M_9

Blowing my own ‘travel trumpet’ by reporting in from Lefkada Island in the Ionian Sea (think Rosebud on Steroids). Ordinary day yesterday: money clip with €70 cleverly lifted from pocket on crowded Athens train. 6:30 am here. Dees win needed so I can get another hour of sleep.

I'm only repeating what's already been said numerous times: how can so many of our players have gone backward 're their 'ability'. TMac, Gus, Viney, Trac, Fritta, Weird, ANB, ... Not one player who was on our list last year is playing better footy this year (save for Max who should win the Bluey Truscott in a canter). Keep Goody by all means, but sack all bar Rawlings. And we'll be worse next year regardless of any changes - there's zip coming through. I'm gutted (50 year member).

Right Right Right Right Right and Wrong - Freo by 7 goals.

I'm hoping there won't be any booing of Hogan. The morons that boo Ablett et al are just that - morons.

Biggest disappointment: Tmac by the length of the straight. Last Sat was pretty typical: zero tackles, zero goals, zero goal assists, zero hit outs, one mark.

Thanks George. A chance to catch up with Whitey and ask how his golf is going.

Apologies (to DemonDeb?) if this has already been posted. For those who may be going to Saturday's game: https://www.facebook.com/events/1080592128786326/ It says to book (ie pay $20), but I can't see how to.

Agree. Have to give Keilty a game this week.

I gather with 13+ disposals to the Weid for one goal he ain't standing in the goal square?

Enough debate about Oscar. Not relevant here.

I'm keen to see how Sparrow goes as an on-baller. Pardon my ignorance, has he played that position previously? My mate taught him in SA. Said he's a ripping young kid.

Saints scores have been 13.7, 10.16, 9.12, and 10.14. Low scores and inaccurate. We just need to limit the oppositions' scoring efficiency once they're inside their 50m arc. Surely we can hold them to less than 10 goals?

Nickname is Shand. Maybe use that.

Pruess at FF is not the dumbest idea. He has kicked 5.6 in 8 appearances. I fancy Hunt or Jeffy at his feet.

As mentioned, Lewis is not an option. I'd take Keilty before Preuss. Neither seem to get many possessions, but I thought Keilty's ruck performance against the Lions was better than Preuss's the previous week. Keilty also appears a tad more mobile. If KK is fit I'd include him. It's a long but narrow ground, and I think burst speed is required rather than endurance.

2 wins in 29 years ain't a good record. I live 20km from the joint, but rarely go (especially after witnessing 186). 50/50 at this stage.

A few of us from M9 will be at the Barwon Club. About the closest pub to the ground.

Rance's knee - ouch.

The Godfather (III I think).

"It's not personal. It's strictly business". Michael Corleone.

From Bigfooty: Since 2007 when we beat Melb by 5 Pts at MCG Rd 6 and 89 pts at Footy Park Rd 17 we have played Melbourne; MCG........ 3 times 1 win (2013 79 pts) and 2 losses (2009 11 pts and 2017 23 pts) Darwin..... 3 times 1 win and 2 loses (2010 1 pt and 2011 21 pts) Alice........ 3 times 3 wins Footy Park 3 times 3 wins Adelaide O 4 times 3 wins and 1 loss (2016 40 pts) For an 11-5 record They don't like playing us at the MCG. Not sure how the poster has drawn that conclusion. BTW they're going to be missing quite a few key players incl Dixon, Wines, Ryder and Hartlett. Mooted there'll be four debutantes.

Not sure if it's been mentioned elsewhere, but Jake Lever is on AFL Tonight 700pm.

Where do you live - northern hemisphere, or I am expected to turn my laptop upside down (nah, that wouldn't work either)?!

I'm glad to get your report. My mate Pete (a Crows supporter) taught Tom a few years back (in SA) and asked me yesterday how he was going. Pete reckons he spotted Sparrow as AFL material very early on. Said the Crows were bound to grab him had we not,

This new learning amazes me, Wadda. Explain again how sheep's bladders can be employed to prevent earthquakes.