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Something interesting to note. Rivers post-game said the senior players were helping the kids defend. Then this from May: Maybe, finally, some proper leadership?

There wasn’t a huge crowd but we were pretty vocal. The players even acknowledged us at the end of the game which was the first time that has happened this season which was good to see.

Liked Spargo's game again last night. To me he has got back pretty close to his 2018 form this season and shown that he has a place in the side aging forward. Tough, uses the ball well and knows how to kick goals.

Was pleased to see that Max whacked the ball forward a couple of times at bounces.

I dont think its confidence. Maybe we should consider in a shortened year the young 40 game player who has been the key target in 11 straight games may be tiring? Its not like with LJ and Petty out and TMacs form we’ve had viable options to give him a rest. He has clearly dropped off his impact but his effort is still there and he is halving more contests than not. Hopefully a weeks break will recharge him for the Bombers.

Mitch Brown was good tonight and has some momentum. Dropping him for Luke Jackson whos been out 5 weeks with a hammy would be a big risk, as much as Id love to see LJ back.

Loved how Oskar Baker took control of his destiny. Hard to delist after that performance

Yep, the Spargo-trashing really needs to ease up around these parts. People have been unreasonably unkind about the kid at times. He’s developing nicely and has been a big factor in some of our wins this year.

Langdon Recruit of the year

Jetta's attack on that contest in the last will be my lasting memory of this game - and the man himself. I appreciate you Neville.

Is that the last time we'll see Jetta in the red & blue? I wouldn't be surprised if he was to retire, and realistically he doesn't have much left in him. Spent his whole career getting battered without much protection from the umps (has to have one of the hardest heads in the league). A sad way to bow out if so - but fitting that it was through Nev doing Nev things. The club absolutely has to do everything it can to ensure he sticks around post-playing, even with the reduced soft caps.

I commented on this during the game. It was yet another example of appalling umpiring.

That moment where Trac won a midfield HTB and then just flat-out sprinted forward. He has become a smart footy-player alongside Oliver. They both now do things that will hardly ever be noticed or respected. Oliver again with three or four breath-taking in-close moments tonight. This is the best mid-field pairing we've ever had in my life-time following the Dees.

Smith had four disposals, three clangers and gave away two frees. His opponent being nullified was a result of a collective effort from our defence and poor entry from GWS, he shouldn’t play another game. Rivers was a steal.

Not sure about that. The goal he kicked he was involved deep in defence and got the first handball in the scoring chain about 20 from their goal. Ran the length of the ground to kick it form the goal line after the tap from Hunt. That is some serious running

We cannot simply throw an 18 year in one of the most crucial game of the year straight into the side on the back of a 5 week lay off. Stick with Weideman, he just needs to learn how to get himself out from this rut. Dropping him won't fix that. This is all part of his development into a good power forward.

Shout out to the Dees fans at the ground. great noise and excellent boos at the right time

Did you actually read the article or even better listen to the presser? Goodwin was sending a clear message to the players to not get ahead of themselves - something we all get disappointed with on here time after time. “I spoke last week about growing up as a footy club and it was to execute our roles and play like we did in pressure situations. “It was a step forward as a footy club – there’s no question about that. “I thought some of the maturity of some of our young guys especially was outstanding, but we’ve got to create a new pathway forward and play this way week in, week out. “All we’ve done is given ourselves an opportunity to play the same way again next week.” What exactly do you take exception to from those quotes? Watch the presser. It was a gutsy and emotional win and we celebrated accordingly. But then Goody was smart enough to immediately put the brakes on and adopt a terse, unfinished business attitude. I'm certain that will be the messaging in-house this week as well. Goodwin also doesn't write the headlines.

Just watched the highlights for the third time. Rivers last couple of minutes were huge - the goal, then the spoil and then splitting a pack of four players apart to knock the ball back to our advantage was so great to see. He has a lot of go and is exactly the sort of player we needed out of last years draft.

If the Bulldogs get hammered by Freo - who are actually a very competent side right now - then do we just have a 7 team finals series? We’ll be very lucky to make it, but someone has to. Along with Essendon we haven’t had a bye and have played 14 or so games in about 12 weeks. Including FIFO trips to Cairns on 4 day breaks after playing in Alice. Finals experience is finals experience. If it’s on offer we damn well take it an run

Props to Jack Viney for questioning the umpires. Overheard him just before half time saying something like "He is just trying to bash/hurt our players". The umpire responded they would check the tapes at half time. No guesses as to who he was in fact talking about. Thugford played well overall though and really did his best to rough us up. Respect to the whole team for standing up under pressure at different stages. Very few passengers, was super proud of the team and even moreso the team effort.

Directly resulted in a goal to Spargo.

Special mention to Joel Smith who shut down Elliot Himmelberg. Kept him to 5 disposals and 0 goals.

Does anyone else think that this year’s Grand Final Eve Public Holiday is ridiculous? There’s no room for the usual grand final parade or festivities with the game being played in the Republic of Queensland. And besides that, Melbourne in the midst of its Covid-19 lockdown won’t be a place for celebration, especially if the 5k limit is still in place.

Updated

Another small note on this. Was touching in the middle of everything to see Goodwin go to Jetta to acknowledge his efforts when Nev was looking a bit distraught. That's who I want coaching my football team.

He has another year to run anyway :) I reckon we are harsh on some of the players trying to make the step up from reserves grade football to the Seniors. It takes time to feel at home amongst a bunch of idols and peers that have bigger bodies and more preseasons. Oskar had played 3 really good games in the Covid affected 12 or 14 a side scratch matches. I am glad he did not get dropped after one week in horrible conditions for anyone to really show their skills. I feel Bedford is another who deserves more than 5 minutes in the team, will surprise many when he gets going. It took Max quite a while before he had a breakout game. Seasons in fact. I think we need to give younger players a bit more leeway when it comes to judging them so quickly. Too many are labeled spuds or cop unwarranted criticism imo. Senior players should be much more accountable and consistent. The only players i got annoyed with last night overly was Melksham and Lever. Lever i can forgive because he really played great in the last quarter particularly, and made up for some of his earlier screw ups. Melksham played different role in last 2 weeks but i know he can give more, and expect him to give it. Spargo/Kozzie/Rivers were all great at times too. Young leaders that i hope continue to grow/develop!

In Langdons post game interview on Ch 7 with Richo and James Brayshaw, he said specifically he came back home to play on the G. He said unfortunately its the Gabba for this year but the wide open space on that ground suit him also. A great answer I thought. Richo also said during his brilliant gut run in the final 1/4 leading to a goal that that effort took just as much courage to do at the end of a game as putting your head over the ball. Highly complimentary of a player who sems to be quiet and just loves running and linking. Many teams won't have a match up for him .

I cant remember a player from ANY club who obviously hates losing as much as S.May. Wears his heart on his sleeve and demands the best of every player on the field. He is what we have been missing for years, and i wish we had a clone for the forward line as well as the midfield. Probably as close as we will get to having Luke Hodge in our team. We should not have left it this late but that was a geat win tonight.

Should go and slap yourself for your comment re team selection wanting us to lose. Rate you as a poster but that was poor

A win is a win and if nothing else helps this group a lot in terms of next season. I'm very proud of the boys as I was after St Kilda because if you can prove you can grind out a win over quality opposition that has to count for something. A real enjoyable game, didn't think it was the most skillful and both teams really honked it up at times but there were some amazing goals and some serious ticker. Everyone put their body on the line and weren't afraid to go when they had to. Was happy with the way Baker was used and expect the same next week, Petracca - 19 contested possessions! A ripping goal too. Steven May - This might be the whisky talking but give him AA now! Spargo continues to keep pressure on and has always had a decent set shot. And then we get to a young man names Trent Rivers. Make no mistake, this kid was a huge reason why we won tonight. Hits targets for fun by foot and two clutch goals, but maybe the thing I loved most of all was his desire to get to that contest and punch with about 18 seconds left. The guy very much looks the part. Langdon is without a doubt pickup of the year now. Nev's commitment in that contest late and taking one of the team really got us going I thought, he's been doing it his whole career and although he's in the twilight now you can really only remember things like this from him. Don't get me wrong there were some negatives from the game but after a whole week of talking negatives I don't even feel like it! Enjoy the win everyone, it can't hurt!

A great win indeed. But job is not done. Glad the players didn't over celebrate. Job is not done, as we need a few things to go our way. On a personal note, I'm very proud of Charlie Spargo. Kid (yes he is only 20 years of age) cops it more then any other player on our list, and to see him play a significant role in tonight's win kudos to his extreme hard work off field.

Shows us that he knew the pressure was on us, knew we were not good enough in Cairns, and knows it's not done yet. Funny - if he's going on about how great we are people would criticise him for overcelebrating, wouldn't they?

I think he's smarting from the demotion from the captaincy. It's voted on by the players and there have been various whispers and innuendo for a couple of years he's not on the same page as some of the other players (certainly some commentators have alluded to this). I don't think Jack feels unloved by the FD, as by some of the players and I definitely think there's something going on with the group dynamics. He may have decided to cut ties just due to this. I'm an unabashed Jack Viney fan and his strengths and weaknesses were on full display last night. He gives everything he's got when he steps onto the field and has a manic attack on the ball, but he also tries to do it all himself and burns the first option too many times? He was penalised at least twice - and probably lucky not to have a couple more as well. Last week he bowled over Trent Rivers to get the ball - there's some aspects that he needs to correct and adjust, I love his desire, but that's just dumb footy. He needs to sit down and have a coffee with Jack Riewoldt and talk about how to play for the team and not just himself. We have a surfeit of players for his position and if it's his choice to leave (which would sadden me) then that opens up enough salary cap space for someone like Zac Williams who was very good again having copped a stinger to the shoulder in the first five minutes. It could be a genuine win win for both club and player (if he can get more money at Geelong), by balancing a tough outside player with good disposal with our inside bulls - but the nostalgic Melbourne Demon in me would need to curl up in bed with the covers over my head for a few days.

I must watch a different game. Tomlinson has been one of our most consistent performers over the last month at least. He gets in the right spots, holds most marks that come his way, is neat by hand or foot. Definitely goes hard when it is his turn to go. No way he will get dropped with his body of work. When he was dropped earlier in the season that was for lack of effort. Since then he has shown himself to be a very valuable player for us. Constantly doing the team things, has been a great pickup for us imo, and has some versatility to play a number of positions/roles.

Win lose or draw, wasn't it nice watching a proper game of footy again? No stupid breeze, no torrential rain at inopportune times, just two teams going at it. I know Freo and Sydney were playing in the same conditions as us so can't be excused for the two losses, but AFL footy should never be played in Cairns again. Not up to standard.

When we kicked out from their behinds It was the same way nearly every bloody time. There was also not much movement from our players or quick kick ins. This has been happening for a fair while now and needs to change but I’m not sure Goodwin sees it.

Nev its a huge risk bringing an 18 year old into a do or die clash of the year off the back of a 5 week lay off. I just for the life of me see why we need to do that. Yes we've seen the Weid/Jacko work better then most, but that's far too much of a risk for my liking.

Dr Ds football knowledge - do not rate

Except for when we got belted by Port. I've said this in another thread, but I don't think Weid has played poorly at all, before tonight. Tonight I felt he was outpositioned and unable to work his way into the contest. However, we will go nowhere as a club without consistency forward of centre, and we can't rely on any two of Brown, Jackson and Weideman to do it. Weideman's got runs on the board and although he was poor tonight, he goes nowhere for mine.

Not having a go at you, just an honest question, what did you thing of fritsch tonight? Did you see the job he did on Haynes? I know he looks laconic at times, but we need some people who can kick the ball. Of course he can improve, but i wouldn’t be dropping him. plenty ahead of him to go,out, hunt being one, as he touched it about 4 times.

No voice left..took a second mortgage out for countless drinks at the Gabba. So stoked we got up. Rivers you star!

We've been harsh on Goody and the boys and rightly so, but I'm extremely proud of this effort tonight. Superb. Enjoy all!

While he didn't hit the scoreboard, I thought Mitch Brown was good for us tonight. 13 touches and 7 marks and he got up the ground to give us a target as well. His experience was on full display throughout this game. Makes the decision to drop him last week for Preuss look even worse than it already did.

Shame on you @dazzledavey and anyone else who wanted us to lose. I might get upset with things at the club but always want my boys to win Love Rivers and again Spargo showed his worth

That's a bloke who knows that the job isn't done. That's the maturity we want. Be happy with the win, but we need to focus on next week very quickly.

May, Langdon and Rivers. Pay rise.

I really did not see that coming. Lever made mistakes early but he and May in the final quarter were huge. Rivers is a gem. Spargo certainly did his job. Pickett much improved. Baker gave us a second wing. Keeps hope alive for one more week at least. And was a great game to boot.

Rivers and Spargo take a bow. Kids that showed class when needed.