A win tomorrow night will do wonders for our ladder position, and team confidence for the weeks ahead. ………….

ps.  I had typed another couple of sentences above, but deleted them for fear of jinxing our chances tomorrow and beyond.  True story!

1 hour ago, Rab D Nesbitt said:

I think I'll wind down for the night now Megatron. This game in the west is giving me nothing to work with. Good luck in the NFC North this year btw. 

Haha yeah we’ll need it.

That's really bad about Bruce.

A Demons player did his knee in the last minute of a match a few years ago. Was it Lever, or someone else?

I still can't get over those 2 free kicks that Bontempelli got in the last few minutes. Unbelievable.

 

4 minutes ago, bingers said:

That's really bad about Bruce.

A Demons player did his knee in the last minute of a match a few years ago. Was it Lever, or someone else?

I still can't get over those 2 free kicks that Bontempelli got in the last few minutes. Unbelievable.

 

Not as unbelievable as the 3 brownlow votes he'll get 😁

On 8/7/2021 at 12:01 AM, binman said:

Don't get me wrong Hawkins is a really good player and has had just about his nest season this year. The best set shot for goal in the AFL.

But I've always thought he is overrated.

When he is getting beaten his body language is appalling. Throws up his hands if teamates kick poorly to him. And like many cats, whinges to the umpires. All on display last night.

But my main knock on him is he is too one dimensional. He gets up the ground a bit more than he used to, but really still plays like an old school full forward. 

Yes he gets tbe occasional goal from an inside 50 ruck contest  but in the main he needs a leading lane or a clean one on one contest to kick goals. 

The big issue is that if teams take these options away he not only doesn't kick goals, he offers bugger all else.

The giants got back hard to block leading lanes  but crucially did not allow the cats to transition quickly after intercepting half back.

And they didn't allow them to chip it around and xontrol the temp until they could execute a set play where they switch and orchestrate a pass to a leading Hawkins.

This was a function of their pressure. And the cats not applying enough pressure (which means they get fewer intercept marks in their back half).

And for the same reason tbey didn't give Hawkins many one on one opportunities. And in particular the ones he always wants/needs/is looking for  - a one on one wrestle, which he wins with his strength.

And whe did have one, the pressure the giants were applying on the last kick inside 50 meant it wasn't kicked perfectly to his advantage. So he couldn't wrestle Taylor.

When he did get a one in on one, Taylor read it brilliantly and reacted so much more quickly than Hawkins, who looked flat footed.

He looks a gun Taylor. Clean hands, reads it well, reacts quickly and decisively and makes good decisions.

I think petty has those traits to, and is also a gun. 

Agree with all this, and was going to ask what you thought of Taylor but you finished it off nicely.

4 hours ago, titan_uranus said:

Not as much as winning clearances (taking away the Dogs' biggest strength) and getting it inside 50 quickly, putting pressure on their backline.

If Peter Wright can kick 7 goals against their backline, TMac/Brown can as well.

Do you see us going 3-0 from here?

If not, it likely makes no difference to us.

Yep this too. We are good at this but not great. If there is one special project over preseason then this has to be it. We have to become ruthless here and have multiple plays especially against teams who would look to shark Gawn or LJ in the middle. 

1 minute ago, CYB said:

Yep this too. We are good at this but not great. If there is one special project over preseason then this has to be it. We have to become ruthless here and have multiple plays especially against teams who would look to shark Gawn or LJ in the middle. 

Yes and no.

Yes, in terms of being able to beat teams like the Dogs.

No, in terms of it not being as big of a weakness for us as it is for them, if it doesn't work.

They've invested so much of their list into their midfield. It results in crazy depth in that part of the ground but weaknesses at either end. 

I'd prefer us to be better at centre clearances than we currently are, but we know we can play top 4 quality football without it. I don't think the Dogs can.

On 8/6/2021 at 8:36 PM, Rab D Nesbitt said:

Hi DEE Fence. What are you doing over in Sudan if you don’t mind me asking and what’s it like being there? I’ve always fancied going out to see those pyramids at Meroe. Does that old railway still run between Wadi Halfa and Khartoum? 

G'day Rab, thanks for the hello, I assume from the likes to your post, more than one was interested so will reply here and not on PM. I work as the Operations head for the UN World Food Programme (https://www.wfp.org/countries/sudan) , which basically means professional garbage sweeper. Whenever there are dramas with our operation (generally vibrations between our Programme and Logistics units or Government interference) I gather the folks together and we either sing Kumbayah or crack heads together, whatever folks choose. Have worked in lots of countries (East Timor/Kenya/Somalia/PNG/Italy/USA/Sierra Leone/Ghana/Uganda/Ethiopia/Sweden/Germany+++)

I did a trip to Meroe and it was very cool, sunset, a full moon and sunrise with the pyramids amongst the sand dunes was way cool, felt like i was on a starwars set. there are also temple ruins not too far away that are ultra impressive for detail.   

Glad you ask about the railway, quite proud of that, we (WFP) are fixing it, we did Port Sudan to Kosti (so freight can go now from Port Sudan to Kosti then by Barge to south Sudan. Now the old régime (Bashir) is on the outer, we don't have a bunch of @#$^$%& generals forcing us to use their trucks for transport and we can support the rehabilitation of rail, good for so many reasons, including environmental.  We now have a 80 million dollar project to fix connections to Gedaref, the Darfurs and eventually South Sudan. Re Wadi Halfa the train is not regular but will be getting better. The first operation for WFP (#001) was actually feeding people dislocated by the Aswan dam and relocated to Wadi Halfa. will stop there as this is a mighty derail (sorry) of the thread, replies for more detail please PM.

Re what's it like, the people are brilliant, a level of hospitality and honesty that has to be seen to be believed, if you only watched CNN you'd never understand how brilliant people usually are. It is also hot and dusty and often tragic. The alcohol ban is mega annoying, but I specialize in logistics. I enjoy my job which helps, recently working on the Tigrayans displaced from the civil war in Ethiopia, setting up food supply and distribution to some remote spots.

Edited August 8, 20214 yr by DEE fence
finishing my response

2 hours ago, DEE fence said:

G'day Rab, thanks for the hello, I assume from the likes to your post, more than one was interested so will reply here and not on PM. I work as the Operations head for the UN World Food Programme (https://www.wfp.org/countries/sudan) , which basically means professional garbage sweeper. Whenever there are dramas with our operation (generally vibrations between our Programme and Logistics units or Government interference) I gather the folks together and we either sing Kumbayah or crack heads together, whatever folks choose. Have worked in lots of countries (East Timor/Kenya/Somalia/PNG/Italy/USA/Sierra Leone/Ghana/Uganda/Ethiopia/Sweden/Germany+++)

I did a trip to Meroe and it was very cool, sunset, a full moon and sunrise with the pyramids amongst the sand dunes was way cool, felt like i was on a starwars set. there are also temple ruins not too far away that are ultra impressive for detail.   

Glad you ask about the railway, quite proud of that, we (WFP) are fixing it, we did Port Sudan to Kosti (so freight can go now from Port Sudan to Kosti then by Barge to south Sudan. Now the old régime (Bashir) is on the outer, we don't have a bunch of @#$^$%& generals forcing us to use their trucks for transport and we can support the rehabilitation of rail, good for so many reasons, including environmental.  We now have a 80 million dollar project to fix connections to Gedaref, the Darfurs and eventually South Sudan. Re Wadi Halfa the train is not regular but will be getting better. The first operation for WFP (#001) was actually feeding people dislocated by the Aswan dam and relocated to Wadi Halfa. will stop there as this is a mighty derail (sorry) of the thread, replies for more detail please PM.

Re what's it like, the people are brilliant, a level of hospitality and honesty that has to be seen to be believed, if you only watched CNN you'd never understand how brilliant people usually are. It is also hot and dusty and often tragic. The alcohol ban is mega annoying, but I specialize in logistics. I enjoy my job which helps, recently working on the Tigrayans displaced from the civil war in Ethiopia, setting up food supply and distribution to some remote spots.

Thanks, good story. 

No smartness from me, just really appreciated it.

5 hours ago, DEE fence said:

G'day Rab, thanks for the hello, I assume from the likes to your post, more than one was interested so will reply here and not on PM. I work as the Operations head for the UN World Food Programme (https://www.wfp.org/countries/sudan) , which basically means professional garbage sweeper. Whenever there are dramas with our operation (generally vibrations between our Programme and Logistics units or Government interference) I gather the folks together and we either sing Kumbayah or crack heads together, whatever folks choose. Have worked in lots of countries (East Timor/Kenya/Somalia/PNG/Italy/USA/Sierra Leone/Ghana/Uganda/Ethiopia/Sweden/Germany+++)

I did a trip to Meroe and it was very cool, sunset, a full moon and sunrise with the pyramids amongst the sand dunes was way cool, felt like i was on a starwars set. there are also temple ruins not too far away that are ultra impressive for detail.   

Glad you ask about the railway, quite proud of that, we (WFP) are fixing it, we did Port Sudan to Kosti (so freight can go now from Port Sudan to Kosti then by Barge to south Sudan. Now the old régime (Bashir) is on the outer, we don't have a bunch of @#$^$%& generals forcing us to use their trucks for transport and we can support the rehabilitation of rail, good for so many reasons, including environmental.  We now have a 80 million dollar project to fix connections to Gedaref, the Darfurs and eventually South Sudan. Re Wadi Halfa the train is not regular but will be getting better. The first operation for WFP (#001) was actually feeding people dislocated by the Aswan dam and relocated to Wadi Halfa. will stop there as this is a mighty derail (sorry) of the thread, replies for more detail please PM.

Re what's it like, the people are brilliant, a level of hospitality and honesty that has to be seen to be believed, if you only watched CNN you'd never understand how brilliant people usually are. It is also hot and dusty and often tragic. The alcohol ban is mega annoying, but I specialize in logistics. I enjoy my job which helps, recently working on the Tigrayans displaced from the civil war in Ethiopia, setting up food supply and distribution to some remote spots.

I am absolutely in awe with the work you are doing. You have highlighted one of the main problems in getting aid to the population by "the Generals" controlling freight. I could believe many trucks get lost only for the goods to appear on the black market later. Please keep up with the great work your organisation and yourself are doing.

9 hours ago, bingers said:

That's really bad about Bruce.

A Demons player did his knee in the last minute of a match a few years ago. Was it Lever, or someone else?

I still can't get over those 2 free kicks that Bontempelli got in the last few minutes. Unbelievable.

 

Anyone that doesnt think that umpires dont influence games needs to look at this. THE UMPIRES LOVE BONT.The AFL need to act on this as not only is it a bad look and incorect interpretation  of the rules , it is also borderline cheating

Edited August 8, 20214 yr by picket fence

I really dislike the Dogs and their cheating throwing umpire- loving ways, and I also don’t like Bruce, but gees that is awful awful luck and I wouldn’t wish that on any player. 

Edited August 8, 20214 yr by Jaded

8 hours ago, DEE fence said:

G'day Rab, thanks for the hello, I assume from the likes to your post, more than one was interested so will reply here and not on PM. I work as the Operations head for the UN World Food Programme (https://www.wfp.org/countries/sudan) , which basically means professional garbage sweeper. Whenever there are dramas with our operation (generally vibrations between our Programme and Logistics units or Government interference) I gather the folks together and we either sing Kumbayah or crack heads together, whatever folks choose. Have worked in lots of countries (East Timor/Kenya/Somalia/PNG/Italy/USA/Sierra Leone/Ghana/Uganda/Ethiopia/Sweden/Germany+++)

I did a trip to Meroe and it was very cool, sunset, a full moon and sunrise with the pyramids amongst the sand dunes was way cool, felt like i was on a starwars set. there are also temple ruins not too far away that are ultra impressive for detail.   

Glad you ask about the railway, quite proud of that, we (WFP) are fixing it, we did Port Sudan to Kosti (so freight can go now from Port Sudan to Kosti then by Barge to south Sudan. Now the old régime (Bashir) is on the outer, we don't have a bunch of @#$^$%& generals forcing us to use their trucks for transport and we can support the rehabilitation of rail, good for so many reasons, including environmental.  We now have a 80 million dollar project to fix connections to Gedaref, the Darfurs and eventually South Sudan. Re Wadi Halfa the train is not regular but will be getting better. The first operation for WFP (#001) was actually feeding people dislocated by the Aswan dam and relocated to Wadi Halfa. will stop there as this is a mighty derail (sorry) of the thread, replies for more detail please PM.

Re what's it like, the people are brilliant, a level of hospitality and honesty that has to be seen to be believed, if you only watched CNN you'd never understand how brilliant people usually are. It is also hot and dusty and often tragic. The alcohol ban is mega annoying, but I specialize in logistics. I enjoy my job which helps, recently working on the Tigrayans displaced from the civil war in Ethiopia, setting up food supply and distribution to some remote spots.

Thanks for the reply DEE fence. It looks like you were right about others on the site having an interest in what you do, which sounds both exciting and immensely rewarding. I've always thought Sudan (or is it The Sudan?) to be an interesting place and I'll be sure to PM you to find out first hand about what's really happening when it comes up in the news. Lake Nasser just over the border is as close as I've been to the place. 

What a shame Bruce has done his ACL, now Steven May Can't keep him goal-less in the grand final.

I’m always of the opinion you want to see the opposition have their best line up because you want the best competing against the best. So it’s really sad for Bruce and I hope he is able to recover from this knee injury. 

10 hours ago, DEE fence said:

G'day Rab, thanks for the hello, I assume from the likes to your post, more than one was interested so will reply here and not on PM. I work as the Operations head for the UN World Food Programme (https://www.wfp.org/countries/sudan) , which basically means professional garbage sweeper. Whenever there are dramas with our operation (generally vibrations between our Programme and Logistics units or Government interference) I gather the folks together and we either sing Kumbayah or crack heads together, whatever folks choose. Have worked in lots of countries (East Timor/Kenya/Somalia/PNG/Italy/USA/Sierra Leone/Ghana/Uganda/Ethiopia/Sweden/Germany+++)

I did a trip to Meroe and it was very cool, sunset, a full moon and sunrise with the pyramids amongst the sand dunes was way cool, felt like i was on a starwars set. there are also temple ruins not too far away that are ultra impressive for detail.   

Glad you ask about the railway, quite proud of that, we (WFP) are fixing it, we did Port Sudan to Kosti (so freight can go now from Port Sudan to Kosti then by Barge to south Sudan. Now the old régime (Bashir) is on the outer, we don't have a bunch of @#$^$%& generals forcing us to use their trucks for transport and we can support the rehabilitation of rail, good for so many reasons, including environmental.  We now have a 80 million dollar project to fix connections to Gedaref, the Darfurs and eventually South Sudan. Re Wadi Halfa the train is not regular but will be getting better. The first operation for WFP (#001) was actually feeding people dislocated by the Aswan dam and relocated to Wadi Halfa. will stop there as this is a mighty derail (sorry) of the thread, replies for more detail please PM.

Re what's it like, the people are brilliant, a level of hospitality and honesty that has to be seen to be believed, if you only watched CNN you'd never understand how brilliant people usually are. It is also hot and dusty and often tragic. The alcohol ban is mega annoying, but I specialize in logistics. I enjoy my job which helps, recently working on the Tigrayans displaced from the civil war in Ethiopia, setting up food supply and distribution to some remote spots.

Brilliant ! Got any Sherrien’s with you? Wouldn’t hurt to add Head of Recruitment for Africa, MFC to your job title 😀.

but all seriousness thank you for your services. Known a few mates who have provided their professional services to the UN and they speak so highly and passionately of their experiences. 

From The Age:

"The Giants will request their season-defining home game against Richmond in round 22 be played at either Marvel Stadium or GMHBA Stadium rather than at the MCG".  

Hardwick has complained about going to both stadiums.  Karma!  Giants win this and they shut Richmond out of the finals.

Hope it is GMHBA.

Go Giants!!

22 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

From The Age:

"The Giants will request their season-defining home game against Richmond in round 22 be played at either Marvel Stadium or GMHBA Stadium rather than at the MCG".  

Hardwick has complained about going to both stadiums.  Karma!  Giants win this and they shut Richmond out of the finals.

Hope it is GMHBA.

Go Giants!!

GMHBA would be the best result ever, where are the Giants keeping themselves? If it’s in the city’s west then it’s definitely handy for them and I know it will annoy Hardwick more. 

1 minute ago, Pates said:

GMHBA would be the best result ever, where are the Giants keeping themselves? If it’s in the city’s west then it’s definitely handy for them and I know it will annoy Hardwick more. 

Not sure where they are staying.  Ironically, I think they are training at Punt Rd but not entirely sure.

Yeah, Hardwick losing his grip now they are losing, like he did last year when they were losing.  

15 hours ago, Engorged Onion said:

All about the eyes on TV eh @Clintosaurus?

You know I'm always big on the sports entertainment side of it.

Not sure if this has been reported yet on Demonland. josh Bruce has definately done his ACL. 

1 minute ago, picket fence said:

Not sure if this has been reported yet on Demonland. josh Bruce has definately done his ACL. 

Yes, poor bugger. At 29-years of age I wonder if he will be able to rehabilitate his knee in time to keep his career going?

13 minutes ago, picket fence said:

Not sure if this has been reported yet on Demonland. josh Bruce has definately done his ACL. 

This and Hipwood's injury on the eve of finals is precisely why we need to keep Weideman.

When Hogan went down before finals in 2018, Weid stepped up in finals and played a role.

With Martin also injured, the Dogs are now going to rely on Ugle Hagen to step up, which is not fair for a first year player, or will need to rob their midfield by pushing English into the forwardline.

It is a bad situation for them, and just proves how important quality key position depth is. 

7 hours ago, picket fence said:

Anyone that doesnt think that umpires dont influence games needs to look at this. THE UMPIRES LOVE BONT.The AFL need to act on this as not only is it a bad look and incorect interpretation  of the rules , it is also borderline cheating

Normally I would say you are being overly emotive when you say it is borderline cheating, BUT, those two frees were disgraceful and totally wrong. Perfectly tackled, with the ball and he drops it both times and then gets the free.

Umpires can't be that bad, can they? They were clear to see and blatant.

I note a commentator said perfect tackle after both incidents and then went quiet.

I hope to hell these decisions are raised on the Footy shows tonight, but of course they won't be.

Just looked on the AFL match highlights and of course neither free shown.

Edited August 9, 20214 yr by Redleg

21 hours ago, titan_uranus said:

This isn't as good a result for us as people think.

If we go 2-1 from here and the Dogs go 2-0, the Dogs will finish above us - even with this loss, we still have to win all three games, and/or the Dogs have to lose to Hawthorn or Port (in Melbourne), for us to finish above them.

It's certainly possible (Port's in form, for example), but it's still not that likely.

But Essendon's win puts them in pole position to finish in the top 8, particularly if we beat West Coast tomorrow (Essendon has the percentage buffer over all their competitors).

Well then bloody well win 3. How hard is that to work out?