Farmer

I think there is sense in improving standards by radically improved salaries. My irritation yesterday was twofold.Yes Demons got none of the 50/50 decisions . But we also felt it was dumb umpiring. Take the first decision for inadequate attempt to keep the ball in play on the Members wing in Q1 ( from recollection it was Langford who tried to edge the ball with his foot along the line to a teammate). Had it succeeded the team would have been away with the ball, a likely score. But after the ball ran along the line a bit, it turned sideways and went OOB. All of this in slippery conditions, yet a free was paid. My son commented “ this leads to players not wanting to move a ball on”. Following this of course the umpires had to show “ consistency” so we had the ridiculous spectacle of a player who was swung off his feet whilst kicking the ball who got pinged. Many decisions did not reflect the somewhat difficult conditions. I would describe it as a great game despite the umpiring

We won clearances and Centre clearances . Gawn thrashed his top quality opponent . Can’t believe his 2 kicking errors lead to this sort of criticism

Changing the topic just a little, some pundit over the weekend expressed the notion that successful attacking moves commence on the half back line . That was certainly the case on Sunday. Both sides commenced brilliant attacking forays with excellent passes from half back flanks. Hence the importance of McVee, Windsor etc

I agree with your post and can’t be bothered reading the 1000 earlier ones. The last two recruiting sessions have concentrated on quality of disposal. The bunch of youngsters ,recruited for last year or this year, on top of McVee , Bowie and Chandler, offer a much greater chance of the new gameplan, compared with the previous . In retrospect, the first 5 rounds were not a surprise. Langford and Lindsay were new, McVee was out, injured, Bowie still recovering from his long term 2024 injury. Windsor, such a success last year on a wing, was turned into a HBF. We are now seeing the benefit of first rate, well planned recruiting which has enabled the new game plan

I can’t believe how many words u have wasted on this topic ! I think u overlook that we have an elite group of young mids and flankers . Not many clubs have a group like McVee, Bowey, Langford, Lindsay, Windsor, to which I add Rivers and Chandler who are still young . If Tom McDonald, who has had an excellent season, can’t get a game , our defence is strong . Our mids, including several experienced stars , were outrageously good yesterday especially when Kosi on the ball. I agree there are gaps on the forward line, but if JVR can regain form , it would look pretty strong . It’s tough to maintain momentum after such a bad start, but the season is obviously well and truly alive .

Why next year? This could be our team in 2 weeks. Spargo and Sharp disappointing yesterday. As small forwards they must take advantage of goal scoring opportunities

I’m sorry because so many seem invested in Jefferson but the idea of playing him on Saturday is farcical. What has he done to warrant promotion.?. I don’t accept the idea that the season is dead, so let’s play him.. The season is by no means dead. Play the best team available

I think u r far too hard on him. Pretty much missed preseason

I thought the “ spuds from WA” were excellent, fair commentators

Those who didn’t attend the match but watched on 7 saw Fritta and his partner nursing a baby. Two weeks old! First child I believe . History is full of examples of sportspeople going off the boil when a baby is due/ recently born. Give him another week or two, see what happens

Well I must have watched the wrong Match. To suggest Tigers dominated first half is so much nonsense

I agree. And although I I value McVee greatly it would be hard on Howes to drop him

Not every new young player is an immediate star. True we have recruited 4 dashing, talented, 200 game players, all of whom played today. But I feel Howes, who has been slower to develop could turn out to be a very good defender . In future I can see him played on tall half forwards- he has been nervous under pressure thus far but with some confidence I believe he will make it . Did well today in an undersized defence after Turner went dowb.. Talikibg of which how about Kelly Underwood? Decided that Disco was number 20 and repeatedly confused him with Howes, Lindsay and others even after Disco had been subbed out . Fearful error by a well paid journalist .

I absolutely agree with this! He repeatedly dominates as a Mid at Casey. He must be told he is in the team for, say a month, so he can show his real ability in the 1s

Notwithstanding his 2 goals, I still think playing Jefferson in those conditions was a mistake. Johnson does bring his bollocking, rucking skills

I agree with this. No reflection on either Johnson or Jefferson, but instead of removing Howes, I would have had Langford on quite early in place of , I think, Jefferson. Johnson was a little helpful in the ruck

The idea that Henderson or Curley be played without a single practice match seems ridiculous . If JVR can’t play, by all means give Jefferson a run, but, either way, Johnson should be in the 22. I don’t want to see JVR or Jefferson in the ruck

Hasn’t Chandler had an interrupted preseason.? I think that at his best he is a pretty good forward. Sharp shooter

And I thought the key forwards for GWS were pretty ordinary v Collingwood

Bugger, that’s awful news for AMW and MFC . And not great about Hore who was in my preferred 22

Well, seeing as I started this topic, I should indicate that I have changed my mind . I appreciate that by Q4 NM were tired and had their big ruckman off the field. But I thought Johnson was a revelation . I expected him to compete fearlessly without much effect . But I was amazed at his ball getting ability apart from his v adequate ruckwork. I agree, best keep JVR out of the ruck. The best way to achieve this is to have Johnson in the 22, to let him ruck for 5-8 minutes a quarter, and otherwise ,make some mischief. At times at CHF where he played the entire season with Werribee. At other times in the forward pocket alongside JVR, while Turner is at CHF The big loser yesterday was Jefferson , I just can’t see where, at this stage, he brings as much to the team as Johnson . And I dunno where this leaves Tom MCD or Petty!

Well we know one thing! He can slot a goal from a set shot at 50m

How often has he done that? Once?

As everyone picks their starting 22, and Petty, May and Lever fill the key backline positions, I say we play Tom at CHF. IMV none of the key forward contenders are showing much except JVR who must play FF. Make Turner , Johnson, Jefferson, etc fight for their spot. At least we know we get a great contest with Tom who had an excellent year in 24, admittedly on the backline . Turner shows flashes but, really, how many disposals a match will he get? 8 or 10? If Tom plays, is told to move around to offer targets from the middle of the ground, I’d rather have him at this stage

With the exception of Johnson all the bigs were with us in 2024. I’d love to hear of determined work on lowering the eyes when entering the Forward Line. I would also love to hear that JVR, Turner and Jefferson are being taught by a specialist in leading . There is real skill in leading. I saw an undersized FF at school , turned into a real gun once he learnt timing etc . He was barely six ft yet went on to a great career as a FF in Amateur A Grade