Gator

I knew what you meant, kid. Just jerking your chain.

Hanson-Young still is...

It's relevant to note that every team in the competition finished round one with areas they know they need to work on. Obviously some more than others. Richmond would be bemused by Carlton kicking 5 goals before they woke. Carlton leak scores, as evidenced by Richmond's 36 scoring shots. Essendon would be lamenting how an undermanned and underdone Adelaide led them by 20 points at 3/4 time. Adelaide would be concerned how a team that is poor around stoppages and contested ball beat them when they had them on the ropes. The Saints may have lost to Brisbane, but for Jack Steven. The game was alive in the last against a very young and inexperienced team. Brisbane would be reasonably happy, but concerned that their kicking efficiency, which was a strength in 2017 went noticeably backwards in round one. Sydney got the chocolates, but at 3/4 time they only led West Coast by 5 points despite Buddy putting on a clinic. I could go on, but the point is we're not the only team to have issues we need to address. All of our opposition are imperfect. Richmond lost 3 games in a row last year by under a goal. Do you think their fans would have been questioning their mental toughness ? They also lost to Adelaide by 76 points with them having 35 scoring shots to their 14. Their supporters would have argued black and blue many times throughout 2017 that there was no way they'd win the flag at that point. There should be a bit more perspective at round one.

I know. I'm not the one confused. Just trying to work out where you went wrong. All good.

Nicholas Robertson ? He's a mid. Perhaps Daniel Rich has morphed into Daniel Roberton.

Do you mean Mitch Robinson ?

Yep, I get a feeling Tyson and Bugg will be in for Maynard and Hannan. I doubt Brayshaw will get a call up, but I'd like him in the team.

I've never seen so many supporters up in arms over a poor quarter of football. In round one. Now I know why the Sarah Hanson-Youngs and Jacqui Lambies get voted into parliament.

You are familiar with the word "guessing" and you noticed his 3 question marks ?

No-one said it did. We're not that stupid. But it's reasonable to suggest it's a possibility old chap.

It was a good plan, but they would have also thought they'd be getting more out of Hawkins than a solitary point. Their number one key forward doesn't go out expecting to have a bagel.

It's easy to read too much into things, but considering Goodwin may want to get Tyson, Brayshaw and perhaps the defensive pressure of Bugg into the side one suspects that Hannan along with Maynard would be one of the first in line to lose his spot. It's possible Goodwin was breaking the news to him.

In game quarter lapses do concern me, but it's round 1. I know there were 8 last season and I know if the pattern continues we won't be a chance for the flag, but we have a sample size of one game. I'm not going to roll all of last season into this season, because it's a new year with a different team. A team with an evolving game-plan, players with new roles, and more maturity. i get that you just think it's more of the same, but I'll reserve judgement, because I rate the list and I rate Goodwin.

You want Oscar McDonald dropped, so I didn't bother reading. Sorry.

^^ I'd be concerned now @Webber

You're welcome to be a doomsayer. I just reckon you're one of those knee jerk supporters that panic too quickly. It's round one. No biggie to me.

The balance is right and first game that happens to just about everyone. Playing more midfield minutes will help him progress building his engine. The forward-line needs to work better, but that doesn't mean throwing out a six month training plan to get Petracca into the midfield. Hold your nerve.

JLT ? OK.

Perhaps just wait for a larger sample.

If this was round 5 or 6 I'd share your concern, but it's round 1. In nearly all facets of the game we beat a side that played off for a GF berth last year. And in some relevant stats we smashed them. For me it's not being a blue sky junkie optimist it's just common sense. I well remember Melbourne beating Geelong in round 1 by 11 goals in 1994. Blight said "it's a marathon not a sprint". They didn't win the flag that year, but they did play in the grand final. Way too much is being made of a match we should have won. That said, please yourself.

Way too many changes suggested and find it strange you want Petracca out of the midfield. He played well when in there and trained there all summer. And if you go to training as often as it seems you'd note that Petracca's tank is miles ahead of where it was previously with him keeping up with the best runners. Petracca is a dynamic midfielder and the 70/30 midfield/forward mix works well. He'll kick as many goals from the midfield as the forward-line.

I recognise a woe is me kind of guy when I find one.

23 You need to toughen up fella. You seem a bit mentally weak.

We had a lot of players down. They also had opponents to contend with. It is what it is. It's round 1. Much will be learnt and competition for spots is hot. Geelong were beaten in inside 50s by 23, contested possession, tackles, clearances, and lost 3 of the 4 quarters ? Did they not learn anything over summer ? It's round 1 and there were positives to take out of the game as well as areas the coaches will address. GWS flogged Footscray by 80 odd points. Guess what ? There will be players and areas of the game they need to improve upon.