Week 3 or GF?

[Hamm.0]

I don't want to hijack the "finals scenarios" thread, so have started this one.

Can you guys explain to me why you feel it is better to face Storm in the GF, rather than in Week 3?

IMO, if we face them week 3 and win, we will KNOW that we can take Manly or whichver team makes it through. However, if Storm make it through and we have managed to duck and weave them up until the GF itself, I think there will be massive self-doubt issues.

Also, on a selfish note; I don't want to go into a GF unconfident. If we beat them before the GF, 08 is Gold and Maroon!

Thoughts?

 

[Jeba]

I'd rather play them in Sydney than in Melbourne. So therefore I'd rather play them in the GF.

 

[Professor47]

Interesting question, and I am one of those people who think we should have them in the GF for several reasons. The more I think about it though, the more I feel this way because I WANT to beat them in the big one, I want to see Bellamy's disgusted face after full time, I want to see Hoffman on the ground crying, I want to see Smith grim, though these are sadistic qualities, nothing will give me more premiership joy than toppling the almighty storm in the GF.
There is the slight theory of being more confident against them in the GF rather than week 3, but that is more because of our 100% GF record, I've never felt what GF defeat feels like and I hope I never do. I think its a huge boost because currently I would ALWAYS be confident of winning the big show if we are in it, and as history shows its our finals campaign that is the scare, hence the whole week 3 saga, I mean who can forget 2002? I still rue that year, I think that was our year, we had a great team... same could be said for 2001, that lacklustre parra game wasn't it? lost by 8? when the game was in the balance until they went ahead by more than 6? something like that... won't even mention 04 and 05 of course...

 

[Alec]

Grand Final. Like it has been said elsewhere, Bennett is probably the best coach at preparing a team for a Grand Final. And we can go all out without worrying about next week. Plus a repeat of us beating Melbourne in the GF again is too irresistable.

 

[Professor47]

^good point Rocky on about Melbourne being mentally prepared in the prelim, this could be the case, the 'drive' for the storm to GET to the GF could possibly be bigger than the Broncos, I'm not doubting the Broncos desire in this case, but for Storm it would be three GF's in a row, could play a part.
As I said, I have no doubt, IF the Broncos can get into the GF, they will have the wind in their sails. In fact, since the bookies love giving storm the favourites, I would love to see Broncos odds on GF day if we take on the storm!

 

[Coxy]

Yep, in 92 and 06 our opposition were hot favourites to take out the premiership yet we won both times. I have no doubt that this year would be any different.

92? [eusa_eh

I think you mean 93, and even then the Broncos were favourites despite their tough run in and the Dragons' form in the finals.

 

[Coxy]

Maybe Sydney bookies :P LOL

 

[Hamm.0]

I fear facing Storm in the GF.

They are far and away, a better team now, then they were in 06....hell then they were in 07.

Storm in GF= Hammo sucking thumb.

 

[Jeba]

I fear facing Storm in the GF.

They are far and away, a better team now, then they were in 06....hell then they were in 07.

Storm in GF= Hammo sucking thumb in his Melbourne jersey.

Added the forgotten bit [icon_wink

 

[Je$ter]

I wouldn't want to play the Storm in the gf. I doubt they would still have too many ghosts of 2006. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.

Def rather p;lay them in week 3. Win - massive confidence boost. Lose - lose to the red hot favourites that were always going to win in most opinions.

 

[Dexter]

I would rather play them in the GF, 2 reasons 1 because we've beaten them B4 we may have a psychological edge particularly WB over Bellamy which I am sure his players will pick up on.

Mainly because it will be very hard to back up from a prelim win against the Storm physically and mentally.

My preference is still to somehow bypass them altogether because any side who beats them will find it very tough to back up, it will be like playing 2 GFs in a row.

 

[Je$ter]

ps. I think it is a bit early to be predicting week 3 let alone the GF!

 

[schmix]

I do think we've got a better chance of beating the Storm in the GF than round 3, BUT I would much rather not make the grand final than lose it. So... I don't know. I think I'll take Dexter's last option.

 

[Coxy]

agree schmix! Go broncos and raiders this weekend!

 

[Alec]

Go Broncos, Raiders AND Dragons. Week off FTW. Then hopefully the Dragons and Manly are knocked out. icon_thumbs_u

 

[Professor47]

But think about the dejected Storm when we beat them in the GF!!!

 

[Broncos08]

It's going to be interesting to see how the Storm will go now with the loss of Dallas Johnson, their workhorse in defense.

I think the Storm could be vulnerable without their main workhorse, alot of people underestimate Johnson, he is a big loss to their team.

I would rather face the Storm in the GF than week 3, The Broncos love the underdog tag in big games. WB will have them primed for a big game in the GF like always.

 

[Steve]

I fear facing Storm in the GF.

They are far and away, a better team now, then they were in 06....hell then they were in 07.

Storm in GF= Hammo sucking thumb.

Ditto.

Melbourne at ten times the team they were in the 06' Grand Final. They suffered a massive bout of stage fright that night and just fell in a heap. Not to mention they got some shocking refereeing decisions.

I don't think it matters when we play them - they'd still beat us. They've been consistent through this year which is something we've struggled to maintain.