Since 2008, I've watched from afar the attempts of Hawks supporters to deflect the barbs that their flag was a "Bradbury", that the pending dynasty of flags which never arrived after 2008, was down to luck, not the actual flag itself. Did Hawthorn win the flag, or did Geelong lose it? etc. etc.

I think this year presents as open an opportunity for a club to do a "Bradbury" as any. Collingwood are clearly favourites, having said that, I'd love to see how they go with the sub rule...it's going to effect them more than any team, and if by round 22, their plethora of midfield rotations haven't succumbed to soft tissue injuries or hit the wall after having to increase their workload so significantly, I'll be surprised.

I also think if the Bradbury tag applies to anyone, we're as good as a chance as anyone to pick it up.

The thing is though, how would we view that flag, especially in the face of a long period in the doldrums, and an even longer time away from the premiership dias?

Would we all settle for one flag against the odds (bear in mind, it would/could be at the expense of Collingwood...worth 5 flags in my view), at the expense of potentially two underperforming seasons after? Or take further risks with the greater view of a Geelong/Brisbane-esque dynasty instead?

Personally, I'd take the one. The "premiership window" is too unpredictable to plan for much more than that. For every one oppoistion supporter handing out shit to Hawthorn supporters about 09 and 10 underachieving, there's two who have never seen their team win a flag...

_________________
BLUES 2010: PAV AND JUDD = FLAGS. DOING IT FOR THE LOVE OF DICK PRATT.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR TALKINGCARLTON SUPERCOACH 2009 YET?

When we win our next flag, I think a 'Bradbury' will be the least offensive barb we'll cop.

_________________
WADA medical director Dr Alan Vernec describes Essendon* FC drug case as biggest scandal in team sport the world of sport has seen. #WC2WB

#GUILTY

Personally I have always held the view that the Cats grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory. They played liked they were millionaires and only had to walk out onto the ground to be awarded the silverware. Johnson was chasing kicks, Chappy and Stokes weren’t fit and their kicking was ordinary, the Dawks in the third quarter saw their opening and took it with both hands.

In saying that, I think this loss steeled them and got them over the line in 2009 against the Saints.

Mate, you have to take them when they are there, forget about dynasties - love to have them but they are far and few between. If I was the Dawks I would be happy with taking a flag and having a few crap years afterwards - NO PROBLEM AT ALL.

In 1973 we were possibly the best side but did we know that we would lose our 2 rovers in Armstrong and Keogh before the game and then have Nicholls, Southby and possibly two others concussed during the game. I
In 1976, on top at the end of the H&A and then lose the second-semi to the Dawks and the Prelim to Nth by a kick. We smashed the Dawks both times in the H&A by 40 & 31 points. We beat Nth by 49 points 2 weeks out from the finals. In 1980 we were at least the equal of Rich and Geel but went out in straight sets with 2 big losses. In 2000 we were unlucky to lose Kouta, then Bradley and SOS – these 3 players could have swayed the finals series our way MAYBE???

The point I’m making is that sometimes when you are primed to challenge for a flag that it just doesn’t happen sometimes. And at times you may ‘pinch’ one when you least expect – so I reckon in this day and age it would be great to win 2 flags in the next 5 years – but give me ONLY one and I would still be rapt about it.

If we won a flag and they called it a Bradbury flag - I woudl take that any day of the week as once you have it, no one can take it from you (unless you are Melb Storm).

As Bomba says they can call it a Bradbury, but just give us a flag. Lots of dominant H&A teams didn't grab the prize and who knows what can happen in the future.

The hawks suffered a few key injuries and some retirements, which coupled with an attitude of aren't we clever after the flag win has cost them.

I reckon that if you asked the Saints what would they prefer over the last few years... A flag win and a couple of years of non-finals footy or what they have actually had. I'm pretty sure I know what they would say...although they are STKilda and they did release the streak video ...but I'm still pretty sure.

"Only Carlton cheated and tanked their way to a flag they got handed under the table in a brown Visy paper bag"

Anything else?

Gee you are a naughty lass

You are right. If we do happen to win a flag in the next few years it will because we are dirty rotten cheating tankers.

That'd be a start

_________________
WADA medical director Dr Alan Vernec describes Essendon* FC drug case as biggest scandal in team sport the world of sport has seen. #WC2WB

#GUILTY

Would anyone accept a "Tonya Harding" flag?

_________________
The Spirit of Carlton compels you!

With the Saints off-field form that would be right up their alley

MAybe even the Bomber scould get Hurley to do this as his form with cabbies is pretty impressive (NOT)