hemingway

That is good to hear regarding the philosophy of no jabs and no risks. Playing sore or injured has always been....well... a short-term response usually with long term consequences. Nevertheless, I wonder about the wisdom of playing Hogan on the concrete like surface of the G Hard. Who are the key people on the Medical/HP team other than Missen.

Women have changed.....me too

Thanks for the reminder. As you know, since those days, I have lost my way. I found there are very few reasons to continue living. The thought of a warm bed, a loving woman and a bottle of liquor no longer interest me. The beast has been tamed. Living in near isolation, the lack of companionship has meant that my writings on this site tend to ramble. In fact I forget what I have written within 5 minutes. If I do reread my comments, it is mostly with embarrassment. My comments on this site are just a way of passing time. However, I am attracted to the passion, the obsession and sheer craziness of the characters that inhabit this place. They remind me of some of the characters that I have met and written about.

We know the Petracca has talent to burn and that unlike others he is a potential match winner. I suspect that it has come easily for him. There is a reason why many great AFL footballers have come from the country. Tough, no frills upbringing, lots of no nonsense adults, and a strong determination to succeed. That does not preclude private school boys from making it. Toby Greene went to Wesley, Jack Viney to Carey, and many others from Xavier and other schools (often the benefit of sporting scholarships). However, the key attributes needed to succeed go to the core of the person- A strong desire to succeed. A single-minded obsession to be the best you can be. Leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of your goal. Willing to work on all aspects of your game, particularly any weaknesses. A preparedness to take that extra step in training, lifestyle, injury management etc. To word as hard as you can on the training track. With the analogy of athletics, "to race as you train." Discipline, will, resilience. To be fully professional in all aspects of your chosen sport and life. To be well grounded. Learn from your mistakes. Most players that make an AFL list are talented. However, talent alone is never enough.

Carefully chosen words by Jackson. Not locking MFC into Casey. I don't think there is any doubt that we urgently need a city based site.

Agree with your comments. He seems level headed and smart. He now has a lot of bargaining power. His game last week only consolidates his position. He will have plenty of suitors. That makes me nervous on the other hand he has developed into a very important weapon for us. The $ on offer are going to be big. Despite TMacs loyalty and comments, I can't see this deal being done quickly unless the club decides not to muck around and puts up an attractive offer in the mid to top end of what he and his manager know they can get from other clubs. It really is pay day for TMac and he and his manager will know it. Delicate negotiations to come. We do have a team to pay, so there will be interesting discussions about relative value. The future Hogan deal will be key and impact not just TMacs negotiations but others as well. I am reassured that we have some very capable people. Both Jackson and Mahoney are sensible and practical football managers.

So much more to play out on this. We will be hearing about for some time. "Silks" lining up to take the brief.

If we look back over a long time, there is suspicion of teams and players taking "supplements". Going all the way back to the 70s there were players who became "huge" over summer. There were stories of gymnasiums supplying more than weight equipment. Perhaps not systemic but body shapes and muscle development told a story. I think in the 90s with the growth of the sports science industry there was a more organized or team approach. There are no clean skins in this business.

There is truth to this. I get frustrated today and at times feel that the game as a spectacle has taken a nose dive. There are exciting passages of play followed by terrible stacks on the mill footy that is awful to watch. At the same time, back in the good old days, there were also awful games, when the grounds were wet or covered in mud and defenders went to the boundary line at every opportunity. Whilst there were great skills, there were also poor skills particularly on wet days. There were great players back then, but there were others who would not get a game today. However, in the good old days, we did watch positional footy with great contests between players across the ground, whether it be up forward or defence. There were great contests in the centre and on the wing. Flower and Greig come to mind. These contests are missing from today's game and that's a great pity. I have always thought that playing a specified number of players in the forward half and defensive half would be worth trying, however, this would fundamentally change the way the game is played. It would also result in many frustrating free kicks that would frustrate all fans. So I suspect that you are right "Angry"

Unlikely with his injury. As stated could have lost his finger. The injury was very serious.

Oscar is another example of the time it takes for young players to find their feet and develop into good players. A few can make an immediate impact and excite fans but most take time. Many referred to Oscar as a spud. He is showing us that far from being a spud he is becoming a very important player. Who would have thought that Tom McDonald would develop into a very good forward. And the list goes on and on. The expectation and demand for immediate success is everywhere. We all get tired of waiting for success to come. However, patience is required before judgement is passed on a players career. Clearly the club got it right with Oscar and persevering with him.

I'm not sure about Jeffy. When he is "on" he is an asset. But these days you can't afford to have passengers. The Tigers don't have any. Our objective must be to have a team of players each week that are in form and consistent. The competition is so tight you can't afford to lose games. At the end of the season points and percentage are critical. Although we have had a few passengers this year, Jeffy goes missing too often for too long. It is continuation of the way he played at Carlton. You have to know that every player is going to turn up and have a crack. With Jeffy all you can do is hope he is going to turn up but if the likes of Spargo continue to perform, Jeffy's days in the ones are coming to an end.

Thanks for your comments. I understand your thought process regarding the Fritsch and Watts comparison, but I really don't see the point. The former is the future and the latter the past. I guess given the thousands of words about Jack over the years, I am just heartily sick of on-going reference to him. I was a Jack supporter but now recognize he is best gone. I would prefer to see any discussion about Fritsch's game and his bright future simply stand alone. He is not Jack and he does not play like Jack. And I think we all recognize that we have gained more than we lost.

Both these two young boys have shown more in a few games than most. The future.

Definitely a case of the value of family bloodlines. So many young footballers seem to have a Dad, Uncle or relative that played AFL/VFL. Or a mum that played netball etc. Like others I love the spirit of this young guy. Just oozes enthusiasm and attitude. And that first goal seemed to me to come down to sheer footy instinct. In the right place at the right time, knew where the goals were, and polished off with clean disposal.

Yeah yeah

Most Bomber supporters were happy to lose Melksham but not Hibberd. The general view with M was as per Stretch's comment that his worst and best were a long way apart. His inconsistency and brain fades frustrated Bomber supporters to the nth degree.

True ManDee, I guess I just get annoyed at seeing the thread pop-up all the time, and the general level of bile directed at a guy that does not deserve the hate. (in fact no-one does other than child molesters and politicians)

Richmond are blessed by an incredibly capable and expert medical, fitness and support staff. I think that their list is better managed than any other team at the current time.

I'm not a fan of censorship, but really this thread should be closed down. It does no one any credit to be banging on about Jack. Just demeaning diatribe about an ex-player. It should stop. We should talk about our current crop of players like Spargo and Fritsch. Anyone but Watts.

Let's hope so. Amazing what confidence and belief in yourself and teammates can do. And accountability. Not only for your role but also your opponent.

Big tick for Salem

Sorry we can't meet up

Is anyone actually going other than the cheer squad?

We are in a bit of trouble. Players retained who have hardly had a kick. Players selected who have hardly had a kick at VFL level (exception Spargo) Players selected who lack a yard (Lewis) Player overlooked who has been our best at VFL level (Pedo) What to do? I really have no idea. We are in a pickle.