clubs are something they will need to rectify moving forward. But how much of that is due to injuries? If the Pies had De Goey, Elliott, Fasolo, Treloar and Wells playing at the same time they will be able topple the Tigers.
These players add another dimension and class to the Pies side that they lacked against Richmond.
So the rest of the competition including the Tigers should beware if the Pies become a full strength team.
Kane
Guest
The injuries are all in your sport science, medical and physio departments. You can't blame bad luck every year for 6 years.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Powa is clearly the trained psychologist to sort out the Pies. After all, the injuries are all in our heads ay Powa?
powa
Guest
the pies have a psychological problem when facing other good teams, in theory yes, but its highly unlikely they could get their heads right before the finals
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I don’t mean to be the grinch but this is a pretty pointless discussion.... especially this year... Pies ain’t at any stage going to be fully fit so really useless discussion. I keep hearing how they are injury cursed.... we seem to hear this every year.... when does bad luck become bad management ?
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Just who are you trying to kid, horse? Pies wouldn't get near the Tiges in a final. Hope you finish fourth!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Jamie Elliott has just done another hammie in the VFL, that might almost be it for the out of contract forward.
Bravohorse
Guest
That is not a simplistic comment Thatsashame it is a fact that the fittest list will win the Premiership. Collingwood has 19 fit players on the field yesterday and were always going to run out of legs against the top team. The 22 that took the field was along way from their best team. Unfortunately Collingwood has long term injuries so we will not see their best team this year but a few inclusions over the next few weeks will certainly be enough to put the fear into Richmond if they meet again.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Bucks had just witnessed his 22 year old centre half back who had already endured foot operations get his third ACL after finally stringing some games together. He was entitled to be flat.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Look forward to the Pies having their best side on the park. The whining is becoming unbearable. Maybe next year? Year after? Perhaps they can recruit some kpps. Heck, we might even see Nathan crack a smile. Will his face break?
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Never said the Tigers are invincible. That's just silly. Dimma is always gracious, both in victory and defeat. We've got ya' covered. Really hope you finish 4th. What could be better than beating the Pies 3x in a season? Only a flag. Nup. Pies won't trouble us.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
We play Sydney diplomat next week who most will now say aren't worthy of a top eight side so who cares we just need to make top 4 and get a few players back then cause damage in the finals.
Diplomat
Guest
The pies couldn't beat West Coast 2 weeks ago at the MCG and De gooey was playing...It's not a question of whether they can beat Richmond, it's whether they can beat Top 8 teams.....
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
That's because we lost our best defender, 2nd best defender during the match then had to send Mihocek down back disrupting our game plan, the Mihocek did an ankle as well. Even your gracious coach admitted it, Dimma is realistic that you were fortunate to cop an already depleted side who then lost two rotations. Worrying signs for the Tigers was the dominance of the Pies midfield. Add Treloar to that and real trouble. For me watching the game at the ground, I have gone from thinking you were unbeatable to definitely suspect. The Pies injury count may not let us challenge but the Tigers are no longer invincible.
big four sticks
Guest
The answer to your question is NO!
Neil from Warrandyte
Roar Rookie
Very simplistic and ignorant comment from a wannabe. Maybe read your own comment with an objective eye and be a tad embarrassed with what you have said.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
That's part of my point, Peter. What'll happen if we break even in that department? My guess is you wouldn't get close! And despite your mids being well on top yesterday we still held the whip hand and never really looked like being beaten on the scoreboard.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
TTF, our mids were better than yours so no reason we can't do that again.
Reccymech
Roar Rookie
Don’t want that 3rd position on the ladder...gotta play Richmond first semi’s. Yeah, I know you get a second bite, but the mental game knowing full well that you’ll play Richmond in the GF.
Chris
Guest
I don't believe that Collingwood will not account well for themselves come September. However, there seem to be two dark horses lurking in the shadows, Melbourne and GWS. They could belt Richmond. It all depends on how the next four weeks go as they will determine finals placings.
Thatsashame
Guest
The Tigers are simply one of the luckiest sides ever re injuries. Take out their big 4 like Collingwood has and the tigers would be bottom 4. They're not that good. Havent won once away from melbourne snd couldnt even best GWS with half a team. Unfortunately the premiership again could be decided simply by who has the fittest list, not the best team