48 minutes ago, Fat Tony said:

Johnson had a game player rating of -2.5. He looks like he isn’t skilled enough for AFL.

That just shows the limitation of the player rating system. There are qualitative elements that are difficult to quantify into a scoring metric.

Another example is Petty (player rating 3.9) who played an effective role in nullifying McCartin.

I agree AJ's not highly skilled but contributing in ways others have already posted.

This thread is sickening. Nothing but high fives and smiles everywhere. Thank god for picket fence!

11 hours ago, Graeme Yeats' Mullet said:

Just over 3 weeks ago Max was $301 for the Brownlow...

Now into $41

Max was 9 months old the last time a ruckman won the brownlow

To be fair though he could win it as a midfielder....

2 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

For anyone being critical of Fox Footy commentary especially Dermie, just remember that they weren't even at the ground calling the game.

They called it from their Fox studios in South Melbourne.

It’s unreal Isn’t it. The same Mob that are chartered with the responsibility of being the broadcaster of Saturday night football. To me the MCG will always be the home of football. Fox footy don’t share that same view.

42 minutes ago, hardtack said:

PF, what’s this sudden obsession you have with possessions? AJ’s pressure acts yesterday netted four goals (I believe it was); he may not be taking speccies or busting packs, ball in hand, turning on a dime and kicking a goal from deep in the pocket, but he’s ending up with the same result (a goal) by simply pressuring his opponent and putting in second and third efforts.

And while we’re on the subject of possessions, where were these comments when Jeffo (who I like by the way), was getting next to no possessions and no scores to at least make his time on the field worthwhile? You NEVER had a bad word for him, yet he WAS failing badly as a key forward. Consistency please.

Wrong, I didn't like playing him on no form and yes the result was minimal possesions, and knew he would be dropped and was! I MAINTAIN Goodwin does this a lot, plays out of form players for an eternity or players who have come back from a long layoff, thus setting players up for failure. I have put up suggestions for a better functioning forward line without Jefferson, and until he kicks multiple bags should stay at Casey. JOHNSON should not be in the team based on his meagre possesions in the last two games and I dont care if he is the incredible Hulk!

13 hours ago, Demonstone said:

James Jordon: 10 disposals, 2 tackles, numerous stuff-ups and turnovers. I hope @Demonsone was watching! 😀

Played on a half back who runs, instead of in tight tagging, which he has been so good at.

41 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Great pic dazzle, thanks

Bowser in career best form auditioning for a role as our backup ruck?

1 hour ago, Fat Tony said:

Johnson had a game player rating of -2.5. He looks like he isn’t skilled enough for AFL.

Damned Lies and Statistics......!!

2 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

His role isn't about possessions it's about creating a contest in the ruck when Gawn is off and creating a contest inside 50 to create opportunities for Pickett, Melksham, Fritsch etc

2nd ruck has been an issue for a while and at the moment the balance is working. You need to look at the team being more than the sum of its parts.

The problem (well, at least one of the problems) is he wants Jefferson on the team. I'm not convinced it isn't Jefferson's mum.

Anyway, he/she wants Jefferson there so bad that he will pot anyone else to help get him there (not that he/she has that sway)

Funnily, while having a crack at 6 possies, his/her hero, Jefferson, had 5 possessions in game 1, and 4 against the Hawks before being subbed off. And he doesn't do any rucking.

So, at least for now, Jefferson is not good enough at his forward craft (he just isn't. he may one day. but not for now) - and he does not ruck, which AJ does help out with. AJ brings mongrel, 1%ers, and did some nice little things yesterday which actually contributed to goals. We need that right now. Does he have a role in the team forever? Probably not. Maybe. Who knows. He lacks polish and genuine skills - but until we find someone who provides more in his place (it's not Jefferson) (it will probably be JVR when he finds his feet again on a sustained basis), he should stay as he works hard and does some nice things, and helps out in the ruck.

12 hours ago, Demon Disciple said:

I wouldn’t let Kozzie go for even 4 first rounders.

No one player is bigger than the club, but jeez he goes close

Correct, he has become an absolute must keep.

From those in the know it should be ok.

Spelling has always been a problem for me.

For example Picket Fence.....?

Shouldn't that be Pick it "Knows"?

Yeah, that spelling thing!! I just don't get it!!!

Go Hard!! Go Often!!

Go Demons!!!

12 hours ago, picket fence said:

We are lauding a guy who got 6 posesions I say again 6 on top of his 4 or 5 last week. Yeah a few LUCKY tap ons but sorry to pop ur bubble He is a very average player!

I don’t think it is lauding him, it is recognizing the things he brings.

6 possessions of themselves is not the determinate, as they could have been 6 goals and then he would be close to one of the best.

We are all recognizing he is no star, best described as a battler, but brings great effort and crashes packs creating opportunities and yesterday he directly assisted 4 goals.

I think the opposition looks around when he is nearby, as he has a bit of the Dustin Fletcher clumsiness, that can hurt accidentally of course.

Edited Sunday at 23:385 days by Redleg

27 minutes ago, Neil Crompton said:

This thread is sickening. Nothing but high fives and smiles everywhere. Thank god for picket fence!

Nice change from the first five games.

2 hours ago, dees189227 said:

Credit to fritsch. I've given him a bit of stick but yesterday he chased & actually landed a few tackles & got back to help in defence. He was a bit selfish in the beginning but as the game went on he passed it off

Also we had 10 different goal kickers yesterday. It's a good spread

He was even channelling his inner Dusty - and one stage attempted the 'don't argue'.

You can only play against what's put in front of you, and let's be real, Sydney has a big injury list, and the two suspensions didn't help their cause. Their form on the G is not that flash, but it was good to see some positive passages of play, hopefully giving players some confidence in themselves to keep moving forward. The big test will be against the Pies, Suns, and Crows, which will show us we are among the top teams.

7 hours ago, picket fence said:

6 possesions in the modern game, seriously??????? You and others hang ur hat on a so called tough guy, coz as supporters we yearn for the Rod Grinter/ Byron Pickett type.... but this bloke aint it PERIOD! GO rubbish urself!

I also disagree with you Picket. AJ is doing his job, he is not pretty or skilful. He breaks opposition defences structure.

Currently no one at Casey is doing a better job. Max gets to rest and AJ is serviceable.

I am interested who you think fills the 2nd ruck forward roll better at the moment.

Happy to give the AJ Experience another couple of cracks but the best version of our team has an inform JVR in his place

What AJ does is he plays forward and can ruck, bar JVR he’s our only true ruck support on offer. He’s also very happy to throw his body into any pack, scrap on hands and knees and he’s selfless. There’s a world of refinement needed. He’s years away and some serious work from holding down a permanent spot in our side. His kicking for goal alone screams of a guy who knows he’s miles off the level. He's a fill in and he plays that role really well imo. Currently I’d have him in this role ahead of anyone playing at Casey. Until JVR finds form I’d play him.

15 hours ago, Coobs said:

I'll tip my hat to Goody, couldn't see this a month ago. Great coaching job to turn the season around

Goody's relentless optimism is something he's always bagged for, but he believes it, and so do the players. Bloody marvellous.

3 hours ago, dees189227 said:

Credit to fritsch. I've given him a bit of stick but yesterday he chased & actually landed a few tackles & got back to help in defence. He was a bit selfish in the beginning but as the game went on he passed it off

Also we had 10 different goal kickers yesterday. It's a good spread

Yes thought he was good yesterday. Has definitely lifted his game in terms of his defensive output. Took 3 good marks yesterday,2 from directly in front. His goal kicking is still a fair way off his usual high standards. Just squeezed one in from directly in front and 20m out. His reaction afterwards I think showed his unhappiness with how he’s kicking it.

2 hours ago, Mouseymoo said:

Oliver was brilliant. Brought a tear to my eye.

I'm really proud of his performance. You can't fake desire when you have 12 tackles in a game.

If he can get back to somewhere near peak fitness watch out!

1 minute ago, Roost it far said:

What AJ does is he plays forward and can ruck, bar JVR he’s our only true ruck support on offer. He’s also very happy to throw his body into any pack, scrap on hands and knees and he’s selfless. There’s a world of refinement needed. He’s years away and some serious work from holding down a permanent spot in our side. His kicking for goal alone screams of a guy who knows he’s miles off the level. He's a fill in and he plays that role really well imo. Currently I’d have him in this role ahead of anyone playing at Casey. Until JVR finds form I’d play him.

That's the thing. Those calling for AJ to be dropped obviously subscribe to this revolving door approach where we promote from Casey just because we think whoever was dropped should be doing better. But, guess what, the guy called up from Casey is usually not ready, so they, too, get dropped. And the cycle continues. And to top it off, AJ can ruck - which limits the pool even more!

In a perfect world, JVR would have continued his form from last year, and be on 20 goals right now. If he was, AJ would be at Casey crashing packs and shanking kicks, but no doubt doing some really handy things, and rucking.

As JVR is not where he should/could be, he has to find some form and confidence in the 2s. In the meantime, we are working with AJ, who is making the most of his opportunity and having some fun, and I think contributing to positive morale.

And he's kind of scary. And I like that. We need to bring some fear into our oppo.

Edited Monday at 00:015 days by Red But Mostly Blue
typo

Two player observations from yesterday’s game.

Disco Turners form over the past few weeks has been as satisfying for me to watch as the quick progress of Langford and XL. I was expecting our two new recruits to shine but not so much Disco.

I’ve been thinking he was a solid 3 tall either up front or down back but if he can continue his current trajectory he could end up being a genuine A grade key backman. Having Lever and May back might help him improve even more over the coming weeks which would be a massive win for us.

Christian goes BANG.....this goal looks familiar.

There's a big difference to how opposition coaches would approach Roo and AJ

Roo... man him... deny him space and run... and that's what they've done with great effect.

AJ... [censored] knows ... get our medics ready