03-05-2018, 11:23 AM
(03-05-2018, 06:30 AM)kruddler link Wrote:While i don't disagree with the majority of what you wrote, i think you (and some others) have missed the major reason the Tigers won the flag.
They had basically ZERO injuries all year.
Cotchin (25)
Martin (25)
Grigg (25)
Rance (25)
Rioli (25)
Astbury (25)
Castagna (25)
Ellis (25)
Grimes (25)
Nankervis (24)
Lambert (24)
McIntosh (24)
Riewoldt (23)
Butler (23)
Caddy (22)
Prestia (22)
Houli (21)* Missed games because of suspension for KO'ing Lamb from memory
Edwards (20)
That is 18 players that played 20 or more games from their grandfinal side. Half of them, played all 25!
Doing the maths, it means that only 4 players from their Grand Final side played less than 20 games for the year.
That is simply unheard of.
So yes, they got lucky.....because they didn't get any injuries!
No doubt. Most teams that win a flag need luck of one type or another. They certainly had a great run with injuries. The real question that is impossible to answer is how big a role did that lack of injuries play ? The Dogs won in 2016 with a bad run of injuries : Murphy, Johannisen, Adams, McLean, Wallis, Redpath, Morris, Stringer, Dahlhaus and Libba, were either out for the season or out at various points.
I guess when it's your time............