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The Dogs are a side who have a game style that we can't handle. They love to flick out that quick handball to a player on the outside, and they are a terrific team off half back. Their man three - Daniel, JJ and Crozier - cut us up all day when the ball hit the deck. Not only are they clever players, but they use the ball very well and were able to hit targets in these conditions. At half time you could tell that there were a few signs that we weren't playing all that well, but we lifted our intensity and lifted our pressure in the second term and we took our chances. We just had to keep that up. And then we fell in a hole, both on the field and in the box, in the third term. Bevo made some changes, such as English deep and Bruce into the ruck as both had been ineffectual to that point, and he clearly implored his players to look for the switch and run hard at every opportunity. They did exactly that and too often they took the ball from one end to the other and they made us look second rate. Goodwin didn't prepare enough for it, but then the players also didn't run hard enough either. Our midfield was smashed today. Trac was off, Oliver looked like he was gassed, Viney tries but today it didn't really pay off, and Gus didn't have the same influence as previous weeks. Preuss was good in the ruck but, really, we should have had more influence out of the guts than we did. Overall, this was a big test for the club after three wins against teams we should be beating, and we failed miserably. And it really hurt to watch that. People will try and pick out individuals in this game, but I don't see that as the problem. People were pinging Fritsch for goodness sake. The bloke aint the problem. Our problem, against good sides, is that they cut us up on the outside and when the pressure drops they run it out without any issue and make us pay. Our gameplan is too rigid and inflexible to change for it and, unless we put massive amounts of pressure on for pretty much the whole game, we struggle. One positive from today was, again, the back line. We could have had the greatest back line in the world in that third term and it wouldn't have stopped the ball the way it came in. I thought May, Lever and Tomlinson were all excellent throughout the game and gave their tall forwards an absolute bath. Hibberd was off and Wallis kicked 4 on him but, again, he had A+ delivery without any pressure. Season is on the line next week against a side who have even more leg speed and run than the Dogs - the Saints. We will need to make some adjustments and prepare ourselves as if we lose next week, then we're gone. I won't write us off just yet as many here did after the Port game and then three games later we are in the 8. However, roll over against the Saints and it will be very, very hard. Very disappointed after that game but I'm not giving up on the season just yet. While the Dogs were better, we more than had our chances to not only be further in front at different stages, but to also bridge the gap in the last term.

What a half of footy by Steven May...absolutely elite defender. He is giving Naughton a lesson

Let's get the glass half full bit out of the way. We were never any good but never really out of the contest, even in the fourth quarter we were challenging at various times. The Dogs were also wildly accurate in the third quarter. I reckon we got really unlucky with the wind: they were slotting them dead straight on the angle, but look at what the wind did to Fritsch's kick in the fourth. IMO that's not technique, that's the wind picking up. They only had 3 more scoring shots but their accuracy hurt us. OK. Now for the glass half empty bit. How predictable was that. The Dogs are a level above our previous three teams and brought the pressure, and we crumbled. They out ran us and they carved us up on transition. Petracca, Oliver, Viney and Brayshaw all had poor games under that pressure, with their old habits coming back again (dinky handballs, lack of two-way running, missed kicks). We had the same number of inside 50s. But our small/mid forwards, Fritsch aside, put in shockers. I said in the Game Day thread that every week Pickett feels like he's close to dominating, but never actually does. We can't keep carrying small forwards who neither impact the game nor pressure. Goodwin blatantly outcoached. We've had a strong defensive zone that was broken to pieces today, largely through the Dogs switching repeatedly. They've played a lot of footy at Metricon (we've only played once there before today), so maybe they knew it well, but it was clear from the start that they had a plan and it worked. Preuss was beaten by Bruce. Can we end the whole "we're good without Max" thing? We're not. We only get one let off in this run home. It was today. If we want to be a finals side, we need to bounce back next week. Given the opportunity we had today to solidify our top 8 spot, today was horrendously disappointing.

People thinking Goodwin’s coaching cost us really are clutching at straws or have agenda’s. That was a loss based on inadequate defensive run and not taking chances when they present. The same side did both well last week. We missed 4-6 high % goals and they made there’s. We played like an improving mid tier side who struggled with a higher level of pressure. We unsurprisingly were caught short for outside run which a lot of us had already said was a concern. Just need to reset and get the changes right next week otherwise outside run will catch us out once again. Lost in it all will be Steven May’s game which you will struggle to find a more complete defensive game by an individual.

Agree, red. I don't know why supporters are so focused on the tagging aspect. It had very little to do with the outcome of the game. I'm happy for Goodwin to back in our mids against theirs, but when we don't turn up like we did today, then we'll get smashed no matter if we tried to tag all of them or none of them.

1 Steven May. 2. When we do get it on the turn or a clear stoppage win we look likely to score. 3. Steven May

The first couple of wins from our run were against quite clearly the two worst teams in the AFL right now, and we comfortably beat a depleted Pies outfit who were also off a shorter break. I’m not saying we dismiss those wins but this is the major test. The dogs are on the same points as us but we have the better percentage, a win here gets a little separation while gets us closer to the top 6. This is most definitely an 8 pointer.

The best tagger in our side is currently spudding it up down back.. Coaching masterclass by Goodwin.

No answers to an opposition that runs and spreads...again. The amount of times they waltzed out of defence with limited pressure was incredibly frustrating.

Jeepers, Lever, Tomlinson and Weideman were all decent today.

It will be ugly next round v Saints. Shocking record against them.

You know what Jaded, the guy has lost me. He actually seems to have no idea of tactics and that you play differently depending on your opponents. To allow Preuss to just tap the ball down, when they are killing us at the clearance, is the height of stupidity. He was against a flanker a lot of the time and they won the clearances and then spread. Put Oliver or Petracca at CHF and smash it to them and you create a contest without Libba, MacRae, Bont, Hunter, Smith etc and you are closer to goal with one of your best players one out. Dogs are the best side at scoring from defence, so you don’t bomb it in. Guess what we did. I never see tactics. Why wasn’t Harmes on Bont.? We are so predictable and have no game tactics at all. I can’t see any real success with this Coach.

he'll definitely be a good player just not now.......needs a rest

I said last week we had one job - tag Bontempelli. It's as obvious as the nose on your face. Thanks Simon.

Scores from turnovers: 59 to 23!!!

Our small forwards killed us. Where were the goals? Where was the pressure from recent weeks? I'd be resting Pickett and giving Bedford a run.

I think Lever and Salem were pretty good as well. The only reason we weren't really belted.

Why is Harmes wasted every week He should have been used hard tagging today Goodwin does not learn

Lost in the coaches box, taken to school by Bevo.

Just need to cut and paste same comments from port, richmond Geelong wce and the games we have lost, same as last year, cant kick cant take advantage of ruck dominance, no forward pressure, midfield got outworked. If it isnt on our terms we go to who we are.

Midfield beaten Forwards couldn't execute. Cant bring that weak stuff against good sides.

This is genuinely the worst post on Demonland I have seen in a long time.

he took possession outta the ruck, got tackled THAT'S HOLDING THE BALL

Better now then in 5 mins time.

Jeez strange times!!! Just reflecting. In a normal season, I'd be settling into a pot at The Duke about now. Thinking about maybe a quick snack and trying to coerce @Moonshadow into buying a round. What a ****ty year it's been.

I’m heading to Metricon today. And I’m damn excited! This should be a cracking game. Going to be on in the middle and hope Trac, Clarry, Vines and Brayshaw get on top in there. Nice clear morning but winds expected to pick up during today. Hopefully not to bad. Looking forward to seeing Weids continue some strong form, loving what he is doing at the moment. Down the coast for the weekend from Brisbane so will be a nice relaxing morning before heading off to the ground! Carn Dees!!

Oh yes I've been waiting for this one, for years I've argued with the Footscray boys at work who's the better midfield. I think we might see an all out gun fight Oliver and Petracca vs Macrae and Bontempelli. Wow. I've got a rack of beef ribs, a cape from scotch fillet and 2 dinosaur size tomahawk ribeyes, fair to say the father in law and I are going to eat like kings... Time for a beer, photos to come.

Whatever is best for Hogan, even if that means a move still in Perth to replace Kennedy. I think we can agree there's little point to fantasizing about Hogan the player if Hogan the human is suffering.

Demons to be free of debt and AFL control Key Points: Melbourne's surprising financial position included the following factors: The sale of the Leighoak gaming venue – following the 2018 decision of president Glen Bartlett's board to withdraw from gaming – had netted more than $10 million, which was used to create a $7.5 million investment portfolio that the club can draw down on. The club had the huge asset of the Bentleigh Club (gaming) venue freehold, which could be worth more than $20 million according to industry sources when revalued. This had been acquired in 2011, when the Bentleigh Club was indebted and was merged with the Melbourne Football Club (effectively a takeover) – a little-known transaction from the Jim Stynes board that has proven significant. The Bentleigh Club is slated to cease gaming operations in 2022, and the club had to decide what to do with what was now valuable land and their main asset. The Demons have saved close to $500,000 in rent at their AAMI Park base, according to Pert, having renegotiated that deal for this pandemic-hit season while forced to train at Casey. The club had launched its "Proud to belong, proud to give'' fundraising campaign, which Pert said would reap close to $1 million. The MCC's payments to MCG tenants, despite the loss games, would provide upwards of $400,000 to the club this year. The retention of the Alice Springs game – scheduled next weekend against St Kilda – would provide more than $600,000. Of their major sponsors, the Demons had lost only China Southern Airlines, which could no longer fly into Australia. They have retained key sponsors Zurich, Jaguar, Hertz, IG Investments and Furphy Beer. "They've also re-committed for next year,'' said Pert. The club had re-engaged a working party, which was backed by the AFL and state government, to look at the club's proposed new training/administrative base. For me the most important thing is the last line. So hopefully we can keep the asset revenue for that base. Well done to all.

What today really highlighted to me is the double edge Sword that is Jack Viney, at times he looked like the only midfielder that's having a go, but wow does he upset the overall system of the midfield. it's a really interesting one because he's genuine quality but he's also a serious challenge for the coaches. he went in head first and he either wins it, or he's caught outnumbered and the dogs wisk it away. and because of the way he plays it's hard for guys to get in and support him. he turns us from a system based midfield to a chaotic rush it forward midfield.

Two goals touched by the player on the mark. Gus couldn’t kick over Daniels head. That is just lazy.

This Salem thing is a bit tiresome, he doesn't play in the midfield because he is not good enough.

Not tagging Bont did not cost us the game. A lack of defensive run particularly out of D50 and missing 5-6 gettable chances did. I still would not tag him. He is a good player and played a good game but that wasn’t the difference and I dont think a full negating role in our midfield serves us well. Who would you have do it and whose midfield time are you taking away for it?

Two major reasons we lost; Inside 50 to goal efficiency and defending kick ins. Granted the wind seemed to play havoc but the bulldogs seemed to adapt better I guess. But letting them waltz out of defensive 50 is unforgivable. this club kills me, builds up hope and then let’s it shatter, I’m starting to wonder whether there is something seriously wrong mentally with the playing group. Not taking a swipe at them but they just don’t seem to stand up when the pressures on.

When will we stop accepting this “they are a good team we can’t match them” mantra? They were below us on the ladder. They are roughly similar in age and experience. I can accept losing to much better sides but we shouldn’t accept losing to every team that is having a good day out. We should be a lot further ahead than this, two years after making a prelim.

Doggies played very well today; they’re a hot and cold side and today they brought their best. We weren’t able to match them.

Bog ordinary effort but credit to the Doggies who played the conditions much better. Our old friend ****ty disposal/ turnover played a top game. There's a few blokes up for a rest next week you'd reckon, which is now a make or break game. What have you got Goodie?

He was very close to two crumbing goals in the first quarter. I feel like so much of Pickett is "very close". Every game he looks like he might erupt but never seems to happen. Not sure Bennell can play that role. Speed and defensive pressure regrettably not Bennell's strong suits so far this year.

How is it a throw if you're on the ground and punch it out.

Remember so many times over the years seeing Melbourne play the Bulldogs in absolutely freezing weather. One day at Princes Park actual sleet was blowing in my face all day. Oh happy days. True to form, Melbourne town turns on the wintry blast. A part of me is glad I don't have to make the decision to go to the MCG today! No excuses Dees, A win today thanks for us miserable Vics.

Have watched Bailey Smith closely all year as he played at my boys jnr footy club. He never stops running and seems to rarely have anyone go with him as there is more focus on Bont, McCrae even Libba. Very good player, we can't let him loose he can do some damage.

Jesse, I'll cut fresh flowers, make the wine cold, sit by the phone, put on Cologne-buy you a pack of smokes, whatevs. Forwards that take grabs and kick straight are rare as rocking horse [censored].

Happy with Pick 6 a bargain as it turns out Move on Melbourne looking back doesn't make the future Hope Jesse finds some peace

Naaaa I reckon Jacko might still grow a centimetre or 2.

John Trotter: ex-Deloitte Global Managing Partner for Risk Services and Managing Partner of Deloitte Victoria. Seems a pretty safe pair of hands. "Chair of the Club’s Risk and Audit sub-committee. He is also Chair of the Bentleigh Club sub-committee. He has particular involvement at the Board level on the governance structures, risk management and finance operations of the club". Given our recent history it's almost impossible to imagine we're in a strong financial position. But he may be a clue.

of the 22 tomorrow i'd have him replacing t mac in a nanosecond

I always thought Jesse underestimated the stability and support that he got (and needed to get) from his Melbourne teammates, coach and the club. if he wants to come back, I’d love the club to welcome him with open arms.

It’s a concern and it would be buyer beware. But we know with Hoges that 95% of the battle is mental. He’s not a happy man up there and it’s showing. The lure of family and friends clearly hasn’t translated the way he may have hoped. He’d be in familiar surrounds at the club where he knows he has produced his best football. Id be shocked to see it happen but acquiring Bennell was a shock and very unMelbourne-like so you never know.