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A finer example of confirmation bias it's hard to imagine. - Oscar's one of the more reliable kicks in the team, as his DE% confirms (e.g. last week, 100%) - He marks when the ball comes near him: last week was in top 10, this week down, but then so was everyone. He took as many marks as Viney and Gawn, who no-one seems to have noticed "barely mark the footy" - Have a look at the 1%'ers. He's so far in front of everyone else in the team it's not funny. Also worth remembering that for his one game back at Casey a couple of weeks back, he managed an in-the-bests performance with a team-high 22 disposals while Petty - who some here seem to see as a preferable alternative even though his one AFL game was a disaster - didn't even manage half of that. Finally, for the last two games we've won not because we kicked thumping scores, but because our defense was miserly. It's not as if we have KPF's kicking buckets of goals on Oscar (or anyone for that matter). But heh, happy for the professionals at the club to decide on whether or not he plays.

A positive for Omac is that he had 13 once percenters, which essentially measure spoils. The next best on the ground was Collins and Frost who both had 6. His opponent kicked one goal and that came from a pin point pass that Omac couldn't do anything about. Did nothing thereafter (Sam Collins opponent kicked 3 by way of comparison. Keeps tmac to less and they win) We kept the Hawks and Suns to under 70 points so the defence seems to be working in the last two weeks. I could well be wrong but i would think Goody reckons Omac is doing his job and on the back of that i expect him to be selected again An interesting stat is that Omac was on field 99% of the game. And frost was on field 100% of the game.

Post of the year was last night by TMAC ?

If you are going to dream, dream big i say. If we could find a way to kick Victory and Storm off their training ovals, and completely take over the Goshs Park area, this is what our training base could look like. It could happen, couldnt it?? (Dreaming is free after all, and this thread is wayyyy too depressing)

Who arguably cost them the game against the dees. in a game where we scored 8 goals Collins direct opponent, who has been in woeful form, kicked 3. And at the end Collins sagged off tmac gifting him a completely free mark. Which he dropped, yet Collins could still not stop him kicking the ball of the ground for the matching winning point. Great defence. Not. Imagine if that were omac, posters would be all over him. Meanwhile omac blanketed his opponent. But sure Collins is who we need.

50000 confirmed.

Without Hunt’s clean hands and endeavour in the last 49 seconds there’d have been no victory.

I saw this article on the 6-6-6 Rule where Don Pyke: "...believes the six-six-six rule, introduced at the beginning of 2019 with the intention of creating flow and boosting scoring, has had the opposite effect..." He highlighted that there have not been many 100+ pt scores this year. So I put together a little Table showing the # of 100+ ptscores over recent years in rnds 1-8 Its no wonder games are harder to watch. This year there has been only one game where both teams scored 100+ pts, coincidentally when we played Ess. Given this (and other rules) came in because the AFL and ch7 thought 'not enough' goals were being scored and wanted to open up the game, the Table would not make them happy. iirc the AFL wanted to outsmart coaches by taking away some of their defensive tactics at centre bounces and kick-ins. Interestingly, Pyke also said: "...Adelaide simply had to adapt to the new trend and cast aside their reputation...for attack before defence". In 2018 we were proudly a fwd half team that relied on the weight of i50 entries to kick winning scores so we were about attack, attack at all costs. Perhaps it is not only our lack of two-way running that caused Goodwin to change and go back to the earlier Paul Roos strategy of 'defence first'. Lower scores are unexpected outcomes of the new rules and as Pyke says: "... I don’t know what the AFL is going to do about it.” I would say the rule changes have backfired! Over to you, Gil!

Protected species at the AFL tribunal, 'Marvel' stadium and superhero guernseys, the disastrous 666 rule.... Great job Gillon McLachlan and co. Keep running the game into the ground!

Haven't seen anything other than the last two minutes. But I know that we had three injuries, including to Melksham who appears to have been one of our better players in the first half. And I know that GC are a better side than in 2018 (seems many don't realise that). And I know that GC haven't been involved in a high-quality football match all year, bringing most of their opponents down to their level (I think only Adelaide has looked strong against them, even West Coast at home last week struggled to get out of second gear). And from the sweat levels I saw on the players in the final two minutes, I wouldn't be surprised if humidity/dew played a role in the fumbling. And the tackle stats, particularly tackles inside 50, were at an elite level. And then on Sunday they side we beat last week dominated GWS. I'll take the win in those circumstances. Let's see if we can build on this.

Maybe we'd all be better off if we changed tack and kept the possums and got rid of Parliament.

Could barely walk after the game. But hey let's find another reason to find fault with omac.

I don't really know, but I have heard that the reason Brayshaw was 'pushed' out to the wing was because of his defensive game. Going to the wing not only teaches him, but forces him to be accountable, both ways. I notice that Stretch recorded the highest total distance covered at high speed & the highest average speed in defence, so Angus will have to work harder that's for sure & maybe this is one of Goodwins focuses for Gus? A lot of posters have been critical of some players, however, it appears that Goodwin has 'wiped the slate clean' & addressed the defensive game-plan/issues first before going down any other path. IMO its working.......I think Jones has been a little more accountable although still chasing possessions.....his contested possessions have increased & his turnovers decreased somewhat, which is a positive sign. Consequently with a larger emphasis of defence we've seen a 'deficiency in our skills & attacking moments but this will only improve IMO. Angus not on his own being fumbly & he has plenty of mates.

Are you saying he is way off overall or just on the weekend? He might have had an off night but I think he's been one of very few who has performed consistently this season along with Salem and Oliver. He's not the cleanest player but he wins so much of the football in close and I think his kicking on both sides has continued to improve. As one commentator noted he's not wheeling around to his preferred side as much (as Viney always does) he is kicking in stride and I've been impressed with some of his left foot kicking under pressure. He's been playing on the wing and in the middle I'd imagine swapping with Jones. Pretty sure he did the same thing last year. Gus is in our best 5 players IMO. Yes he can appear slow and maybe a bit lathargic at times, its just how he moves and his body language I think. But he has terrific spacial awareness and one of those players who always has time. The game has already slowed down for him which is something that hasn't quite happened yet for Clayton who often rushes with his disposal. I think Gus is in the mold of a Pendlebry type. Not super fast or flashy but has the spatial awareness to make the right decisions often. He always keeps himself in every contest with his persistence and hunger. I hate to be that guy but the kid is 23. Is he perhaps down on confidence with ball in hand playing in a side that is struggling at the moment? sure..... But he's not way off.

That is reading way too much into something that was fairly innocuous. Garlett is a quiet person by nature and I am sure that Saty would confirm that he is much loved by all his team mates and coaching staff. Because he is not as gregarious as Harmsey or Petracca doesn't mean that he has a bad relationship with the coach, if that is what you are inferring.

I thought Gawn was also critical in those last 2 minutes - he was mad at himself for a turnover earlier that was costly. You could almost read his thought bubble saying “ I’m not having this.”

CP5's goal will do him wonders The boy reacts to highs, relationships and freedom Watch him go now.....

Really DJ there is always a sceptic in any crowd that can deflate a mood or celebration. And I am afraid you win this title by a handsome margin. To dredge up something from a quarter of a century ago when the Club was under completely different structure and management upon recording our greatest membership total EVER you pour oil on still waters! You have no proof from your post (nor have others) but the increase of 9,000 new or first time members no doubt relates to our 2018 heroics!!! Also 1,000 new Juniors is fantastic. Also by association you create doubt by your mischievous post on the noble and hard work largely by PJ and his Office over the last 6 /7 years plus any MFC player, staffer and volunteer. Some things are often left unsaid and this one opinion that would come into that category. Unless you have any proof at all I suggest that that thread be discontinued from 70,000 Members thread and allow Perty to pursue with our reaching our targets. Congratulations are in order to all the old faithful the new members and any others about to begin on this journey. Additionally the Club staff and Board and Executives are all to be commended richly on this result. I am positive that after witnessing ONE minute of genius from our players on Saturday this season is still much alive and will be a ride that PJ has said and all that we can be pleased to be on. Go Dees

Looks perfect to me ding.

tis but a scratch.

Unless it comes out he has broken his leg, he should have made a better effort.

it was good wasnt it, and as Bad as Oscar's lack of smarts were , Hore's were very good, read the play very well. Has become a really good player. The Vision of Oscar is what frustrates most of us the most.. no urgency at all, i don't care if he hurt himself getting tackled.. be better, be more desperate.. just perceived pressure can be very effective at times.

There's a great insight on Access All Areas (on the afl app/site) where they break down that last 1 minute of play. Oscar McDonald is a very lucky man that we won that game. He jogged a long in the middle rather than man up on Holman who ended up kicking the goal that put them in front. They also highlighted the smarts of Marty Hore - he didn't play a great game but his second half and that goal was really something.

100% agree. I think a measure of success for a team is how long they can keep their season alive and allow their supporters to hold out hope. The best teams last until the last week of September, while the worst teams kill off their chances in May and leave their supporters despondent and asking themselves "why bother" for the rest of the season. Geelong is a good example; they limped into finals last year got bundled out first round, yet re-loaded again and now sitting 1st a game clear. Don't be fooled by the Adelaide example who are tricking the football world into thinking they are a good football side by having one of the easiest of draws to date. As a supporter, I'd much rather see us play finals than to put the cue in the rack, finish 15th and get a top pick with the illusion of hope that we'll relaunch even better next year. Nothing is guaranteed next year, and a simple awkward landing could see Gawn do a knee in round 1 and you'll have the same portion of supporters tell us the year is wasted and go again next year... We've been going again next year for the last 50 years...

Bingo. Anyone who says theres no point making finals may as well go follow another team or giving up footy altogether.

I would have thought any finals experience our team can get is better than none, and will benefit the team in future whether we can win the flag this season or not. Otherwise what's the point of even bothering with the rest of the year just put everyone in for surgery and phone it in.

His grunt and preparedness to get smashed (ie: against adelaide 2 years ago as well) - beguiles his pretty boy looks thats for sure.

I was there yesterday DJ, a couple of years since my last visit and back then they had a decent scoreboard. I fortunately took my binoculars, yes folks it is that bad. I was surprised that Casey won so easily, Preuss took them apart even though I though he was used sparingly. It might be my imagination but I reckon he was used sparingly with a trip to WA in mind. I watch a couple of players closely ( well I tried ). while I thought Sparrow and Petty did there jobs well at this level Baker was the only one that looked worthy of a senior game later in the season. Of the kids I liked the game of Chandler, he was probably not in the top half dozen but showed some promise. If we don't pick Smith for a forward role in the team for Perth we have rocks in our heads. While he is never going to be a very good player at senior level he is a solid mark and a good kick for goal. Yesterday he was used around the centre quite a bit with good effect. Based on yesterday's form he and the Giant are the only ones I would pick for senior duties in WA.

Stop the season, I want to get off.

I'd argue their is consistency it's just that the 'override' formula which takes into account bookies odds is not available to the general public. I listened to Michael Christianson's explanatiom tonight and all I heard was "Blah blah blah, betting odds Ablett, insufficient force, sportsbet"

For every game that is close or low scoring and a good contest there are many more such games that aren't a good contest. eg our game vs GCS: one point on the siren win but both teams played rubbish. Or our win vs Hawks; played by two middle of the road teams. Low scoring, close but awful to watch. A close game does not mean a good game any more than a high scoring game means a good game. I didn't check the stats but I would guess the i50 count this year is well down across the board, so games are being played between the 50m arcs or with lots of shallow i50's so it is like watching ping-pong. The contests stifle player skills. Personally, I would rather watch a skillful game with few contests eg the excitement of a player running, bouncing the ball toward toward goal is the best part of our game ala Hannan in the Geelong final last year.

As an alternative we could remain at Gotch's paddock and build our admin and training facilities in sewer system, kind of like Bane's home in The Dark Night.

My favourite grand finals were the ones where 50-60 points were scored each. I want to see a good contest, not just a good shootout. Couldn't care less about the low scoring.

Approximately 10k ahead of Bulldogs, North and St Kilda whom we use to hover around the same amount as.

Hate to be reminded of this infamous plot orchestrated by certain Board members and sponsors. A disgraceful action to circumvent member democracy and fair play. Only the Hawks and the intervention of Gutnick and Dixon saved us from the ignominy of a merged club

A credit to all Melbourne Faithful We who have suffered more humiliation than most, still believe in that almighty Demon. 70,000 is attainable as long as winning becomes a standard requirement, regardless of ladder position

Imagine the storm from the possum protection society dc!

Wow Omac is the worst you have seen play the game That means two things to me either you ain't seen many and/or you were not watching the Dees 5 years ago.

To be honest I was concentrating on four other players dd, and as such I probably missed some of his work. I would have put him on my ok list but that may have been unfair to him. Yes I like how him and Chandler are progressing, both are still quite young so not sure I would want to expose either to the top level yet. There is a long way to go for these guys IMO the worst thing we could do would be to put them in the seniors at present when the support for them this year would be low. Again only my opinion but it may be better to wait till 2020 there is plenty of time for them.

Just played like he needed to play and the timing in the game was perfect.

I'm not much of a fan of Omac, but I have to agree that he's done his job the last few weeks. There is no way he'll be dropped until May and Lever are in and playing good footy and well supported by Jetta/Hibberd/Frost/Salem (or other structure). Even then he could justify his position if his form is good freeing up other options. I'd think good form is more likely if the best back 6 group is on the park with a stable structure performing well - so I'm prepared for him to surprise on the upside Picking single plays of the game where Omac didn't singlehandedly stop an attack OR using gross (and largely incorrect) generalisations to characterise his performance is unfair

Odd strategy to rest him when he needs game time to build his confidence and touch?

actually they were the Steven Bradbury. We smashed them all night and couldn't convert. if they won it was becuase we couldn't put them away. almost a miracle if they won that. We tripped over then got up for one last go to win.

Seemed to be a lot of fumbles on both sides but conditions may have played a part. Hunts pressure at then end was amazing. Lots to work on but so many players still to come back...

The irony is that he was moved forward at VFL level because we had surplus defenders at senior level

Post of the year!!

Probably don’t have one. They don’t like keeping records.

Simply is not going to happen, the coaching panel do not react in the same way as supporters, and thankfully they don't

50,001 Rang the Club today to sign up a relative and was informed they reached 50,000 today. Congratulations to everyone who's joined up. Congratulations to the team. Congratulations to the Club .