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27th September A few MFC runners hitting the AIA track, in casual wear. Some central running 150m and hard boundary running, 600 to 1K. Viney, TMac, Rivers, Sestan, Adams, Turner, McVee, Howes, running in groups with a timed program. Oliver not grouped, running with a trainer.

They're only involved due to animal cruelty that occurred back in September 25th 2021.

For those that don't know much about Bassett before he started coaching at AFL level. After a very solid AFL career as a full back/Back Pocket he took over the head coaching position at Norwood in the SANFL. Norwood had been on the bottom of the ladder for the previous 5-6 years and he took them to a threepeat, not to mention after each year he lost min 4 of his best players to the AFL. (Imagine losing Viney, Langdon, Kossie and Jackson after 2021) Not only did he turn the Norwood football club around, he turned a bunch of guys into AFL standard footballers. A lot of them were mature ago too not just kids with talent.

Impossible to judge the impact of McQualter this season. No Brayshaw, Oliver a shadow, Petracca half a season, much of which was spent forward, Viney struggled for large parts.

Viney and T Mac as always setting the example They both deserve a break with their weary bodies Unbelievable dedication ps. good to have you back Kev

Sestan with shirt off has that contoured muscle shape, working hard on endurance and speed.

Solved our issues enough to win a flag?

This is getting off topic a bit but have you got evidence for that claim of 1210, the word bulldog only shows up in the English language in the 17th century. The thing is though, that's all moot. The modern British Bulldog isn't even the same dog that was running round in the early 19th century, they were bred from the Old English Bulldog specifically as a companion dog (as opposed to a working dog). The famous bulldog ferocity which has led teams like Footscray to adopt them as a mascot is actually not a trait of the modern bulldog, it's a reputation from its predecessor. As with many non-working dogs the breeders have got over-obsessed with certain traits, which has led to a stack of health problems in the breed - you sound like you got one of the good ones. This is a stunt by PETA, and I don't think anyone seriously thinks Footscray should rebrand. But I like dogs and seeing them having to live with horrible health issues because they look "cute" on an instagram/tiktok/whatever annoys me.

The world went mad quite a while ago.

Just an idea. Every time a player is linked to the Dees via the bloke across the road, the lady at the local coffee shop or the neighbour’s pet, our good old mate WERRIDEE posts a starting 23 in various threads. We all bring something different to the forum and this is W’DEE’S thing. A dedicated thread for our friend to post all things squads. Go for it mate.

The bloke has not even got in the door and the knives are out for him, because he did not kick 500 goals a season. Chris Fagan did not play AFL, does that mean he cannot coach ? About time some people get real. This is fast becoming the most negative group of people in football, which is supposed to be a game which we enjoy ,not a character asassination bureau.

What a fantastic turnaround from him given where he was 12 months ago.

Max is the guest on today's episode of "The Footy with Broden Kelly" It's worth a listen - always good to hear Max talk, but he talks about the effect of the shorter pre-seasons and how, for the first time in a while, they have a good headstart for season '25.

I remember driving through the back streets to collect my daughter so we could watch the game together as we had always done. I snuck her back to my house and then paced around for hours. It was the longest day of my life. I was so nervous/ excited/ happy that I couldn’t sleep the night before the game so was running on nervous energy. I had given my membership barcodes to my Perth friend whose kids went to the GF on the proviso that they only supported the Dees. They sent me a roll of photos - they were just so excited to see a GF and decked out in their Dees gear. When the siren went I just burst into tears and couldn’t stop sobbing. My poor daughter thought there was something seriously wrong with me. I couldn’t articulate to her (between sobs) how much this meant to me. I still watch that third quarter on a regular basis and it always takes me back to that wonderful day that I always thought I would never experience.

Suffered a terrible chest injury at the Demons very early in his career, and diagnosed with T1 diabetes at a similar time. Headed back to SA for very good reasons. Was an absolute stalwart for the Crows, runner up B&F in 2005 and an All Australian in 2006. Both seasons Adelaide were losing prelim finalists. His coaching record has been previously mentioned, needless to say it was highly successful. He'd be a great addition.

18th September 2024 Jack Viney out on Gosch's with Chandler, Turner, Sestan, Kentfield and K.Brown. Small runs and kick to kick. Then headed off to AAMI. Probably to the meeting about the Caulfield announcement

'Dropped of a cliff' is a pretty remarkable way to describe consecutive 16 win seasons with 125+ percentage. Our midfield only began to struggle in mid 2023 when we lost Oliver. Even then it was still highly capable. This stuff gets so tiresome.

Much more of a power mover, low centre of gravity, with heavy hips and shoulders. Explosive speed is good, whereas sprinting is not Sestan's friend, yet.

Absolutely. No coincidence of course that our two most successful years under goody, 2018 and 2021, directly correlate to seasons with a great run with injury Or that our two least successful seasons, 2019 and this year correlate with a wretched run with injury.

Helped along by the specifics of their situation: Academy picks, extra cap space, location etc. etc. (Not disagreeing with your premise either).

Oliver was half a step behind the trainer, some gasping for air, working hard. Appeared a touch underdone, like he hadn't had a run for awhile.

Thanks Kev - great to hear that there is a mix of younger and older players already on the track at what I presume is an unofficial session? Would love Sestan to take his fitness to another level this off season as he clearly has the skills to make it

It's not a lot of spots at all. Here's the list changes from last year: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1051691/ins-and-outs-every-clubs-full-list-changes-ahead-of-2024 Number of players off per team: Adelaide 8 Brisbane 8 Carlton 7 Collingwood 8 Essendon 11 Fremantle 6 Geelong 8 Gold Coast 9 GWS 5 Hawthorn 10 Melbourne 8 North 13 Port 10 Richmond 7 St.Kilda 9 Sydney 10 West Coast 9 The Dogs 9 Range = 5-13, Mean = 8.6, Median = 8.5, Mode = 8 Seven is less than each of the mean, mode and median from last year. Unsure why posters persist in suggesting 7 is "a lot". We'll probably make at least 3 trades/FAs/DFAs. 3 NDs and 1 RD which easily covers 7 slots. If anything I think it's not enough.

I think it's less to do with "woke" (whatever that really means) and more about attracting attention and publicity - and it seems like they've already succeeded with that objective.

Unspeakably stupid wokeness. Time to say enough is enough. How about spending time and energy on something that really matters.

Last Saturday’s crushing loss to Fremantle, after being three goals ahead at three quarter time, should be motivation enough to bounce back for this very winnable Round 5 clash at Windy Hill. A first-time venue for the Melbourne AFLW team, this should be a familiar suburban, windy, footy environment for the players. Essendon were brave and competitive last week against ladder leader Adelaide at Sturt’s home ground. A familiar name, Maddison Gay, was the Bombers best player with a game-high 23 disposals showing off her intercepts and precise kicking. The only Bomber to earn a coaches vote in the 33-point defeat. Watching Essendon, they have a good midfield with another Madison, Prespakis, Georgia Nanscawen, Steph Cain and quick players such as ex Blue Georgia Gee and Sophie Van De Heuvel. Former Casey player Steph Wales is a developing mobile ruck but has only limited support. The Demons and Bombers have won only one game each this season and sit 14th and 15th on the ladder respectively. An understatement that Friday’s clash is a ‘must-win’ game for both teams. Selection this week The injury list expanded with additions of Grace Beasley (ACL), Eden Zanker (Knee) and Blaithin Mackin (Calf). Paxy Paxman and speedster Jemma Rigoni are listed a ‘test’so both could be available. The Club announced that ex Port Adelaide player Lily Johnson will debut for the red and blue. She has trained with the backs and looked promising in her preseason work. With limited options available expect anyone fit to be seriously considered for selection. Essendon has been missing their talisman captain Bonnie Toogood for several weeks but by comparison the Bombersare close to full strength. Meggs view Mick hinted that this season, the workload is not being shared effectively amongst his playing group. Eliza McNamara played her best game for the Dees last week and has been excellent all year, as has Sinead Goldrick. Together with Kate Hore they continue to work so hard to lift their team. Maeve Chaplin has been a real stalwart in defence and her attack, intercept marking and kicking have been highlights. Hanksy improved her output last week and Campbell is slowly grasping the number one ruck mantle. With Edo out, youngster Georgia Gall becomes our primary lead up forward holding out her dukes, with Alyssia Pisano buzzing around crumbing for goals. Wotherspoon is wasted at half forward. She is strong and battle-ready, give her some midfield rotations Mick. Essendon will be highly competitive on Friday, but Melbourne has aces such as Hore and Hanks. If enough Demon teammates step up, share the burden, win the contests and execute skills under pressure, we will win this. Melbourne to defuse the Bombers this week. Go Dees! Melbourne by 13 points THE GAME Round 5: Melbourne v Essendon Friday 27 September 2024 at 2:05pm (Melbourne time) Windy Hill, Melbourne - Wurundjeri HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 1 win Essendon 0 wins At Windy Hill Melbourne 0 wins Essendon 0 wins The Coaches Stinear 1 win Wood 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy, Kayo. Mobile – AFL Live Official App THE LAST TIME THEY MET - Season 7 Round 9 Melbourne 7.8 (50) defeated Essendon 1.3 (9) at Casey Fields, 23 October 2022 MELBOURNE 2.2 4.2 7.5 7.8 (50) ESSENDON 0.0 1.3 1.3 1.3 (9) With momentum building towards a Top 2 finish, the Demons’ superior skills, and 4-quarter effort produced a solid 41-point win in tricky windy conditions. Coach Mick Stinear was pleased with his team’s intensity and competitiveness. He praised defenders Shelley Heath, young key back Tahlia Gillard and the emerging defender Maeve Chaplin. Paxy led the way with a goal and 24 disposals (10 of which were contested), while Kate Hore kicked 3 goals and Alyssa Bannan kicked 2. GOALS MELBOURNE Hore 3, Bannan 2, Paxman, Zanker ESSENDON Phillips BEST MELBOURNE Paxman, Heath, Gillard, West, Hore ESSENDON Philips, Prespakis, Vogt, Marshall INJURIES MELBOURNE Nil ESSENDON Nil CROWD 1,518 at Casey Fields THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B Colvin Gillard HB Chaplin Heath Goldrick C McNamara Hanks Fitzsimon HF Gall Hore Wotherspoon F Bannan Pisano FOLL Campbell Mithen Lampard I/C Hill Johnson Paxman Taylor Watt EMG Casey D'Arcy Madigan IN Johnson Paxman OUT B Mackin (calf) Zanker (knee) ESSENDON B Clarke Van Loon HB Van De Heuvel Gamble Morcom C Keaney Prespakis Gaylor HF Bannister Gee Gay F Alexander Scott FOLL Wales Nanscawen Cain I/C Jacques Radford Vogt Walker EMG Dyke Williamson Adams NO CHANGE Injury List: Round 5 Melbourne Paxy Paxman Foot Test Jemma Rigoni Groin Test Saraid Taylor Calf 1 - 2 weeks Olivia Purcell Face 3 - 4 weeks Lauren Pearce Wrist 4 weeks Blaithin Mackin Calf 3 - 5 weeks Eden Zanker Knee TBC Grace Beasley ACL Season Tayla Harris Shoulder Season Jacinta Hose ACL Season Aimee Mackin ACL Season Essendon Emily Gough Calf 2 weeks Bonnie Toogood MCL 2-4 weeks Brooke Brown Calf 3 weeks

I think Chaplin would have unique insight into how to blend our offence and our defence, without sacrificing too much back the other way. We tended to play a much more aggressive forward press in those days, and, yes, we played a strong territory game based on contest and winning CP and clearance. One of the big shifts tactically between Goodwin era 1 (2017-2019) and Goodwin era 2 (2020-2023) was the emphasis on defence in the second era and how we achieved this. Era 2 used numbers behind the ball and relied on our superior midfield (Clarry, Trac and Viney with Max) to win enough ball without an extra mid or flanker up at the stoppage. This enabled us to generate an extra behind the ball, to bring our intercept game into play. Era 1 used extra numbers at the contest, so our superior midfield would overawe the opposition most of the time and keep it inside our 50. We'd press up our defence and lock it inside, making it at times difficult to score for ourselves, and also making us vulnerable out the back on counter. This is where Frost's pace was really important as the defensive anchor. Rawlings tinkered with the anchor, positioning it deeper and then higher depending on the stage of the game. Era 2 has tended to sit our defence deeper to counter against the counter. That is Chaplin's influence. I think he's a brilliant defensive line coach. He's aided by having great leaders in May and Lever, but when new players come into that system they fit in straight away. They understand their positioning and have trust in their team mates that enables them to zone off or press at the right time. But as you can see, my view is both eras start at the contest, but the more attacking system relies on more aggressive positioning at the stoppage, with extra numbers. I'm hoping we go back to a version of this, because that trend became the norm in late 2022 and 2023. It's how Collingwood generated their scoring power. Adding 1 or 2 extras at the stoppages, which left them vulnerable back the other way, but they are blessed with Daicos x2, Sidebottom and Pendles who rarely miss targets ( @binman wrote about how Collingwood moved the ball regularly last year), their starting positions were usually from behind the ball, N Daicos in particular playing a quarterback role. And when you have that fast risky ball movement, you get movement ahead of you too, making the kicks easier, as they're usually into space. With our ability to win the stoppage and pummel teams in the contest when Clarry, Trac, Viney and Max are fit, we would be very hard to beat now that those guys are more mature than 2018 and we have more reliable defenders in May and Lever behind the ball. We can rise quickly again next year if we get this right.

Let's hope there's another non coincidence next year - as in what happened the year after we last missed finals!

No coincidence either that in both of those seasons we missed finals the preceding year. (i.e. longer off-season/break).

Had the misfortune of watching at the ground, and there is a LOT going wrong. Yep, the injury list is really bad, but that was a total collapse. The ultra-risky, ultra-attacking game plan is completely wrong for this list - and I say that as a fan of Stinear. And the lack of numbers around the ball and then wherever the ball went was... almost junior football-esque. I think the sadest part is even at our worst, this team has very rarely capitulated. It did today.

“In the 1938 Blue Book of Bulldogs, William Lawlor wrote that the Bulldog can be traced to 1210, the year of the first official bullbaiting in England. He added that the Bulldog “is generally believed to have come down from the same common stock” developed for that sport. That meant these dogs had to be tough enough to face down a mighty bovine.” No argument from me regarding selfish, obsessive breeding traits to the detriment to the health of a dog either SD. As stated in my original post this is particularly prevalent with French Bulldogs and Pugs of which many suffer from Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome which is horrible. The sole reason for the development of the Australian Bulldog breed was to help alleviate the health issues of British Bulldogs particularly for warmer climates. The Aussie Bulldog is a taller, leaner dog with a longer ‘snout’ while still maintaining the “look” and beautiful temperament of the Bulldog. This can only be a good thing for the development of the breed, especially in this country. Like you I’m a dog lover and in particular Bulldog lover, so long may the breed continue, if bred responsibly.

Western Bullfrogs?

Definitely agree this is over-the-top. BUT, in saying that, my very limited experiences with true bulldogs is that they really do struggle to breathe and any sort of over stimulation and exercise seems like a real struggle for them. Not something I’ve thought about for a long time and I’m not a campaigner by any sense, just an opinion formed from someone who loves dogs.

surprised the media didn't run with "Petracca and Oliver noticeably didn't join Jack Viney out on Gosch's"

They all need to stay in good condition. Yesterday I was at my gym working out next to an incredibly tall kid that looked like a young Sam Darcy. Then I realised it was Sam, and that I’m old.

AFL News: PETA's bizarre Bulldogs name change campaign, Pies new frontrunners for in-demand Giant

I said a while ago that although the only sensible course - as endorsed by Speed - would be to keep the outcome of the review confidential, there would be people on here who would insist that that is a cover -up etc, in some unknown way benefits the club to show the world any faults that are found. It looks like that has already started.

Happy days for former Demon Billy Stretch as Glenelg go back-to-back in a classic SANFL Grand Final.

Geez, you fall for a publicity stunt easily.

An aquaintance of mine paid for an expensive opertation on his variety of bulldog to open up its breathing passages. Their average life expectancy is about 15% of my aging terrier (no, not the aquaintance, the bulldog).

The other thing I like to say to Collingwood fans is “I don’t know why you idolise Maynard so much, he lost you the 2018 grand final”. They don’t like that.

I see what you did there...

Yeah, I'm excited by this prospect.

PETA has a history of organising stunts like this to get publicity. They always make outrageous, unrealistic claims/demands that inevitably evoke a knee-jerk reaction from the gullible and perpetually offended. Don't take it seriously, just have a chuckle then ignore it and the whole thing will disappear very quickly.

Don't hold back Big Fella!

Exactly - it is nonsense to think coaches have to have played a position to be able to coach it. Fagan never even played AFL and he does alright!

Today has been hard, as if anyone is working. I've been scrolling up and down this thread and other trade ones all day. Can some of you at least make up some trade rumours, give the people something to read etc?

Vulnerability Post... I have very dark thoughts when I read Collingwood supporters still commenting that "Brayshaw stepped into Maynard" (it was Brayshaws fault), that Brayshaw was already concussed from a previous knock (not Maynards hit), that Melbourne doctors should have already taken him off (Melb doctors fault), that "he shouldn't have been allowed to play anyway". Please help me. I want to do bad things PS Angus to be our runner - you've heard it here first

I doubt I will ever get over that one as well.

I watched a fair bit of the WAFL GF, and can understand why Erasmus was playing. He knows how to find the ball, but his decision making and disposal is sub par. A big "No" for me. If we're looking at players in that age bracket, then it's Peatling, followed by Hobbs.