1 minute ago, SPC said:

Flogging the Gliders this week is an absolute must!!!

Last year they touched us up badly, effectively over before halftime. This is their grand final, so we should expect their best.

On a personal note, my brother in law is a smug Essendon supporter who has taken great pride in us suffering the last few years. It has been a great start to the year, but I need this win!

Don't you bring up 2021 and 2004? That should keep your in-law very quiet.

I know this is a danger game and we can't get carried away, but this is how I see it. While we've chalked up some wins that externally weren't expected of us, I'm hoping that much of the playing group just see this as playing to our true potential and won't be taking the foot off the gas.

I think we've got enough experienced players in the team like Max, Steel, Lever, Melky, Petty, Langdon, Sparrow, Salem, Kossie, Chandler etc that know what it takes to put together a successful season week in week out, that we will keep a level head and keep the youngsters grounded throughout the week. Balancing that, I also hope and sense that there is a real hunger to win and succeed within the playing group that well be approaching the Essendon game and every other game this season with (I've certainly seen it thus far).

Also in something of a break with the former Goodwin coached Demons, I hope that if we do build ourselves into a dominant position against Essendon, that we really put them to the sword and bury them early like we did against North in the practice match (a game that now looks more like it was against reasonable opposition). Don't think we should underrate this aspect of putting teams to the sword, as it both locks away games that might otherwise be ground out to tight losses (like we were good at last season) and in a tight top end of the ladder could also be very important to any finals chances - I think there is now even more of a difference finishing higher beyond just top 4 and if we can make finals, I'd much rather us put ourselves in a position of finishing 5th or 6th or above, than 7th to 10th.

Edited 9 hours ago9 hr by Rodney (Balls) Grinter

If we lose to essendone I will spew up.

There's absolutely no universe where we lose to Essendon this week. Our side is clearly hungry, playing great football and has what I believe is a huge hunger to succeed right now. On top of that there's no manufactured "love" here, just a united and happy team. This is in stark comparison to the team we've rolled out the last few years.

I don't know which games most of you have been watching but if you've watched the first 4 games you'd have no doubts about this week.

Edited 8 hours ago8 hr by Roost it far

15 minutes ago, DemonOX said:

If we lose to essendone I will spew up.

I too will spew up, but I’ll spew up with an extra $350 in my pocket. I’ve put a hard-earned hunge on the revolting no-hopers and I’ve never wanted to lose $ so bad in my life. Well since we last played them anyways.

Living on nothing but fresh air and 2-minute noodles for the foreseeable future is a sacrifice worthy of a win over them.

1 hour ago, Coolx2 said:

If Heath was doing a great job replacing Gawn, then Gawn become available, Heath would probably get dropped. Howes is doing a good job but Rivers could probably do it a bit better, naturally you choose Riv over Howes. Having Kentfield in the team will change the dynamics as he can play forward, back and ruck. Viney will be back at the moment there is no senior position available. What we do need is to improve our defence possibility JVR can go back. For pro Jefferson fans he may get his chance soon.

Agree, but again the Bye in the fairy floss league next week doesn't help!

57 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Don't think I've ever seen Kentfield playing down back at Casey.

Tom Fullarton was played down back for a few games and was showing glimpses but he was delisted

Luker started off as a defender for Casey and did well. The first game he played as a forward went so well that that’s where he’s remained. He doesn’t have a preference, he’s happy to play either/any position. Of course he is, nothing bothers this kid. Easy to please is an understatement.

Given that Heath has played two very good games in the VFL against Dogs and Hawks (both finalist last year and heavily stacked with AFL listed players), do we "manage" Gawn this week, so he gets a rest for the Lions game in two weeks?

King came from Geelong's "player management style", so this is a game that we can use given that the Don's don't have any recognized rucks.

Gives Heath a game under his belt and starts to prepare him for the rest of the season.

Thoughts?

North fans often refer to us as “GoDees” and Richmond fans refer to us as Shemons but I gotta admit, Essendon fans are pretty grounded. Could be because they have been mediocre for 25 years, but they do know how to take the [censored] out of themselves and I found this pretty funny.

I don’t despise them as much as I do North, Richmond, Carlton or Collingwood nowadays.

Edited 8 hours ago8 hr by VNightCityLegend

6 minutes ago, ANB Fan Boy said:

Given that Heath has played two very good games in the VFL against Dogs and Hawks (both finalist last year and heavily stacked with AFL listed players), do we "manage" Gawn this week, so he gets a rest for the Lions game in two weeks?

King came from Geelong's "player management style", so this is a game that we can use given that the Don's don't have any recognized rucks.

Gives Heath a game under his belt and starts to prepare him for the rest of the season.

Thoughts?

6 minutes ago, ANB Fan Boy said:

Given that Heath has played two very good games in the VFL against Dogs and Hawks (both finalist last year and heavily stacked with AFL listed players), do we "manage" Gawn this week, so he gets a rest for the Lions game in two weeks?

King came from Geelong's "player management style", so this is a game that we can use given that the Don's don't have any recognized rucks.

Gives Heath a game under his belt and starts to prepare him for the rest of the season.

Thoughts?

Dont mind the thinking, a lot of Casey boys puttimg up their hands for ones footy is very positive for the club as a whole

Based on the practice matches it was pretty clear that King was going to play Kentfield as a forward and second ruck option for Max. In his absence we have adjusted to the ad hoc - on Sunday Petty had 3 CBAs and JVR had 2 when Max rested. King seems to be quite clear that he will only bring Heath in later in the year when the "tracks are not so fast and the game slows down a little". Our game plan relies upon pace, speed of ball movement and pressure. Another ruckman in the 23 would take away from that at the moment. If Kentfield plays - then TMac comes out and Petty and JVR don't have to do any CBAs or around the ground rucking whilst Max rests.

Kentfield cannot come in at the expense of a running player. Match Committee might decide that the current amended plan is working and might make no change, except of course if Fritta is available. No idea about what is going on with Rivers....

PS Heath is definitely doing his best to stay in consideration. Given Heath's progress and the plan for Kentfield I would expect that big TC can quietly retire mid-season and open up a list spot for a mid-season draft pick.

53 minutes ago, Rodney (Balls) Grinter said:

I know this is a danger game and we can't get carried away, but this is how I see it. While we've chalked up some wins that externally weren't expected of us, I'm hoping that much of the playing group just see this as playing to our true potential and won't be taking the foot off the gas.

I think we've got enough experienced players in the team like Max, Steel, Lever, Melky, Petty, Langdon, Sparrow, Salem, Kossie, Chandler etc that know what it takes to put together a successful season week in week out, that we will keep a level head and keep the youngsters grounded throughout the week. Balancing that, I also hope and sense that there is a real hunger to win and succeed within the playing group that well be approaching the Essendon game and every other game this season with (I've certainly seen it thus far).

Also in something of a break with the former Goodwin coached Demons, I hope that if we do build ourselves into a dominant position against Essendon, that we really put them to the sword and bury them early like we did against North in the practice match (a game that now looks more like it was against reasonable opposition). Don't think we should underrate this aspect of putting teams to the sword, as it both locks away games that might otherwise be ground out to tight losses (like we were good at last season) and in a tight top end of the ladder could also be very important to any finals chances - I think there is now even more of a difference finishing higher beyond just top 4 and if we can make finals, I'd much rather us put ourselves in a position of finishing 5th or 6th or above, than 7th to 10th.

I have been a little nervous about this game (especially since the Bombers did not embarrass themselves against the Dogs and may have taken a little confidence from it), but appreciate this sensible take - and agree!

We have lost many games like this, and certainly some recent ones to the Bombers. But I think we have enough seasoned, level heads in the team who are less likely than before to let that happen. Steel/Brody have proven to be such steady hands in our team, and will prove invaluable going forward.

And like you say, we're playing great footy, and that becomes addictive. Unlike other years, this team looks to be happy to slam on goals and NOT go to sleep. That relentless, unforgiving hunger will serve as well against the Bombers.

I think our speed and confidence will be too much for them on the day, but, like against the Suns, got to play 4 quarters.

Melky playing 250th game this week against his old team. Congratulations Melky, hopefully we can get a win for you !

Just now, Dees051321 said:

Melky playing 250th game this week against his old team. Congratulations Melky, hopefully we can get a win for you !

Dees Instagram live with Melky Navi g a press conference and asking him how he feels about playing his 250th this week.

42 minutes ago, Roost it far said:

There's absolutely no universe where we lose to Essendon this week. Our side is clearly hungry, playing great football and has what I believe is a huge hunger to succeed right now. On top of that there's no manufactured "love" here, just a united and happy team. This is in stark comparison to the team we've rolled out the last few years.

I don't know which games most of you have been watching but if you've watched the first 4 games you'd have no doubts about this week.

I watched the first 4 games too. I'm afraid the Freemantle game (though with a Q2 fightback) and first half against Carlton has to raise doubts in me. Hopefully the Suns game has put an end to that. Time will tell.

12 hours ago, Adam The God said:

We were favourites in the Carlton game too.

I also disagree with thia sentiment going around that if we lose this week it will undo all of our work.

We will have slip ups this year and it would put us at 3-2. I think most fans would have taken that going into this year. I certainly would have.

That is not to say we should lose to Essendon...

Were we favourites v Carlton? They were coming off the (uninspiring) win against Richmond and we’d just been belted by Fremantle?

As for the whole “undoing the GC win”, my view is that early season positivity, and wins, is critical to driving long term success on and off field - we need our players to believe and we also need our fans and supporters to get on board. We’re building that now. Losing to a side on a 17-game losing streak and who have won just 4 out of 16 quarters for the season is going to put a dent in those things (like it or not, but you know as much as I do what Demonland is going to look like if we lose).

I’m very much accepting of slip ups, bad games and beltings coming our way this year. I fully expected Sunday to have been such a game, and next week v Brisbane is obviously another one to watch. But the opening month of the season changes things a bit, and IMO there is a lot to lose, overall, if we lose this weekend.

49 minutes ago, Ghostwriter said:

I too will spew up, but I’ll spew up with an extra $350 in my pocket. I’ve put a hard-earned hunge on the revolting no-hopers and I’ve never wanted to lose $ so bad in my life. Well since we last played them anyways.

Living on nothing but fresh air and 2-minute noodles for the foreseeable future is a sacrifice worthy of a win over them.

Shows some guts to do that. Good job.

32 minutes ago, VNightCityLegend said:

North fans often refer to us as “GoDees” and Richmond fans refer to us as Shemons but I gotta admit, Essendon fans are pretty grounded. Could be because they have been mediocre for 25 years, but they do know how to take the [censored] out of themselves and I found this pretty funny.

I don’t despise them as much as I do North, Richmond, Carlton or Collingwood nowadays.

We should do them another favour by not just winning, but putting them to the sword. 100+ points win would put huge pressure on Scott. Most Essendon supporters want him gone....let's be the gift that keeps giving.

No chance they stick with us this week...we will run them off their feet.

There will be no complacency, too many players vying for selection.

Rip em a new one Demons!!

18 minutes ago, titan_uranus said:

Were we favourites v Carlton? They were coming off the (uninspiring) win against Richmond and we’d just been belted by Fremantle?

Well, we were favourite in the betting market.

11 minutes ago, Adam The God said:

Well, we were favourite in the betting market.

I’ll take your word for it, it just surprises me.

Max is in AA form, has torched TDK, Darcy, Pittonet and Witts, is giving us first use consistently and doesn't look remotely tired.

Why are we talking about resting him?

12 minutes ago, BDA said:

Max is in AA form, has torched TDK, Darcy, Pittonet and Witts, is giving us first use consistently and doesn't look remotely tired.

Why are we talking about resting him?

Don't flirt with form. Keep it going.

Not averse to change . Leave in Kingy's hands and believe.

I do think by him playing Melksham this early and Checkers, it actually worked well, and some didn't, as it definitely destabilised their back line setup.

1 hour ago, titan_uranus said:

Were we favourites v Carlton? They were coming off the (uninspiring) win against Richmond and we’d just been belted by Fremantle?

As for the whole “undoing the GC win”, my view is that early season positivity, and wins, is critical to driving long term success on and off field - we need our players to believe and we also need our fans and supporters to get on board. We’re building that now. Losing to a side on a 17-game losing streak and who have won just 4 out of 16 quarters for the season is going to put a dent in those things (like it or not, but you know as much as I do what Demonland is going to look like if we lose).

I’m very much accepting of slip ups, bad games and beltings coming our way this year. I fully expected Sunday to have been such a game, and next week v Brisbane is obviously another one to watch. But the opening month of the season changes things a bit, and IMO there is a lot to lose, overall, if we lose this weekend.

Agree. Again, without getting ahead of ourselves, we clearly have the troops to be competitive against most sides most weeks.

I think it's so important for our club / team culture that both the players and supporters set expectations of winning and playing finals at every opportunity. Let's not get mired in mediocrity ever again.

2 hours ago, ANB Fan Boy said:

Given that Heath has played two very good games in the VFL against Dogs and Hawks (both finalist last year and heavily stacked with AFL listed players), do we "manage" Gawn this week, so he gets a rest for the Lions game in two weeks?

King came from Geelong's "player management style", so this is a game that we can use given that the Don's don't have any recognized rucks.

Gives Heath a game under his belt and starts to prepare him for the rest of the season.

Thoughts?

Gawn has just gone to the top of the leaderboard in the coaches votes.

Good luck trying to convince him to have a weekend off.