1 hour ago, Jaded No More said:

Nobody can tell me that Richmond’s list was better than ours when they were winning flags. 
 

Dusty is a stand out beyond most players ever seen in the AFL for his pure ability to dominate finals. But aside from him we are a better balanced side with more A graders. 

All the Tigers supporters I know and talk footy with, all agree that our team is much more talented (outside of the Dusty love of course!), and I think we play a very similar system to what they started - not just manic pressure around the ball but more so the massive implied pressure without the ball - the inability for opposition to get out of trouble because they think they are going to turn it over all the time. The defensive structure and trust our backs have are amazing, but really so were the Tigers in their best years, then with the small/mid forwards creating turnovers and locking the ball in, it's the formula to winning - breakeven or win the middle contest and take opportunities in front of goal.

The thing we'll have to stay on top of is the evolution on style that happens all the time, there'll be a move away from this style of footy over time and we want to be at the forefront of this, which is where good coaching comes in so valuable. 

I just find it interesting that they are comparing a team who has so far won one flag to teams that won 3 or more, of course at this stage all the names won’t pop of the page to the non initiated but if we end up winning 3 or so I’m sure they will, who’s to say Tom Sparrow won’t be a future hall of famer when he is done

10 hours ago, D4Life said:

Fortunately read the comments first, so won’t waste my time listening.

Dermie hates Melbourne and can’t accept or see what’s obvious. We are a long way ahead of rest of competition, that’s why we are two games clear, and destroyed Lions, Cats & Dogs in last year finals.

Andy Maher is harmless, talks too much, thinks Carlton are it. Just forgetting about last years finals , and doesn’t notice that 47% difference is quite a lot. Carlton is circa Demons of 2018, they do have some excellent players in Cripps, Curnow, McKay, Weitering, & Walsh.

Max, Clarry, Trac, May, Lever, Salem, Langdon, Brayshaw are all A+ for position they play and our bottom 6 are still very solid.

 

Vineys Final series and this year and his overall improvement have him at near A grade on his output if you look closely at the ball ups, ins and take aways.

Its a mixture of recruiting, development, player leadership, back office leadership and coaching. Also we have been very lucky with a lot of best 23 being 21 or under.  These players typically earn a lot less than older, experienced  players. This takes a lot of pressure off the salary CAP which in turn means we get to keep our list together for a tad longer. Maybe even the so called Dynasty. Sure some players will leave for more opportunities but the recruiters have been on the ball.

Players who in previous eras' would have withered on the vine are flourishing in this new environment.

It’s both. That’s why we are so good.