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If it bleeds…
Scott was part of the Brisbane unit which scalped the dominant Bombers in round 10, 2001 after coach Leigh Matthews delivered his famous line: “If it bleeds, we can kill it”. The line, borrowed from the movie Predator, spurred the Lions, who went on to record a stunning win. Scott needs to remind his men that the Suns are human, and capable of error.
If that doesn’t work:The Bombers must make an early statement
Will Damien Hardwick’s men wilt under the pressure?Credit: AFL Photos
The pressure is all on the Suns, who need to win to frank their maiden finals campaign in club history. They know they are expected to win, and even win big, where they could vault into seventh spot and face Fremantle in an elimination final. So, if the Bombers were to boot the opening three or so goals, not only would it give the visitors momentum, but it could also have a psychological impact on the Suns, who suddenly would be under enormous pressure. That’s when “hero ball” could kick in, with the Suns looking to individual brilliance, rather than the team structures, to get back in the game. And that can be dangerous.
Verbal warfare
Skipper Noah Anderson said on Tuesday the Suns were excited about being in a “very special place at the moment”. But the bottom line is this: They have never qualified for finals before. Why not remind them of their losing history, and, with suitable words, ask whether they truly, truly believe they should be a part of September? The Suns appeared nervous and played safe in their loss to the Power on Friday night, when a win would have kept them in the hunt for the double chance. The stakes are even higher on Wednesday night. “We understand there is a little bit more pressure about tomorrow [Wednesday] night, but, you know, we spoke about earlier in the week,” Anderson said.
Believe in themselves
The Bombers have nothing to lose, and can play in a carefree manner, which should encourage them to play their best attacking football. Matt Guelfi booted three goals against Carlton last Thursday, while emerging star Isaac Kako added two, and was a threat all night. The Bombers need to give their forwards space to work in.
Pressure: Matt Rowell and the Suns hope to be all smiles come late Wednesday night.Credit: AFL Photos
Keep it tight and contested
The Suns like to run and gun. They are at their best when the contest is free-flowing. But, as we saw in their narrow escape against Collingwood in round 18 when they actually squandered a six-goal lead but rebounded late, they don’t like it when the contest tightens. The Bombers cannot afford to turn this contest into a track meet, and must match the likes of Anderson and midfield bull Matt Rowell at stoppages. Conversely, the Suns will need to curb Zach Merrett, while half-back Andy McGrath typically finds plenty of ball.
Bombers coach Brad Scott.Credit: Getty Images
Enough is enough
We’ve all seen that look of disdain on coach Scott’s face when he is angry. Perhaps he needs to direct some tough love to his troops at each of the intervals, even the threat of them having to walk home if they don’t lift. That’s right – walk home. The players need to be asked: Is a 12-game losing streak, regardless of injuries, really acceptable for a club that traditionally was known as one of the so-called “big four”? Are they almost as bad as the suspension-hit 2016 list that dropped 17 straight? Or the teams of 2006 and 1933, which lost 14 straight?
So, the challenge is before the Bombers – it’s time to believe in fairytales.
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