Leaderboard

If anyone is going to be wheeling around for a left foot snap I’d want it to be him. He’s there to kick goals. Sure he’s burnt players a few times but I’m happy he’s backing himself. Remember the days where no one had the confidence to shoot so we’d keep giving it off until someone lost the ball… Those who are calling for him to be dropped either listen too much to David King, or allow themselves to be fixated on a single thing and be blind to everything else that happens This is stolen from someone in one of the Dees FB pages: ************* To all the Fritsch knockers out there: Bailey Fritsch is an opportunist goal scorer. If the opportunity is there he will have a shot, Melbourne's 1st goal in yesterday's match was Kossi's first from a pass from Fritsch. Melbourne's 2nd goal was a Fritsch snap from a Petracca pass. Melbourne's 4th and Fritsch's 2nd was from another Petracca pass. Picket's 4th was from a free from a Fritsch pass. Melksham's goal in the 4th quarter was a long pass from Fritsch. Melbourne's 10th and Browns 2nd goal in the 4th quarter was a Fritsch pass to Melksham, to Brown. Fritsch's stats from the Port Adelaide game: 15 disposals, 2 goals, 2 behinds, 3 goal assists, 9 kicks, 6 handballs, 5 marks, 2 tackles, 7 contested possessions, 11 pressure acts. He has kicked 36 goals this year and had 12 goal assists, and don't forget his 6 goals in the 2021 grand final. What more do they expect?

I've never sexually assaulted anyone if that's what you mean.

Not sure how Kate Roffey would feel if she knew her footy club was interested in a bloke that has had sexual assault history.. He's a genuine pig of a human. Lets leave it to the dwarf lighters (St Kilda) for this one.

Just saw on the MFC instagram that the boys are finally back training at Goschs Paddock 👌

Oliver looked ginger at training today, as did Bowey and Petty.

The AFL should not be applauded for implementing something that should've been done 15 years ago! This is on their head, they created this mess. Could've stamped it out early in Selwoods career but they've let it fester and become a blight on the game. Let's hope they actually stick to their guns but I won't hold my breath.

15 years. that must just about the time selwood started playing staging 🤣

So try Tomlinson forward and tell him the role we want him to play. Maybe it is just dragging another key defender away from Brown and Fritta. That could be worth a couple of goals on its own. Maybe if they zone off him, he becomes the free tall to kick it to. He is fit enough to move up the ground and back, like Tom does as as well. Maybe our mids when they look up, will see three talls in different spots they can aim at, instead of the predictable big bomb to BBB with 3 on him.

...and I really hate that they are using Ginnivan as the poster boy for this. A junior player in the competition when we all know it was Selwood who started and perfected it. He should be front and square on any publicity to do with this action. Then the Kozzie one is thrown into the mix like it's some new thing, again a player just kicking off his career.. Surely they would have 100's of Selwood examples to use.

I think he just doesn't want to say hi to Geelong.

I sometimes wonder if it was worth giving Tommo a crack at CHF because if it worked we'd have the bonus of being able to swing him back if one of our defensive talls went down during a game. In a couple of those mid season losses the ascendancy only really swung whilst we had a defender off the ground being assessed for injury.

Woe to those who underestimate the Demons! Pies limp over line against North and Crows and are in ripper form? Very very lucky to have only lost 5 games! However I think Pies are on the up, but they are like Demons of 2018 - soft draw, some lucky wins and finish higher than they should! Woe to those who underestimate Demons!

It is a Jodan De No-ey for me

In the last few years at Collingwood - - Allegations of racism resulting in the departure of the President and Coach, and the "Do Better" report - Key member of their cheer squad charged with pedophilia - Members of their AFLW squad complaining about the club's inaction over De Goey - De Goey I don't give a rats if they've won 8 in a row. If Melbourne signs up De Goey they will lose me as a member, and I've been a member for 37 years. I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one. I'd like to think our club has standards. We can do better culturally than signing up DHs like De Goey.

NO.. pressure acts dont cut it for me... How many times did he get the ball???? Not bloody enough. BACK TO CASEY! As Barassi once said " You give me possesions.... and I'll shut up" End of Rant!

But that's not our game plan. Wasn't last year, and isn't this year. Create an aeriel contest, if no mark make sure an opponent doesn't mark it and bring it down to a predictable spot so your mids, half forwards and small forwards can score or create a stoppage. Failing that, put huge pressure on the defender who wins the ground ball and force a turnover - either a missed handball or a dump kick. Which we bounce back inside 50 because we have set up our wall. Rinse and repeat. As you note, seperation for the forwards also means seperation for the defenders. That creates more space and one on ones, which is fine if that is your method. That's how Port like to set up, so they can isolate their three key forwards.The blues have a similar set up. But that set up doesn't work for us because we want congestion not space from those long kick to a crowded forward line (as opposed to the kick to a player all by themselves inside 50 we create when are swarming forward from hb The two methods were on display in Sunday's game. Our defensive sytem renders their sytem next to useless, as evidenced in our last 3 or 4 games. That's because, like freo and the cats, we zone off brilliant and have a goal keeper role. But once we turned up the heat, our method started working, we got rolling and they couldn't stop our offence . The method worked, in large part due to Brown's work rate and contests. Most of kossie's goals were a function of our method, as were several others. My favourite was Jackson's goal, that started with nibbler's desperation and crazy smart handball to viney. All that said, we will need a second tall who can play tmac's role. We have sorely missed his up and down the ground run and his smarts in aeriel contests, for example the blocking he does for bb. I reckon weed will come back in, not this week but perhaps round 20 or 21. He'll be super clear on what his role is and goody will give him his shot. Maybe two games to prove it's his spot. If he doesn't make a compelling statement, goody had jvr, or even Smith as options.

I'm with @Demon3 here. Most of our salary cap is tied up with our contracted existing list that we're trying to keep together long term. We need to balance that out by adding high quality youth rather than costly ready made players unless they fill a specific need (back-up ruck, key forward etc..). This allows us room to improve contract offers down the track to retain deserving players that start cementing themselves in the 22. Think JvR, Howes, Laurie, Turner etc... Otherwise we will start haemorrhaging best 22 players we want to keep because our salary cap will be constantly buldging and they won't get the remuneration they deserve. Also for those that haven't clued on, Demon3 has good mail. I'm tipping this isn't a guess on his/her behalf but rather a statement of fact. Edit: I think we are also planning as best we can to keep our window open for as long as possible. All good to say our window is now, but I would rather keep it open for another 10 years instead of 2.

If Jacko goes, Rendell on SEN suggesting we end up with Grundy and a high pick. Pies to pay say $200K of his $900k for next 5 years. Lobb to Dogs for pick. Freo gives picks to Pies, who save $700k a year, plus probably De Goeys' salary, which they use to chase Giants players. Grundy then does most of ruckwork for us and Max plays more forward, which prolongs his career and gives us another marking target forward. We use the high pick to draft another key forward. We can then rookie another ruck. Maybe we trade Weid to Pies as part of the deal to improve our draft position. Lots of possibilities.

these are very rudimentary first process notes (apologies if they are too rustic) from the championships and NAB league, read them at your peril. Josh Weddle is getting no love from anyone but has been fantastic in the championships and Jovan Petric could be a real draft bolter if he has a good second half of the year. Vic Country - Mitch Szybkowski - 186cm - big bodied midfielder, uses the ball well by foot and is a good decision maker in the open but don't like the defensive or spread sides to his game. Doesn't burst away from pursuit on gameday as well, so needs to test well at combine. Wildly over-rated Jaxon Binns - 182cm - good work-rate/athletic profile suits AFL profile for wingman/running type - reminds a bit of Blake Acres. Ball use inconsistent. Jhye Clark - 180cm - Good well-rounded midfielder, no area outstanding, but does everything well. Top 10 chance. Noah Long - 178cm - quick half-forward, pretty good around goals. Clubs gravitating more and more to these types. Jacob Konstanty - 176cm - Soccer background, has tricks, touch of class, but very small. Some clubs will like him. Oliver Hollands - 183cm - good inside/outside mix. Very good runner and skill level good enough. Could go higher than a lot expect. Top 10 chance. Do Gold Coast pair him with his brother? Ted Clohesy - 182cm - Geelong Falcons star but bit one dimensional through champs versus his reputation. Good size for a mid though. Worrisome lack of X-factor. Brayden George - 186cm - very good medium forward, strong in the contest and dominating some NAB games. Jonti Schuback - 183cm - think clubs will like the way he moves, can run and carry. But what is he? Rebounding half-back/winger? Toby McMullin - 185cm - son of Ian McMullin, wing/forward, has the pace and penetrating by foot. Chance Felix Fogaty - 198cm - big key back with a bit of poise. Very light but once he fills out could be a very good player. Project. Will Parkhouse - 194cm - very good size for a key back, moves well and kicks and rebounds OK. Showed something. Aaron Cadman - 194cm - big key forward, leads out well and can finish. Good mobility and terrific size. Could be over-drafted because will be solid citizen at worst in key role. Henry Hustwaite - 194cm - tall, skinny midfielder with a bit of polish and run. Good tools to work with but will take time James Van Es - 196cm - big key back, done some very good things. Clubs will like him. Under-rated versus internet. Olivier Northam - 195cm - forward/ruck, looks untidy but is a footballer. Would like him a bit taller but draftable. Max Knobel - 204cm - a ball of clay ruckman, looks a lot like his father but hard to tell, being how skinny he is. Will take a lot of time. Might be one to stash on a rookie list for multiple years and cross fingers. Coby Burgiel - 183cm - decent all-round player, versatile but not special in any one area. Chance Finn Emile-Brennan - 181cm - good pace, ball use but will take time/very slight. Has the modern AFL game feel to him. Rebounding half-back. Caleb Mitchell - 187cm - Big-bodied mid, played one of the games of the NAB Cup season, not sure. Vic Metro Blake Drury - 178cm - red-headed stepchild. Small but a footballer's footballer midfielder. Like him, but what is he at AFL level. Alwyn Davey - 180cm - son of Alwyn, tied to Bombers, has some tricks but a bit haphazard/flakey. Could be good small forward with maturity. Over-rated on what i've seen but will be bid for. Oli Hotton - 181cm - son of Trent, had brilliant championships, good all-round player and athlete. Versatile. Top 10 chance. George Wardlaw - 182cm - midfield bull, been injured but extremely highly-rated Will Ashcroft - 182cm - son of Marcus, tied to Brisbane, incredible work rate/desire. Good inside outside/mix a more skilful/less combative Jack Viney. If elects to go Lions, they will match at any pick. Charlie Clarke - 182cm - small forward, good balance/kick and has a bit of grunt about him. Some clubs will like him. Darcy Edmends - 183cm - has a touch of class, good kick, nice sidestep. Winger/flanker. Under-rated? Harry Sheezel - 184cm - very classy/smooth mover and versatile. Good setup for the modern game. Can he play at stoppages determines where he goes, how valuable an asset he is. Top 10 certainty. Ben Hempel - 187cm - booming left foot kick. Medium half-back. Clubs will like his physical tools but a very flaky footballer. Hard to place him. Cam McKenzie - 187cm - well-rounded mid, has a bit of Ben Hobbs about him. Good player. Elijah Tsatas - 187cm - running rampant in NAB league, classy utility ideally suited to modern AFL. Number 1 pick chance Callum Verrell - 187cm - big bodied half back, ball use pretty good and decent size. A bit of Shannon Hurn about him. Under-rated. Josh Weddle - 192cm - wonderful in the champs as a tall defender. Mobile, brave, intercepts, makes good decisions, great attitude. Can play on different types. In my top 10. Wildly under-rated. Matthew Jefferson - 195cm - tall forward, kicked 7 in a game, but a few were gimmes, still good size/athleticism/tools. A Harrison Jones-type, which helps his draft stock. Jovan Petric - 196cm - exciting talent, can run, shown some good hands and a penetrating kick. Promising tall forward. Lewis Hayes - 197cm - very good intercept defender. Kicking a bit flaky at times, but reads the play very well and clubs are more and more valuing this type of player. Hudson O'Keefe - 202cm - big ruck, can jump and very young for age group. Hard to evaluate but no shock if he is well-regarded.

Talent is only one aspect of what makes a very good AFL player. Colin Sylvia, Harley Bennell, Jack Watts, and Liam Jurrah were all gifted, but that was about it. De Goey is exactly the same. They turn it on once every 4-5 weeks, and maybe only for a quarter. They dislike doing the difficult things like gut running, tackling, and other pressure acts that coaches love. Every week, Sparrow, Harmes, ANB, and Spargo do all of these things. You are correct that these players lack DeGoey's talent, but I believe I know what type of player Goody would prefer. It doesn't help that he is also a DH.

Hang on. What’s your benchmark for perfection? Not having ever sexually harassed/assaulted somebody?

He's the kmart Petracca.

Ha you need a new predictor mine says we win 5 in a row and finish on top!

Lol. The joke is on those vehemently defending him. The reason he is in the media is his fault alone. There's a difference between deciding to take a low percentage shot on goal, (high angle) whilst under pressure and burning a team mate who is literally in the goal square on his own VS deciding to take a high percentage (no angle) shot on goal and missing but having a team mate open. (which players do all the time but are never spoken about in the media for what I would have thought were obvious reasons. Clearly not on Demonland). Fritsch is a great player. But those incidents are unforgivable and go against everything the club constantly preach which isn't a good look. It is also symptomatic of the way we're currently playing. Clunky, trying too hard and worried. Of course it's not the end of the world, but it's definitely a problem and a really really bad look. And if anyone has played the game, you never like playing with team mates who are repeat offenders of this kind of thing. Fritsch needs to pull his finger out. Clearly.

So above all else, my take on the Fritta's option selection is that when you kick 6 goals in a winning grand final and basically turn the game in favour of your team off your own boot, you've earnt the right to back yourself and take whatever bloody shot for goal you want to. Will never forget the Fritta's magnificent role in that premiership glory and ending of 57 years of pain and misery for the red and blue faithful.

As with you Balls and Jaded, calls for Fritta to be dropped are just [censored] silly. I remember years ago Boomer Harvey was accused of being selfish and not passing off. Norf coach Scott commented that Boomer's instructions were to take the shot if he thought it was on. Fritta's job is to kick goals ( he does this consistently). The last thing you want is him thinking it through ..... "err should I pass .... should I take it". It is a split second game. Take the shot !!!!!!!!

How many games into the season are we, feels like weids 38th opportunity so far this season Activate the ROOOOOO

If Bailey played for any other club, every single demonlander would be agree, Fritch is hungry and regularly burns his team mates. I know this is a Dees fan forum but the bias in the thread is unreal. I'm reading posts comparing him to Petracca taking set shots, ridiculous jibes at the media, Coaches instructions to take shots from anywhere! These are all just excuses and deflections from a flaw bailey has let slip into his game. Clearly this is an issues that the team and Bailey need to address. Sometime we have to take of our Dees glasses to see the truth!

Too much of a DH for the Pies, that should tell you something...

Steven has at times been a naughty boy getting a bit agro but he was still seen in enough light to be promoted to a captaincy role of a club. He then filled a need in which we were desperate for. Dusty wasnt' a cultural cancer like you say. He's actually been an incredibly hard trainer all his life. Ice was never in the conversation but he definitely was enjoying the party & social life of an AFL footballer to the fact he had a club imposed curfew at the start of his second season. But Jordan is on a whole other level! From a two minute google, I have no idea why anyone would pay him the cash!! tells the club he breaks his hand playing with a dog (allows Bucks to go into bat for him against the media) turns out he lied and broke it in a punch on in St Kilda gets done drink driving gets done driving without a licence charged with rape convicted of harassment charged for forcibly touching a woman in the USA charged for assault against a man in the USA follows this up with attempts to expose a womans breast in Bali

They lost to Essendon two weeks ago. They have the easiest draw of probably any side in the comp but the odds of getting through it undefeated are low. Particularly if Collingwood and St Kilda are playing for top 4/8 in their last two games. Implicit in my post though was that Brisbane and Fremantle also either get to 15 but pass us on percentage, or get to 16. Fremantle is 12% behind us (worse percentage than Sydney right now), so again assuming we don't shed too much percentage in our losses from here there's a fair chance they need to get to 16, which requires them to go 4-1 from Richmond (Marvel), us, the Dogs (Marvel), West Coast and GWS (away). They can do it, but they're in patchy form and could easily go 1-2 from their next three. So for us to miss top 4 on 15-7, three of the following five things all have to happen: Brisbane goes 3-2 but makes up the 6.6% gap on us, or goes 4-1 or better Fremantle goes 3-2 but makes up the 12% gap on us, or goes 4-1 or better Collingwood goes 3-2 but makes up the 26.5% gap on us, or goes 4-1 or better Sydney goes 4-1 but makes up the 12% gap on us, or goes 5-0 Carlton goes 4-1 but makes up the 19% gap on us, or goes 5-0 Even if Sydney does pass us, two of the other sides have to do it too, and I'd rate Carlton and Collingwood's chances low. Which means both Fremantle and Brisbane have to do it. So I still think 2-3 is the minimum mark to get us into the top 4. 3-2 makes it pretty much certain. Having said all that, conceding those last three goals to Port really disappointed me. The extra percentage buffer over Fremantle and Sydney would have been very helpful.

We flicked the switch half-way through the 3rd quarter and kicked 7 unanswered goals ... with Kossie getting us back in the game with 2 beauties and then sealing the deal with 2 more that in turn, finished Port off. A fantastic individual performance but the team lifted as it needed to (as well) Reminiscent of the finals last year and the game against Brisbane a few weeks ago Not for the whole game but for 30 minutes, we played some great footy Our best is really good (still) so it's a matter of reproducing our best when needed. And 13 & 4 is a good return (so far) Tough 5 weeks coming up but that's a good thing. We'll be well tested and we'll prepared for September We should be able to defeat the Bulldogs & Carlton but we'll need to have a decent plan against the Pies. Freo & Lions away are difficult but a total of 3 wins from 5 should secure a top 4 spot and probably a top 2 spot. 4 from 5 and we are set for a big September

Bowey? He was dropped for the Port game, Casey didn't play on the weekend and he's a backman. I can understand Chandler in for Bedford. Why? I agree Tomlinson did a good job but Petty is one of our best defenders. I can see the logic if Tomlinson is a better backman than Petty but he isn't. I know Petty played forward in 2019 when we were desparately short of other options, but that's not where we're at right now. Total over-reaction. Papley is a selfish player but rightly is always going to be picked in the Swan's Best 22. You drop someone who does what May did, but this is not remotely in the same category. Frankly, this is just another example of Fox Footy clickbait and I'm amazed Demonlanders have fallen for it hook, line & sinker. Does anyone think Fritsch is sitting back thinking he's going to do what he likes intil the team 'sends a message' by dropping him? Why? I would have thought here's a stronger argument to include them because they haven't travelled to Alice, played in warm conditions and are playing off a 6-day break. With due respect, just because you agree with the opinion of one poster doesn't mean the conversation gets closed. Seriously! I can't understand why anyone is arguing for Bowey to come back in. Casey had a bye on the weekend so Bowey didn't play and he's a backman! I'd try JVR and he's not going to stay playing for Casey just so they can win a flag. I hope Casey do win the VFL this year but JVR potentially contributing for Melbourne is at another level of importance. Laurie was unlucky to not be picked against Port but we won the game with Melksham playing his role. I disagree with yoi totally about Goody's conservatism in selection matters. Picking Melksham was considerably less conservaive than just picking someone because they're in good form or a midfielder (and in any case I'm sure Goody doesn't personally pick the team each week). Who gives a FF what Montagna or any of the other Fox Footy 'experts' suggest? I can guarantee not one of these pundits would have proposed bringing Melksham into the team who I assume is now part of 'the best path forward'. If we bring a tall in next week and it succeeds you can guarantee that Montagna & King will decide that's the new best approach.

I just watched a replay and 100% agree. Aside from Kozzie, one of things that got us switched on was the physicality at the contest by Viney, Sparrow, Harmes and ANB. And the calls for Fritsch to be dropped are absurd. He was involved in 3 of Kozzie's goals. Without him, our forward line looks impotent.

Agree 100%. I think this mostly started with that decision not to handball to Trac a few games back, but I personally think that was more just a case of Freitch misjudging how much time and space he thought he had at the time than a deliberate decision to burn Trac. In that instance take away the impending tackle and it's the easiest shot on goal that you'd expect most league players to go for themself rather than dish off to someone that was a few meters away and hardly in a better position to kick the goal. Since then it's just been the ridiculous pile on alluded to. More a case of some of these media hero's like David King and Brian Taylor selfishly wanting to be something vaguely resembling relevant and for everyone to hear what football geniuses they are. As if BT would look to pass off a potential goal to a teammate. ...as if BT has any kind of mates 😜.

Last year after 18 rounds we were 13 - 3 - 1 with a percientage of 127.8% and having 2 losses and a draw in the previous 5 games. This year we are 13 - 4 - 0 with a percentage of 132.6% and having 2 losses in the previous 5 games. Round 19 this year (as indeed last year) we play Western Bulldogs. They were second on the ladder at this point last year. Last year we lost to the Bulldogs and then were undefeated for the rest of the season. I could live with that again.

Bombers should beat the Pies this week. They have their tail up That will get rid of one of the pretenders

I think only playing brown plus resting ruck is too small. Brown will be triple teamed and may not be able to even bring the ball to ground. If Gawn or LJ are off the ground we only have one tall fwd option. Unless we change our style to a chip kicking, hand-ball chain running team (which could be a option to consider) we need another tall, even if they are not terrific

Steven May was the captain of the club he came from (a leader) and was AA last year. He has been a great servant apart from the [censored]-up at Entrecote this year. Dusty has never been an ice addict, and besides, we have a player who is like De Goey but better in Petracca. De Goey is neither AA or Norm Smith quality and has demonstrated an inability to grow as a player on the field and as a person off it. He can go to Essendon and join Stringer so the Bombers can have two talented but idiotic mercurial forwards who will play five good games a year and teach terrible habits to their young teammates the rest of the year.

We got Midfielders hitting 1 in every 50 passes into our forward line and we worrying when Fritsch burns an occasional teammate. I get it but the reactions are so overblown...we have many other issues that have been there for most of the year.

Perhaps. But their best and worst are polar opposites. Lost to Essendon recently too.

Thanks for another enjoyable poddy folks, and especially for taking the time to canvass the issues confronting our forward line in the absence of TMac.

His teammates reactions would tell you he's not just following coaching instructions.

Sorry, we didn't get to this. I think Jordon was excellent in this game and has been all season. On being slow to release the ball, i suspect it is function of his role to a large degree. He and langers are often used as outlet, bail out options on the wing when we are transitioning the ball. In that scenario he often has nothing to kick to forward of the ball as our forwards have pushed up to help the defence and are madly trying to get back to the forward line. So langers and Jordon are forced to hold onto the ball, or in langers case run with it. Also, i'm sure it's a team rule to only kick the ball quickly if there a clear option ahead. Better to be tackled, and get a handball off under pressure, then dump kick straight to an intercept defender. Holding onto it also allows the forwards to get set. And when they are forced to kick, they kick as high and as long as possible. Salem does this all the time (hold onto the ball), as does Hibbo and Gus. Interestingly they are half back flankers, and Jordon and langers often play as quasi HFB flankers as well. So perhaps it is also something about the defensive role that means it is more likely they don't kick the ball quickly if it risks a turnover. Which would make sense becuase any turnover from inside the defensive 50 metre arc is likely to result in a scoring opportunity. That approach reflects goody's defence first philosophy. Sure going quick increases the chance we will score. But it also increases the chance of the opposition scoring. Defence trumps offence, so when in doubt hold onto it.

Wow thanks a lot Footy Classified. First they say Yze should be Coach somewhere and take Choco with him, ( not that I would begrudge Yze getting a senior role). Then Hutchy says WC should take Jacko through the PSD and pay nothing for him. You know what Hutchy, GAGF.

So greatful Jason Taylor worked his magic and bought Kossie to the MFC. My recollection is that he was somewhat a speculative selection for a small forward to go as high as pick 12 and from the start it was clear that Taylor had alot of faith in Kossie to make it. Likewise I think it's clear that Goodie and the other leaders at the club continue to back in Kossie when he has a patch of quiet games. And watching him play, it's not hard to see why. Even when he doesn't have a big scoreboard impact, the pressure and harassment of opposition players, along with the sneaky little assists he provides team mates, he's always contributing and so often looks like he's just that rub of the green from splitting a game open like he did yesterday. He also seems to have such a modest unassuming approach in the context of his extraordinary ability, that it's easy to see why he would be loved by his team mates. Of yesterday's performance, I loved the amazing range of skills Kossie executed to perfection to slot his 6 goals home. A couple of freakish snaps from deep in the pocket, that split second kick out of mid air, a couple of regulation set shots that he calmly put through the middle and a great running goal from outside 50m. I actually really rate Kossie's set shots and his ability to go back and kick the more mundane goals is something that really adds value to him as a dangerous small forward. Then there were those trademark dance moves to twist and turn, wrong foot his opponent and buy himself space to cleanly dispose of the ball, when most other players would get wrapped up in a tackle. About the only skill I'm yet to see him fully master is pulling down one of those screamers that he flys for every so often. Once he gets his technique and confidence right to complete these marks, his skill set as an outright excitement machine will be complete. Love your work Kossie.

I've posted on this before but an analysis of Finals since the current system came in in 2000 shows it's virtually impossible to win from 4th (or 5th to 8th). Split is 7, 7, 7 for positions 1, 2 & 3 with the outlier being the Doggies who won from 7th in 2016. My (not very scientific) take on this is that 4 gets a very tough game in the Qualifying Final, generally loses and then usually has to beat 5 in a Semi Final that has just come off a much easier game against 8. If 4 win that they get to play away against 2 or 3 in a Prelim. Compare that to 2 & 3. Tough Qualifying Final but the loser gets to play 6 or 7 in a Semi. Yes, they usually have to play 1 in a Prelim but have had an easy lead-in to that match. Obviously the winner of 2 vs 3 goes straight through to a Prelim. I'd even argue that it's better to finish 2nd than 1st, and if 2 & 3 come from the same State then the finishing order doesn't matter. Last year though it was clearly better for Melbourne to finish 1st as Geelong had to play away against Port in Adelaide in their QF while Melbourne played Brisbane (also in Adelaide). Expected matchups: QF 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3 (would expect 1 to win, 2 vs 3 hard to pick unless 2 has home ground advantage) SF 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5 (would expect 3 to win, 4 vs 5 hard to pick unless 4 has home ground advantage) PF 1 vs 3, 2 vs 4 (would lean towards 1 & 2 to win but 1 has a harder game than 2, again home ground advantage could be important) GF 1 vs 2 (hard to pick unless one team is a Melbourne-based team and the other interstate) Prior to last year the Premier hadn't finished Minor Premiers since 2013. Using the AFL ladder predictor I come up with: Geelong, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Fremantle, Carlton, Port, Collingwood. If that's how in pans out it might be one case where it would have been better for Melbourne to finish 4th rather than 3rd! And Home Ground Advantage will be a significant factor in virtully every game.

According to Fox? Have things come to that? Sitting in front of a laptop and calling himself an 'analyst' doesn't make David King a blinding genius. Unfortunately in his job he occasionally has to speak - that's when his problems begin.

I’ve only read the first 3 pages, but surprised there hadn’t been a little more praise for Tomlinson. Thought he was pretty good today. Had one moment where he was out marked too easily, but otherwise he was really reliable. Played a good linkup role at times too.

Kudos to ANB in the pocket for extracting the ball from somewhere in the Earth’s core to feed out a handball that led to a goal at a vital time.