yeah very true, but I think while you have a chance of making the 8 you should never quit making that your ultimate goal............ask Richmond how sick of number 9 they are.
Footy is all about list management (i.e. injuries leading up to finals) and peaking at the correct time of the year.
Look at the Cats......everyone is saying that they are coasting along to prevent injury before the finals and if that is correct, then good on them, but I actually think that they peaked too early in the year.......and not having a decent forward line is going to hurt them in September.
On the other hand there are 2 teams that if they can keep injuries under control, are not only peaking at the right time but are strong all over the ground and even though one of them have absolutely choked in finals over the last 5 years, will do very well in September and could even face each other on the last day..............those teams are Collingwood (and as much as this hurts to say) COWS!!!