Gator

Hi Jack.

In quarters 2 and 3 the Dees had 23 scoring shots to 9. 14 more shots at goal. That is a massive imbalance. Under normal circumstances a club at Etihad would kick at least 14 goals. 14.9 = 93 and the other team would typically kick 6.3 = 39. That's a difference of 54 points in quarters 2 and 3 and has the game over at 3/4 time. I appreciate the ball doesn't go back to the middle, etc., which is why it's an argument that is futile, but our dominance was such that under typical circumstances we don't lose that game.

He's averaging 21 disposals, 7 marks, 1.3 goals (30 goal season), top 30 in league for goal assists, and 90 ranking points (last year 67). He's yet to have a breakout game, but he's a very important player, who's performing his role well and bringing his teammates into the game with some clever decision making. McCartin on the other hand ...

Mountain molehill. Clearly he wouldn't be a smoker. A young player on leave puffs on a dart at a concert. Not a great idea, but he's also under stress with an ill Father. Poor decision, but let's not hyperventilate over it.

I can't really remember Spencer's performance in that match, but I note he had the second most hitouts on the ground (23) and he was up against Will Minson, who was an All Australian ruckman at AFL level in 2013. No slouch and not what you'd call a standard VFL ruckman. Minson was supported by Tom Campbell, also a decent player at AFL level. We'll know soon enough whether he cuts the mustard or not.

This year Gawn's contested marking has been poor. It's the only area of his game that hasn't matched 2016.

Not ideal, but it is what it is. Spencer is at his peak age and will break even in hitouts with most rucks. The Dogs won a flag last year without a recognised ruckman. I'm far from writing off the season.

Of course. You're welcome to [censored] a dead horse if you want. No point in it though.

What's my initial view ? No point bringing it up every week if we lose. It's happened.

Losing yesterday doesn't make their actions any worse or more postworthy today.

His style is reminiscent of a president with funny hair.

I've been a critic of Watts and I've also been a supporter of Watts. I've assessed his games and years as accurately as I can. And he's had plenty of horrible ones. His last year was a clear breakthrough and his best by a long way. What I don't understand is why I have to "eat humble pie" every time he plays a good game. It doesn't invalidate my criticisms of his past failures and nor does it negate the admiration I've given on other occasions. If someone can explain it to me I'll be exceedingly grateful. PS If it's directed at supporters that never see any good in Watts then I'd understand, but I don't recall encountering a poster like that on these forums.

I still hate umpires.

Btw, I hate umpires.

The better team lost today. We lick our wounds and learn.

I have confidence because we're becoming a good football team and I reckon Geelong are just OK. Other than the obvious two, plus Taylor, Duncan and Hawkins, there are too many other players that are average. Average (or very young) includes Parfitt, Ruggles, Thurlow, Stewart, Murdoch, Parsons, and McCarthy. It's not exactly a who's who of the AFL. That's a third of the side. And even better players like Henderson, Menegola, Blicavs, Motlop, etc aren't world beaters. Mackie and Lonergan are now old and not the players they were. If we can quell Dangerwood, which isn't easy, I think we win.

Last year we played a horrible match in round 19 against Gold Coast yet managed to eke out a win. The following week we beat Hawthorn. Winning is important, even if you win ugly like last Sunday.

Excellent. You started the thread, which might be why I (incorrectly) remembered your contribution. It was indeed @Macca. Even now, I doubt he'll recant his comments given his last few posts on that thread.

On another thread there's been some discussion as to whether a reporter made up the word "fearless", which was attributed to Goodwin. Some posters (Lucifer being one) were sceptical and thought it was just hyperbole by the reporter in question. I thought the signs in the background of Tim Smith's debut interview interesting. I think we can now put it to bed. It's safe to say it's a bit of a mantra of Goody's.

I suspect (and hope) that Brayshaw's journey mirrors that of another highly rated top 10 draft pick from 2001, Jimmy Bartel. Bartel showed much promise in his debut year in 2002 earning a RS nomination. He was in and out of the team, but was highly rated within AFL circles, as well as the broader supporter communities. Bartel played 24 games in his first two years compared to Brayshaw's 31. Like Bartel, Brayshaw earned a RS nomination in his inaugural year. I well remember Bartel being dropped in round 3 of his third year (2004), as I was surprised at the time due to the raps on him. Coincidentally, Brayshaw has been dropped for the same round and also in his third year. Bartel played 7 consecutive weeks in the VFL working on what the coaches required. When he made it back in he never looked back. I see the same parallels in Brayshaw. I really like him as a player and see no harm with him playing in the VFL until he bangs the door down and once again reclaims his spot in the senior team.

With Smith playing hopefully posters can stop bringing up Spencer should a spot for a tall become available. Spencer will only play if Gawn isn't. The end./

Dunno, don't care. Sick of hearing about the bugger.

You're improving.

Happy for Smith, Vince and Kent to come in. Mobile forward-line. Kent is in our best 22, so not sure who makes way if they think he's ready to resume duties. I'm guessing Hannan.

Correct. He also didn't like Roos. Every coach on the list would have disaffected players, so it's no big deal.