SPC

It is a great point Sue. Really they just need to say the player who is awarded the free kick and for which team. The explanation is really a mute point as they can signal it as they announce the person who is awarded it. I hate the one where all players from both teams run the wrong way, then to realise it was a soft free kick paid to the other team.

If Tommo is not named, then he needs to be sub. If we have learnt anything the past 3 weeks is that you cannot cover talls with crumbing forwards.

I might get laughed out of the forum, but I’d like to see a different look in the middle. Maybe Brayshaw to be 2nd ruck, similar to Richmond with Shaun Grigg. Just get a contest and get to work on clearance. Brayshaw and Dogga to swap forward/Ruck

Would it kill our forwards to block for each other?... Ben Brown needs someone to help him create space to lead. Still think Petty and Brown forward is our best option. I’d keep Disco or Tomlinson down back with May. I like Daw in to ruck/forward if Gawn is out for a period of time

Still flat…

Can’t run out quarters, can’t run out games. Not buying into the loading bulldust. Either boys are sore or not putting in the effort. One key standout is how poor our defensive zone is. Teams are able to pick it apart with short kicks, moving it quickly. Forwardline- what else can you say. Poor on every front, connection is really bad. Forwards needs to lead and not expect the ball on their heads. Things can be fixed, but glad I’m not the guy to do it.

I can feel a Collingwood blow out, 28 point loss is my call

Going to the footy is not what it used to be. I used to love the traditional timeslots, night games are challenging with young families, particularly those who live regional, like me. The guest passes in AFL members are difficult to purchase and are expensive. You line up for ages to get food, drinks and toilets and this is with low attendance. The Anzac Eve made me glad we are not a club the plays in front of capacity crowds. Watching from home is far easier, but I go to be part of it more out of obligation rather than pleasure these days.

Could Disco come in to allow Petty to go forward?

Heard him on Mix FM this morning, said it is hard to play without fans, when other teams fans turn up. Said it was a reflection on being a bit flat onfield as they feed off the crowd. All pretty fair. He seemed genuinely annoyed with our aging demographic not turning up. I for one have not been able to attend the last few games, but but will make a point to get to all home games now. It’s hard to knock the team performance when we as members are not doing our part

I think our small defenders will be tested this week. Hibberd and Rivers are good lock down defenders and both come in this week. Hunt goes out, Salem to play Half forward. Having Steven May back will help with general organisation. Forwarline needs another look. Might be worth going smaller. I’d drop Mitch Brown for Bedford. Having he and Salem will help with pressure, ball use and connection. I would like to see midfielders more accountable on defence. We also need to use the corridor more, with quicker movement. Last week was slow and safe and the forwards never had a chance.

I think we have tweaked some things. Trac looks too offensive for me, he runs forward and has ANB cover his man. Last year, he was in D50 more helping out. His work around the ground is critical. I think we need to go back to basics a bit. Focus on winning contests, one on one and spread.

Any new Covid cases or Covid updates? Any news on Joel Smith's ankle?

We will win cause we are a champion team. Great to see the depth players get a chance and great to see us win games, when challenged by outside factors. Carlton still making a case that they would have won the flag if not for their ruckman going down..

Aggression and frustration are very easy to differentiate. Walking towards and umpire with arms out is different than appealing while on the the mark.

Sitting on the fence on the wing, couldn't help but be amazed at how much Jack Viney has improved. Always thought he was limited with his skills and decision making. Now he just looks a different player and I am so pleased to have been wrong. He will catch a lot of teams off guard with the attention on the 2 bulls.

Just saw the replay of Jeremy Howe on AFL360 ahead of his 200th and he commented that he is impatient and would love dearly to win a flag before his time is up... it made me feel warm inside.

Seems to be enough whispers around about Tracc to indicate that he may not be named this week. Could be good to see some other players through the middle and a different look. Gee if we win without Tracc this week and Brown and Salem, then a 5-0 start is amazing!

Looking forward to seeing Carlton's lack of defensive running in prime time!

Is there any possible way now or in the future that one of Petty or Tomlinson go forward and replace McDonald or Weid as BBB's tandem? FWIW i think Petty has serious scope as a forward based on form a few years back. I also think he could be the best key back in the next few years.

I think Brown will come in for Weid and I think that Hunt goes out for Joel Smith, who offers us another dimension. Bit of talk on radio today about the Wines tackle being looked at, not sure if it was ANB. Hopefully no suspensions from the game.

Will be a star defender with dash, dare and skill just like his old man!

I was of the strong belief that the Weid would not stand up on Friday night, so I need to put my hand up on that. Now he probably has to get another week and if Brown comes back, then TMAC would need to be made as Sub.

I am backing Weid tonight to prove the doubters right..

Switched over to watch the cricket at 9pm last night as I cannot stand how the Bulldogs play for free kicks. This was a real issue with Toby Mclean, Rhys Mathieson and others a few years ago, ducking and diving and most clubs addressed it as a bad look... the Bulldogs embraced it as a competitive advantage. I think umpires often pay the decision too early and if they let the play unfold you can see if it is genuine or acting. Some asked the question about why people on here hate Weightman so much, for mine as a former backman, i hated players who would milk holding, blocking or contact free kicks. Hated them even more when they smiled when it was paid. For me that is worth a good shirtfront.