coconut

I think this is at least part of the answer. September specials: Tightest finals series in more than two decades (afl.com.au) The amount of free kicks paid to the team behind. I think Tigers have probably had it worse than anyone. In Lions v Tigers first final I counted 23 free kicks in first 3 quarters to team behind to 10 free kicks to team in front. Reversed in the last quarter 4 to 3. Dees v Sydney qualifying final, first 3 quarters, team behind 17 free kicks to 11 for the team in front. Last quarter 3 free kicks to the team behind to 6 free kicks to the team in front (of course we were behind for most of that quarter). Dees v Lions semi-final, team behind in first 3 quarters 16 free. Team in front 15 free kicks. Reversed 6 to 4 in last quarter. Freo v Pies semi-final, first 3 quarters team behind 23 to i think 14 team in front. I think it's like this (haven't looked at all of them) for most of our home and away losses. I think Freo was the only team that really got a hold of us. Anyway i suspect teams are aware of this focusing on a territory game - playing forward half, better to give a free kick away as far as possible away from goal. And I don't think i counted more than 2 free kicks for us in a row all season, certainly for our losses, has a WWE vibe to it for me. Do the umpires pay what they see? Or are they umpiring the score? Its not just us, Pies had it rough in that first quarter last week v Freo 10 to 4. I am not saying it's the only reason for the fade outs, but more than a co-incidence that so many games go right down the wire now and we can't hold a lead and yes of course kicking straight. I think Pies are managing this umpiring really well. So it can be done. I will add really confident that these next 2 finals will have at least for the first 3 quarters, more free kicks to the team behind. If there is nothing in it and all 4 teams are on. I am picking Brisbane v Sydney for the Grand Final.

Is anyone ordering the linguine tonight? Its going to be a long week

I dont like this

Do i qualify as a long-term member? If yes, me please, I live in Perth

And we are facing a team that only 2 weeks ago while playing for the minor premiership at their home ground gave up a 44 point lead in the 3rd quarter. King, Barrett et al can say what they want, but if I was a cat there isn’t a lead under 50 points that I wouldn’t be nervous about. Aside from Hawkin’s elbows and Selwood’s free kicks, I am feeling good about Friday.

Hi, I am going to throw my hat in the ring. Life-long demons supporter and a lurker here. I live in Perth and I think have this Friday’s tickets sorted but hoping to purchase a grand final ticket if they win (no interest if they don’t win, will be sulking). So if anyone has a GF guarantee they can’t use would be very grateful, thanks.

Poor little freo. Are they expecting Melbourne to say sorry for Hogan's big bad manager wanting the highest possible contract for his guy? I can't see how this in any way makes Freo not look terrible, upset player, manager and club, it's dumb.

I am waiting for Daniel Chick and/or Ben Cousins to confirm

King also spent most of the week outlining why Mason Cox should be dropped

Dees: Elephants Ice Skating

Awful end to the season. I am just thankful we didn't play like that against Geelong. Imagine going out like that in week 1.

Hogan for presita straight swap?

great trade, who knows yet who might get the edge in this one, but thank you Gold Coast for possibly a win/win and being a decent club to trade with in contrast to some others

Its above the shoulders. I fear this one is going to sting. But I will say all the best Toump!

yeah I agree, so the club then has new rule. The last year of the contract is really the 2nd last year of your contract. No more of this wait and see rubbish from players and managers. If you don't sign with us, you will be traded before your last year

We gave up a 2nd rounder for Frost last year, I fully expect it. I wonder if Collingwood threatened to pull the QB games off us. Cant think of any other reason why we continually be happy to do whatever they want.

I would be happy never to trade with Collingwood again - I would rather lose a player in the draft. Liverpool refuse to trade with Man U for a very good reason, why help make the )*#$)#( stronger.

Best thing about this is hopefully not having to deal with Collingwood again this year

Great! With Adelaide officials?

Its not always about strengthening your own list, not allowing another list with already numerous advantages to get stronger is a decent option. Howe at Carlton becomes largely irrelevant for us and rest of competition I bet Eddie hasn't stopped texting Josh reminding him about how charitable they are with QB games and that they might reconsider that if we upset them

Yeah but they will tell us this with about 1 hour remaining of trade period

Okay great, that is now up to Collingwood to maintain this apparent beautiful love story with Bucks and make it happen. The responsibility is on them to show him and us how much they really want him - we can do what we want. I hope Josh goes in there swinging

don't blame him he is being asked to listen to more rubbish from pies - it would be exhausting.

yeah I agree, I just hope we are reminding them of the true value of howe before their expected ridiculous offer. The carry on with Beams last year and now complaining about Treloar