KingDingAling

He is so clean inside of a contest. Right at the point where players panic, Oliver seems to relish. I don't think I have seen a player so good on close. He is exceptional in tight. For that reason I think he may be one of the greats by the time he is done. Most us probably believe that by now. The media is just catching on because opposition fans don't like Oliver for his incidents in the past.

I noticed on the weekend many of our players were bursting from packs, evading tacklers and holding onto the ball until the right option presented itself. Nath Jones used to be the only one who did this. I wonder if its Jones rubbing off on the younger brigade, or a clear direction from the club to have players do it. Whatever the case its impressive. Jones leads through his actions and others learn.

Maybe. What if the Crows had their best 22. They probably would have did a bit better, maybe even a lot better. But we trounced them today, and they were smashed all over the ground. I have always believed we had a better list than GWS, and we would eventually click. That is happening now. Adelaide would have gotten closer with a full list. But our current list is trending upwards, and rapidly. Brayshaw, Salem, Petracca, Hannan, ANB, Oliver, have all improved this year and its showing. We have added Fritsch and Spargo and its complimenting our side beautifully. The improvement of those lads is down to our coaching staff, and especially our coach. Personally, I have been a knock on Goodwin because I would not touch anyone who has anything to do with James Hird, but that aside, Simon Goodwin is getting the best out of this list. On a day like today I think that stings Crows fans. They are hurting. Throw Lever's last few weeks on top of that and Crows fan's are now in a place where they aren't thinking straight. It is all too much for them IMO.

5. Hogan 4. Brayshaw 3. ANB 2. Viney 1. Hannan

It is a good year to be a top 4 side. Hopefully we continue this run because there is no dominant team this year. We very well may end up being that dominant side heading into finals. Certainly we are playing that way. Viney is a massive IN for us recently.

It is unlikely we will find another of that quality coming out of Casey, but we could find another gem elsewhere.

Brayshaw has overtaken Tyson as a mid. On top of that the inclusion of Viney will make it hard for Tyson to break back in. Salem has been pushed out of the midfield of late (or not given as much time), but given his versatility he is still able to keep his position, and probably even looks better down back. What has killed Tyson is that he is just an inside mid, as is Brayshaw, but the latter brings more of what we need - intensity and defensive efforts.

I don't think McDonald would ask for such a ridiculous amount that it would compromise our future. He is one of our better leaders.

I would have him deep forward and try and isolate him one out. Ideally I would rotate him with Jack Viney when he gets back - with Petracca spending 60% time in the midfield, and gradually decrease that to 40% as Viney improves his fitness and takes the 60%. Petracca is a burst player I think 40% of his on field time in the midfield is about right at the moment. It would also give Viney a rest up forward where he could use his body and strength to contribute in a similar role Petracca would play up forward. When we have players swapping with each other they need to be stepping into their corresponding roles effortlessly as not to confuse things and put our structures out of whack.

Good on Hannan. He is massively underrated on this board. Hannan, Spargo and Fritsch are serious players. They give us versatility.

So does Roos. He just commented as much.

Same. I feel good about today. I haven't felt good about any of our games this year. I think we have played really well today.

Hogan, Gawn and Oliver are just really good football players. They are A+ players most weeks. I reckon Bayley Fritsch is a player who may reach their level.

Nah, not really. Gus is just an inside mid. I liken him to Sam Mitchell. As good as Mitchell was, you couldn't really play him elsewhere. He can only play one position. Gus is the same.

Fritsch is insanely good. I cannot believe I started Spargo over him in SC this week.

Everytime I watch Oliver play I thank our lucky stars we taken him ahead of Parish.

Salem looks real good off the HBF.

Fritsch is just a gun. What a beautiful mover.

If anyone is labeling him better than Petracca that might be by default - due to Brayshaw actually getting a kick the past fortnight. Petracca has dropped off of a cliff. I remember watching this guy as a junior and I'd of punted the house on Petracca making it. Just looks a burst player.

Sh*t like that annoys me from Brayshaw. He has clearly called for the ball (when he was under the pump), its sh*t like that - that makes me pull my hair out. I haven't got much left either.

We are playing well. 3 points up for all that. Salem is playing really well which is good.

Gerard isn't the most objective type. He would have known Bomber and Hird had history with the gear. I have no affiliation with any club and even I knew Hirdy loved the snow, and according to every Tom, Dick and Harry - Bomber loved the gear for a long time. Gerard is either very bias or just sh*t at his job, and I don't believe he is sh*t at his job.

I think he is a reasonable commentator, and so long as he knows the players then he is receiving a pass mark. That is my base level expectation from Gerard. We know he hasn't played football, but he is still a contributor to game. Hutchy is the same. They know their role, and even though they may have no idea when they step outside of their role - I still appreciate them. May as well.

I am going to put it out there that Christian Salem tackles as hard, if not harder than Nic Nat, and will need to change his technique. Should the club get on the front foot or wait for this to happen? I hope the club get on the front foot here. Salem absolutely drills opposition players and he doesn't need to. Putting so much into a tackle affects his ability to get the ball himself.

Looks like just another chump looking for a dollar.