Des is not blowing smoke here - this will be a tough game, no doubt about it.
This team is tough, and can beat anyone if they are on - the 09 streak was evidence of that, and what more motivation would they need than to play Manly at home.
I also will never forget that semi between Parra and Melbourne in 07, I know the team has changed a lot since then, but was one of the most savage and high quality games I had seen in years.
If Manly win by one point with everyone healthy at fulltime, I'd sign for that right now.
NYEagle