KingDingAling

If our defence is leaking like a sieve, the answer might be in our turnovers (when attacking). I think the solution would be to attack more effectively, not to turn the ball over as much, and as a result don't get caught napping on the rebound (and not provide as many opportunities to rebound). I don't like the idea of putting too much of an emphasis on defence - unless it is used as an attack. The bulldogs had this mastered early in the year (before injuries stuck). There were a few things that stood out. Run and carry, the ability to execute, and knowing when to effectively attack out of defence.

I would just stop at the 200k or he won't be on our list part.

Shane Edwards.

Richmond have still had better access to high quality draft picks than North Melbourne. Yet through free agency North Melbourne have been able to rebuild. Waite, Higgins, Dal Santo. It isn't what draft picks you get in the draft, it is what you do with those draft picks (who you use them on). Richmond have used quality, high end draft picks on speculative kids like Conca and Vlastuin. They went tall in 2008 and taken Vickery, overlooking a lot of midfield talent in Ziebell, Sidebottom, Hannebury, Beams and Shuey. So they didn't maximize the draft picks they've had, and now they want to whinge about the rebuild - like it isn't their fault they didn't have more time. This is the trouble with Richmond, nothing is ever their fault, they cannot accept criticism. Instead of blaming the short time frame for their rebuild, why don't they just fully take on the blame.

I think we should go back and view the tapes of the Western Bulldogs first few games. No team run the ball better out of their back line - and set up offense from defense - than the Bullies did. They have now been decimated with injuries, but they had a game plan that I think we could adapt to. We need to free up our backman, and not just have them be stationary targets. Today they were essentially witches hats. St Kilda ran both ways, we didn't.

Viney is right. We will play finals before St Kilda, and once they lose Riewoldt and Montagna, they will be lucky to even make the finals.

Out: Lumumba, Frost, Pederson, Hunt. In: Casey performers. On notice: Harmes and Tyson.

Yes. We did. That is still the midfield that got smashed by top ups and first year Essendon players. I always go back to that, and today, I see why. Viney and Jones have been good, but they have had no support, at least when the game was in the balance. The decision not to play Oliver wasn't a great one either. Mostly St Kilda smashed us on the rebound out of the backline though, so that is a real worry. The game looked like a training drill for them at times.

Pederson's lack of effort today has really stood out. He will be first to be dropped.

Nice goal by Tyson, but Dom where you been for 3 quarters?

I see that. He is liability. Supporters get sucked in by his run and dash. Lumumba isn't a footballer, that is the issue.

Yep, stiff. Has had a good year Oliver. Played good footy. Already one of our most effective clearance players. Stiff to miss.

One of our rookies was upgraded for him, got the chance, and is playing good footy. At least we are getting something out of that wasted pick on Melksham.

There is not just hype, but there is hope, and anticipation. Most people saw the disappointment in the kid when he did an ACL, and the emotions surrounding that - both for him and many people feeling for him. I think that drives up and interest in Petracca for many people. Much of this interest IMO isn't just hype, it is also emotion.

Fremantle are in serious trouble. Question marks over the future of Fyfe and Bennell's career, Sandilands, Mundy, Pavlich, Johnson, and most likely Barlow and Ballantyne would all be retired by the end of Jesse's contract here. It sounds more and more as though Neale is leaving. Michael Walters (while a great little player) is injury prone. Fremantle are going to spend some long hard years down the bottom of the ladder. At this time MFC will be a top 4 side. Jesse would have to be very homesick to leave, which in that case, he wouldn't have played his best footy here anyway. I expect the club to want an answer this year.

Yeah, but we know Max didn't used to take training too seriously. I don't mind Robbo's interview. I just hope when people laugh along at jokes about Gawn's past, that they also appreciate his dedication when he takes out the brownlow this year.

Now into $26 at the TAB. A win this week, and a good performance by Viney could see that quote ($26) halve.

It is the perfect situation for MFC. Spencer should derive a lot of benefit competing with Gawn for that no 1 ruck position. It will make going back to Casey seem like an absolute walk in the park. It should result in our mids at Casey getting first use of the ball off of a quality ruck. Spencer works very hard. I think it is fantastic that he is back, not only will it make Casey improve, but will also fast track the improvement on ANB and co.

Fair to say the boy can play a bit.

Rance elbowed Jack Watts in the back or the head out of frustration. Tom Bugg merely nudged Riewoldt. Intent was completely different. Bugg was niggling, Rance was trying to hurt. I dare say that if both of those instances were taken to a court of law - that Rance would be charged (and probably jailed), and Bugg would walk away with a slap on the wrist. Obviously there is a big difference between these two incidents.

Interesting that you mention that. I think Hawthorn would've responded. We responded to Rance's cowardly hit on Watts. Richmond didn't respond, and don't respond much. There is a perception among the football community that they are seen as pushovers, and it is instances like that (not standing up when they need to), that further adds to that perception. Richmond are in a diabolical state atm.

I don't think so. Salem does lack a little bit of speed. Perhaps it will come when he strengthens his core, but at present, it isn't there. Classy by foot? Yes. Great execution? Yes.. mostly. He has a lot of strings to his bow, but he doesn't have pace, he could be exposed (IMO) on the wing. Personally I think we have Salem down back because he is less exposed, and can still contribute - we can still use his great skills. I think that is the intention anyway (just speculating). The reason why I think it is a lesser concern in the long term is that I believe Salem is a pure midfielder. He is an in tight player, as a midfielder he won't be exposed as much on the outside, especially given his sublime skills. I think Salem is equally as tough as Jack Viney in close, but better on the inside, just doesn't have the body for it atm. He is also one of our best tacklers - which we will see when he breaks into the midfield. I am pretty one eyed Salem. I think a lot of his game depends on his physicality, and at present, he doesn't have the build for that, hence why he is treading water in the back line.

I am disappointed to hear Bugg apologise. If Bugg is going to play outside of the rules - which I think is ok so long as no one is seriously hurt - then he needs to own it. I hope the club didn't make Tom Bugg apologise.

Good to see Tyson play up to his capabilities.

I liked the showboating. I love Tom Bugg's work. I especially liked him pushing Riewoldt.