FireInTheBennelly

Is Oliver done for the day?

I can't believe nobody asked him about his foot. Something like "How is the foot Jack? Is there any lingering pain or tenderness, or do you feel it's back to where it was before the problem started, and it's finally all a thing of the past?" That's what I wanted to hear anyway. Good luck to him. Love him.

Just saw the presser, Hardwick said they, Richmond, were a year younger on average so the more in-experienced team. [censored] me if that's the best you've got for that performance, I don't expect to see you around too much longer. Tiges Gone

And yet...... nothing. Media wind up? Love it if true

Can't recall the game myself, but someone alluded to it being H. Hence the urgency to get him back perhaps.

And still cop an absolute pasting from Demonland.

Is this for real?

Attempt at flattery Ernest?

Needs the number 16 back.

Agreed. Can't wait to see what Petracca can offer as well.

I'm amazed that anyone could possibly be critical of that piece of play. Are you really suggesting that when under pressure from three surrounding opponents he should have noticed the two teammates directly behind him? Vision is a wonderful thing for a football player, but eyes in the back of the head? Then there was Jetta, who would most likely have been pole-axed as soon as (or very soon after) he received a handpass, directly in front of goals no less (remind me again how many goals we've coughed up by taking the centering option in defensive 50). That's not to mention that Jetta is not one of the preferred distribution options coming out of defensive 50, guess who is. And finally his technique was no good? I'd be considering it more of an improvisation personally. Highly unlikely he was thinking of each muscle movement under that pressure situation. Or were you referring to his technique in general? If so, I'm happy to back him in a similar situation over 99% of our team. History shows there are certain players that go beyond technique. They have a skill with ball in hand that makes other great players look second rate. He's one of them going by what we've seen. He's young, he'll make mistakes and he'll continue to develop over the next few years. Recent history should also tell you that we've been handballing two metres to the nearest player for the last 5 years, regardless of how much pressure said player is under. We have found a player who takes a good option, not simply the first. After all that, I think he summed it up spot on and took the right option, and executed perfectly. As did Salem, who may have had the benefit of Vince pointing Jones out to him. I'm excited about these two players in particular and there are others. I can't get the replay that I was after so I can't tell you at what time, but check out his tackle on Steven in the last quarter also. He was stalking two Saints on a fast break. Rather than commit early and provide them with a further overlap, he cruised - waiting for support to arrive. Once it was obvious where the ball was going he pounced and took down one of the better midfielders going around. He's a rare talent DS, I think you should get on-board and enjoy the ride.

It's not just in traffic either. In the last quarter the aints were on a fast break and he was tracking 2 or 3 players, one was Steven I think, the others not sure. He summed it up beautifully by hanging back and not being drawn in too early. He knew who was getting the ball when, and when was the right time to step in. As soon as Steven received the handball Oliver accelerated and was on him like flies on you know what. BALL!!!!!!!

He looks like he has it on a string at times, I noticed it in his highlights video as well. For the first time in a long time we look like we have a player that knows what a football is.

Good man, thanks very much

Does anyone have the approximate time for 'that handball'? I would like to have another look - without the time to watch the whole 1/4. Thanks.

I'll play. He's so bad with names he once introduced himself at a party as Dennis Cometti.

Really have to laugh at the AFL. NAB Challenge 3rd round interchanges are restricted to 90. Today's interchanges WCE 85 VS ESS 133.

Don't be so hard on him. Like I said in the gameday thread - at least he never called Jetta as Oliver or vice versa.

Pretty good call from Sandy, not once did he call Jetta as Oliver, or vice versa.

Scratchy 1st quarter. Some moments of scratchiness in 2nd, but mostly pretty impressive. Unlucky not to be further in front. Pressure was awesome for most of that quarter, very surprised to see we're losing the tackle count.

Nathan Brown wearing the 2 for Melbourne. Sandy, Sandy, Sandy

Nathan Brown wearing the 2 for Melbourne. Sandy, Sandy, Sandy

Missed it, took the dog for a walk. Weeks? Or more importantly, a week?

They could call the game together. A Bill Lawrie / Tony Greig type partnership.

Dazzle said he's going, and Saty also. There's 2 so far.