Gator

I had a spy there who didn't think much of Newton's game or ANB for that matter. Thought ANB dishes off too many one metre handballs to someone else already under pressure. Just lacks that bit of time, vision and class. I wasn't there, but it's difficult to make too many definitive judgments just on disposal numbers. So while we see huge numbers for some players it doesn't mean they're going to excel at AFL level. That said, it obviously helps them increase their chances of a call up.

We're trying to play a similar game to the Dogs and they've been doing it longer. They lost to us last year at the G and you can see how much better they are a year down the track, just as we'll be 12 months from now. They out-pressured us, ran forward better, and also ran harder to defend. We were given a lesson in how to contest around the stoppages, but also how to attack and defend. They just did everything that bit better and cleaner. They were able to spot up targets really well with precise short kicks as they went forward into their 50, but when it was time to go long they did. It was incredible how quickly they got numbers into our forward 50. Some of our players uncharacteristically fumbled due to perceived pressure. Their defenders were closer checking than ours. We give far much room to opposition forwards. I reckon our players and coaches will learn a lot from that game. You could see the Dogs were more confident in what they were trying to execute. They didn't hesitate and were all on the same page, while we were made to go too slow while options were blocked. I actually don't think the talent levels are much different, but they have a better system that they've been honing for longer. Good coach, Beveridge.

Big deal. So was Flower and countless others.

Was absolutely pathetic in the contest. But I knew his junk time goals would appease some.

Forget about the physical similarities, Weideman thinks and plays like a key forward and that's not Watts' go. Weideman attacks marking contests with belief and fearlessness and that has never been Watts' strong suit.

That does not compute. Stu told me that Frost was very important to the structure of our forward-line.

Add Trengove. I know we disagree about his pace, but I reckon he'll become a pivotal cog in our midfield too.

Exactly. A second year 19 year old mid in good form can't break into the team by round 8. And said team is in good form with few injuries. Stop the presses. One poster even said he'd leave by year's end. How about he keeps doing what his coaches are asking and when an opportunity opens he makes the most of it ? It's called "working for it". It must be a generational thing where some have this prevailing attitude of "entitlement".

I'm underwhelmed. Granted he's a handy player, but despite his size he's a third stringer. He benefits from the heat going on to Walker and Betts, plus they have the handy link player Lynch. With Weideman coming along nicely, Watts improving and Garlett/Hogan I wouldn't have thought Jenkins would be on the radar. A quality key defender and/or gun mid is of more interest.

In a typical pre-show meeting to discuss the impending show's agenda Jono Brown says he's going to throw up a potential deal Freo could use to entice Hogan back home to WA. "Good one, Browny. We'll go with it." In the 24 hour news cycle that follows it gets saturated air time. The fact they opined it to be an unlikely scenario escaped attention. Meanwhile, in a pre-scheduled family visit to WA Hogan spends time with family and friends. The club has always been good to him like that. Nek minnit it's reported on a radio news segment Freo has offered "Melbourne's Jesse Hogan $15 mil over 10 years". It's also discussed ad nauseum on social forums and television programs. Less cognitive thinkers start pondering the unthinkable. They convince themselves Hogan will leave the Melbourne Football Club. Some posters exhibit the type of flatulence that would make an old Clydesdale proud.

Interesting. Thanks. I have empathy for those suffering a bereavement, losing a job, getting injured, having their house burn down, and even ordinary players who face an uphill battle to retain their place in the team. But it doesn't override my capacity to be objective when stating an opinion. And I certainly wouldn't call it being "emotionally invested". But for some, apparently. "empathy" equals "emotional investment" ? For me that draws a silly bow. That said, it seems some see the profundity in your answer that I don't. Interesting though. Thanks.

Better than fringe players ? Why have they been playing at Casey ? But it begs the question... Even if you disagree with my assessment how are they being disrespected by being called ordinary or fringe ? (You'll note that I said not "being emotionally invested" AFTER you had already said they were being "disrespected")

Example ?

Fair enough. I suspect you've got to know some of the players personally and most of us haven't had that opportunity. I just want to win. Individuals don't come in to my calculations, unless, of course, they make us better. That's not to say I won't remember them fondly, but a nano seconds thought is where it ends.

I wouldn't say "minimal", but Hickey squared the ledger. No player is going to dominate every game, but I put Hickey a couple of rungs ahead of the Dogs' ruckmen.

So if they haven't been "disrespected" why did it need pointing out ?

Look, I understand everything you're saying, but I simply disagree that their tactics will be as successful as you claim. I have far more faith that Gawn will continue to provide first use.

I have no issue with GNF and never have, but it's hardly ground breaking news to suggest Hogan will sign this calendar year or that Prestia, whose family are coterie members and has been linked to Melbourne for years, will be at the Dees next year. I'd say both are more than likely.

Who says they haven't been "respected" ? I'll continue to critique footballers based on output. And that will never ever change.

I'm not sure why so many supporters argue about fringe players. Before Garland it was Grimes. Some were furious that he wasn't considered best 22. Then Stuie goes spare when it's suggested Frost should be dropped. Others get their knickers in a knot when Garland is criticised. You do realise there's a reason these players are spending time at Casey ? Long suffering supporters have been putting up with limited footballers for a decade, but they still have supporters who won't hear a bad word said about them. They're ordinary fringe players. I can never understand why some seem so emotionally invested in them ?

1. Nope. Gawn WILL provide first use. He doesn't have over 40 more hitouts to advantage in the competition for nothing. Think about that stat for one moment. And Gawn is 2 levels higher as a ruckman than he was last year. 2. Yep, they often play a 7 man defence.

EFA

They're too long.

Brett Anderson ‏@BrettAndersonIF May 7 2015 Draft whisper: Suns trade back from No.3 to No.6 was with eyes set on getting Oliver while banking a future 1st rd pick at same time. 4 retweets17 likes Reply Retweet 4 Like 17 More Beautiful if true, which he later assures his followers is the case.

You got me...