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Harmes. Was thrown into the middle early in the game to mind Neale and did a terrific job, but what I love most about him is his ability to keep getting back up after he gets smashed in contest after contest. Numerous times last night he got to the ball first only to be crunched heavily, it didn’t worry him. You just have to keep your eye on him at the ground to see the amount of work he puts in and he hits the scoreboard. His first goal City End with the left foot was an absolute gem and should have him in the running for Goal of the week was at a crucial time too.

Played some very sexy football tonight. Was worried in that first quarter but we were up for the fight and just kept working until the tide turned our way. The relentless attack on the ball was back. When it was on the ground they just did not stop fighting for it until they won it, much more numbers around the contest too. Ripped them a new one with 170 to 132 contested possesions. Burnt them on the outside as well. Dobbed them at stoppage clearances, loved the way we spread and setup. Steven May was not great but just having him out there helps so much. Rick was able to just play his game and this was his best game of the season no doubt. Toby Bedford, I definitely think we've got another mosquito fleet member on our hands here. Brought so much pressure and those two goals he kicked had my heart racing. The candy he sold on the second was seriously criminal! It reminded me of an amazing blues guitarist that holds that note just a tiny bit longer. It's so hard to explain but it was so beautiful. Loved the times when we sped the ball movement up, it was like flowing water at times how we kept it moving unlike past weeks where it has been stagnant. The forwards moved a lot better this week and Benny Brown really should have had art least 3 on the board. Hopefully he is working his way back into form. Luke Jackson came to play tonight, I get a little tired of his ruck output being judged by some in terms of winning hitouts and monstering ruckman. He played a great game tonight and we saw a bit more of that midfield play that we remember from the granny. I thought Weideman competed hard, gee I'd love him to clunk some of those marks though. How about Jack Viney though? His performance was out of this world! He kept just getting in there and coming out with the footy and ready to accelerate out of the contest, like Clarry! He looked like he was never going to lose balance or waste a possession, seriously the man could have won contested footy in a bloody pinball machine! Thought Gus was Mr reliable again, we really can't understate his importance to the team enough right now he's playing out of his skin. Some of his kicks were mint. A magnificent team effort , everyone knew what was required and what needed to be done. I don't believe we're out of the woods yet, the reality is that it's one game and we've won 1 game in the last month. It's going to take a solid performance over Adelaide and possibly a scalp over Geelong to do that, but we live to fight another day, we aint going out like that! Anyway I'm tired, have to start at 8am tomorrow and Thurs night footy is shiezen. I'll be back tomorrow! Oh and glad we could do it for the BCNA. So proud to be part of something like this.

There was excellent banter at the ground last night. A die hard Bears supporter started giving it to us early in the second saying we weren’t ‘who we were last year’. I very loudly reminded her ‘at least we’re still who we were 100 years ago’. But the winner was the bloke in front of me who yelled out to Joe ‘You’re not even in my top 5 favourite Danihers’. I love going to the footy.

Chris Fagan is all class - such a great bloke.

Michael Hibberd needs a pat on the back for his job on Cameron, would not know he was playing last night. Can never underestimate his value to the backline.

21 disposals 10 led to scores one goal 18 hit-outs a team-best nine tackles 89 per cent efficiency by foot 10 contested possessions six inside 50s. He is only 20! Take a minute to absorb that performance. On any other day that is a BOG performance. That honour goes to Viney.

I thought Michael Hibberd was finished - oops.

Sam played a great game tonight. Many may look at the stats and think he didn't kick enough goals or take enough marks. But his ruck work and taps to advantage were fantastic. He was rarely out marked and often brought the ball to ground. Further, he blocked for team mates to allow them to mark the ball and he checked many leads once he realised others were in a better position to present. He also ran both ways, showing up many times in screen when another player marked the ball. If you feel he hasn't shown mongrel and desire in the past, he certainly showed that tonight.

Exceptional football. Clearly the best we've played since the Grand Final. Should have won by 80+ points against the top side. Yes they were missing Bailey and Zorko, but it's not like Gawn and TMac are bit players either. The clear stand out IMO was the intensity. CP dominance, clearance dominance, forward half pressure, tackle pressure everywhere. We haven't played with that level of ferocity much in 2022 but when we bring it, we really [censored] bring it. Led superbly by Viney, who played one of his all time best career games. Forward half worked so much better as a unit tonight. Small things like Weideman blocking for Brown and crumbers in the right spots in front of the marking forwards. Don't know if it's a coincidence, it probably isn't, but Lever's game was phenomenal, against the highest-scoring side in the competition to boot. Petracca also lifted so our A-grade core was largely on song tonight (Langdon still has room to improve). Weidemand deserves credit. He wasn't dominant but he put his body on the line in the ruck and in marking contests and I thought really applied himself well. Let's see if this is a corner turned. Big games coming up on the road but when we play like this, we are scintillating.

Finally we beat a side above us on the ladder.

Bowey is struggling? He was perfectly fine tonight. Played his role.

Viney's performance was one of his best in a Dees jumper, knocked himself out and went straight back into the middle, couldn't get tackled and reorganised someone's spine with that pile driver of a hit in the last. and what about James Jordon, he is owning the members side wing, not only looking comfortable but in career best form I'd argue.

The herald sun gave Oliver the 3 last night. I know he had more possessions, but to me Jack was BOG by a long way. He just led this team brilliantly and his kicking was really good and set up many goals.

Look at the Brisbane player in the background - pleading with the umpire to show some mercy and stop the game before someone dies.

Charlie Cameron first goalless game game for ages. Hibberd is a brute.

A lot to like tonight The lowering of the eyes kicking into the forward line was very pleasing. I hope Goodwin highlights that aspect when we review the match with the players. Make it a priority Our pressure and relentless tackling all over the ground was immense 2nd & 3rd efforts all over the ground. After a scratchy first quarter we then turned on the afterburners Small forwards contributing 6 goals as well as exerting immense forward line pressure Our backline was supreme. May makes such a difference to his fellow defenders. Lever in particular was back to his best and Salem was improved as well LJ looks like he relishes the no.1 role ... he played so well that we didn't really miss Max that much. Who would have thought? Viney played like a man possessed ... beast-mode with extras Overall the connection between all our players and the various lines from the last line of defence forward was most pleasing We made the Lions look 2nd rate yet going into tonight's game they were on top of the ladder ... in the end they were just kicking the ball anywhere without any purpose Easily our best performance for the season

I’m going to write a longer post about that game when I get on the train… but if that performance didn’t make you love your footy team a little bit more than you thought was possible I feel sorry for you.

Gary Pert indicated last night that we will be using Gosch's from next week. And also that an announcement on a permanent base is getting very close.

My god Jack Viney is fun to watch when he plays like that.

I knew the Lions were in trouble when I saw their banner. It looked as though it was slapped together using faded red plastic tablecloths and blue garbage bags. 😝 #SquadWars

Superb game from Jack and imo the best game I have seen him play. One thing that stood out for me was his speed and his ability to keep his feet in tight situations. Must be in AA conversations, he has been great all season so far.

I wouldn’t go that far. He did ok, but looked a bit underdone to me.

I love it when Ross Lyon says we are going to get done convincingly…. Again, he has no idea….

For Thursday night game against an interstate team, that crowd was a brilliant result. We pulled in more than Richmond vs Port on Thurs night, despite nearly 50,000 less members across teams playing. Brilliant effort Dees fans. Ignore the noise about our crowds for dopey pelicans like Caro. We’re third highest average home attendance in the league. Were more loyal than anyone. Hats off!

Viney - amazing all game May - superlative in defense Jackson - outstanding after first Petracca - important when needed Sparrow - excellent tagging game Harmes - great first half Fritsch - deadly around goals Weideman - was not disgraced Bedford - some party tricks Brayshaw - impassable all game Lever - perfect defender’s game Oliver - prolific and important Jordon - made excellent decisions Neal-Bullen - some important tackles Hibberd - disposed of Cameron Salem - was rarely required Spargo - pressure was better Pickett - Some breathtaking involvement Brown - provided regular contests Bowey - quiet but classy Langdon - will get better Petty - gave opponent nothing

Not sure if this has already been mentioned but the umpiring was decent. They let the play go and didn't pay too many technical/soft stuff. Yes there were some decisions missed and I was spewing on the three frees paid to Daniher but overall, that's the umpiring we want.

That was one of the really great performances by an individual last night. Right up there with Gawn's game against the Swans, some of Oliver's and Petracca's dominant performances. It was everything that you'd expect from a club leader and more, and a reminder, if we needed it, as to why this guy is so important if we are to go back to back.

I love staying up until 1am watching the replay and reading the comments from all the legends on Demonland. Uppppp the Dees. We back baby. Waking up at 7am for work doesn’t even bother me. Great weekend ahead.

No Max. You can play against Geelong down at Mordor. They can take care of Adelaide. No change.

I didn’t see that tonight

Jack Viney fully fit is a scary sight The media talks about our pillar mids of Clarry and Trac, but a 100% fit Viney is arguably on the same level He has been massive for the past month, long may it continue

On the train now next to Titus O’Reilly who seems rather chuffed. Had real concerns in the first quarter but it finally clicked. The zone reformed, the tackling pressure returned, our clean up at ground level began to take shape and the link up handballs that have been missing for the past three weeks happened. Jack Viney, take a bow…you willed us back into that game yourself and the team followed. I had major concerns about the lack of contested marks we’d be able to take but it didn’t matter, it took care of itself. The flow returned. My favourite part of the night was not having to even notice May or Petty after quarter time because they just did their job, allowing the true Jake Lever to take flight. The feeling is good. Let’s hope this is the return of what we want and expect from this team. Go Dees and back in your box Brisbane.

Toby Bedford is quite good at playing football

If you said anything like “our season is over” in the last month, give yourself an immediate uppercut. Many welcome returns to form, but none more pleasing for me than Jake Lever. Absolutely outstanding.

They were into Viney too. He resisted, and won a flag.

He brutalised Cameron. One of the great blanket jobs. And not for the first time on Cameron. Loves the big stage and challenge. Don't underestimate Harmes' impact on Neil either. Kept him to a lowly 17 effectives (for him), a miserly three inside 50s and no goals. All while kicking two himself.

Brayshaw remains my favourite current Dees player. He was sublime last night. His defensive running followed by midfield linking up, followed by delivery into the F50. My apologies to Hibbo, I thought he was done and others would overtake him. Stuff me, he was brutal on Cameron and his run and dash is back. ANB emerged from a genuine form slump. Jordon is such a good player, just so impressive and sure of himself. Kozzie, Spargo and Bedford - wow!

Oh hello, we're winning again - so I'm back trawling through the usuals.😇 Here is The Mongrel Punts latest masterpiece.

Harmes is consistently underrated by many on this site His job last night was to nullify one of the best mids in the comp (Neale) and he did that very very well whilst also picking up 2 goals and only 6 less possessions than his opponent - great game I have no doubt Yze would be over the moon with how he went

Don't you feel much better waking up after a win? Can I just say I do hope Goodwin does point out to Fritsch about the non handball he should have given to Petracca. He needs to use his teammates and not be selfish at times. I just want to commend Weideman in the ruck. Yes he didn't dominate but he provided a contest and will be better for it.

That was the best we’ve played since the Grand Final and far and away the best we’ve played this year. Our back 6 was back to their what made us such a hard team to beat. Lever has had a poor year by his lofty standards but wow he was unstoppable. Absolutely back his AA best. May being back must’ve been a huge help and I really hope he’s learned his lesson because he is massive to us. Viney was a man possessed last night, they even said it post match that he always goes in hard but last night it was finals like the way he went about it. For me BOG. The interesting thing from last night showed that our forward line isn’t our best line, but it just needs to be functional to a point and it needs the midfield to win their battle further up the ground. When that happens Fritta and Co get on the end of opportunities. I thought Bedford looked really lively (his checkside goal was the highlight of the night for me). Nibbler looked more like himself (but really needed nail that one in the third quarter) his forward pressure was exactly what we need, really needs to fix up his finishing. I thought JJ showed great confidence on “his wing”, kicking two goals is fantastic for him. I also have to tip my cap to Harmes for his job on Neale (and then kicking a goal on his as well). This was the well oiled machine we saw last season. Max said it in the rooms afterwards that those losses could be the tonic we needed. I’ll also pat him on the back for the mini slap in the face to the AFL for our “shortest bye ever”. I’m almost surprised it’s not in the AFLPA agreement that the bye week must have a minimum length, 10 days is a joke. Well done to everyone, and well done to the crowd at the ground. I made a decision not to go as I’d had a super busy week and felt it would be too much to go. Thursday night footy sucks, but it was fun to watch last night.

piledriver

What really impressed about Viney's game was not only were his tackles brutal, he kept his feet and found space after a contested possession enabling him to compose and find a target. His disposal was excellent.

shame he didn't nail that set shot he was gassed at the end but his efforts in the ruck were superb

Spot on @binman! For the doubters...from Round 10 to 13 we had four games in Melbourne with mostly seven day breaks, and that's after a game against an historically poor Eagles team (round 9). After a game of Aussie Rules football, players have run 10 to 15 km's (or more) so there's a lot of recovery needed to get players back to square one. To load during seasons involves using the training sessions right in the middle of games so there's enough time to recover after the preceding game and before the next fixture. A series of seven day breaks in your home state offers the best environment to do that. From here we play in Adelaide, Geelong, and Alice Springs. So what would you choose round 9-13 or rounds 15 to 18? The FD took a risk. If Lever holds back from the marking contest against Freo and May ISN'T concussed it's at least 50/50 that we win that game from 30 points up. From there we likely win the Swans game and maybe the Pies too. Either way, we've been leading by at least 22 points against each of those teams in the last three weeks, and perhaps haven't quite done enough to put the result beyond doubt and suffered the consequence. We may have lost three in a row, but I firmly believe that tonight's game shows that Goodwin and the FD has been playing the long game. From here we go 6-2 and finish 17-5 😎.

Because that's not how it works. Read some of the excellent, detailed information on this thread from posters like coach (the clue's in the name), stu, eo and others. Periodisation is an exact science. The goal is to be in peak physical condition on preliminary final day. Delay the loading for 2-3 weeks and they reach peak condition on their post season trip to bali

I was one who thought Hibberd was almost done, but not on tonight’s performance. Good on him

BBB was good particularly in the first quarter, when the game was hot and needed to be won.

Easily our best win since the Grand Final. We were tough, quick, aggressive and relentless. We couldn't have played any better. Viney was simply elite. He may not get a lot of attention from the media but he has certainly been good enough to at least make the AA squad this year. I was very pleased with Jackson's performance. He seemed to relish the extra responsibility. Maybe we still are the team to beat after all.