deespicable me

I would like the Coaching crew to spend more time on opposition scouting. ie looking at games coming up and how to play those games, who to try and shut down, how to restrict their movement or free us up to play the way we want to. Back in 2020 and 2021 and the first half of 2022 it was all about getting the game on our terms. If we did that we would often / always win. It's different now as teams feel they have us beaten, they get the game on their terms and we can't shut them down or change the game to our advantage. Fremantle, Collingwood and Brisbane are three obvious examples. I would like to see us with more tactics to get back at some of the teams that have seemingly gone past us. Unless we change how we go about it I don't think we can beat those sides and that becomes your seasons death knell. We play Lions (away Round 10), Freo (at the MCG Round 6) and Collingwood (MCG Round 13 and again Round 24) . I agree every game is important and we need to be winning a lot of our games, but those three games in the first 13 rounds will be critical to our self belief for season 2025. I hope we don't just roll out the same lame stuff as this year.

One at the start of the year at each of the grounds to welcome the fans to that area and site for the season then one to start the finals and of course indigenous round. Those ceremonies can be extended if wanted because they aren't as common. Surely that's enough.

He's been a Collingwood member ever since

I'm certainly not Goodwin hating but I think it's important for our management to find out what Longmire is looking to do in 2026. He may be being sounded out for the Tazzie role, or looking at media or a job with the AFL or a complete break from coaching for a period of years. Another team may get to him and offer a huge amount of money. All that's fine. But there is a scenario where we finish 10th or below and people will be screaming for Goodies head. This is the scenario where having had a conversation with Longmire, we can push to make it an option for him. Don't get me wrong, I'm very bullish about our chances of getting back up the ladder and playing finals again in 2025. With Goodwin as coach. We have a very good list on paper, and if the stars align we should be considered as a team capable of winning the flag. But we should all be asking what is a pass mark for Goodwin in 2025?

I thought Lindsay is more of an upgrade, especially over time on Billings. Billings was drafted to be that half forward connecter role, to do a lot of inside 50 kicking and improve our forward connection. It had limited success, but I think that is why Lindsay was recruited more than the half back role. He may end up there but he is too slight to play half back for a year or two i would have thought.

Reading between the lines we may find Trac and Clarry aren't part of the leadership group, leaving a bit of a gap there.

I think Richmond wanting to trade for pick 2 is all about not being able to split Lalor and Smith. If North trade pick 2 to Richmond they will both be gone. North getting pick 6 and wanting Tauru is dangerous because we might take him at 5. It would be a gamble for North but they also recognise that Tauru is probably a pick 6-10 so they are in a sense overpaying for their man if they hold their pick and take Tauru at 2. If North hold their pick and take Tauru we are a huge chance to get Smith at 5. Or Lalor.

I've worked myself up over taking Langford over Smith and regardless of the fact I'm just a foolish fan I'm absolutely adamant we should take Smith over Langford. I can't believe we would pass on Smith if he was available at 5. Langford is another Sparrow. Good solid footballer, strong body, kicks it a mile and can take a forward grab. Smith is the speed in the midfield we need. Imagine if we start winning midfield clearances. Smith is the answer. Langford is same same.

Jagga Smith looks a gun. Very similar to Serong, which is exactly what we need to compliment our slow midfield. I'd be wrapped to get him at 5. Josh Smillie also looks a gun but he is a bull. Would learn heaps off Trac as he is of a similar mould. Either of these two would be fantastic.

I'm quite underwhelmed. I thought the top 5 were meant to be a lot more than Langford. He had bull like qualities but they will get a bit lost at AFL level and he hardly hit a target. No real clue and will be happy whoever we take but am secretly hoping he goes at 4.

I found no offence. I found it disarming and it's the most open I've heard Clayton be so you have to give the interviewer some credit. Clayton is finally maturing and he seems like a well grounded humble guy. I'm certainly on board with keeping him.

A wonderful analogy Undeeterred

I think these are valid points. I also like the use of the word "Maybe". Football clubs are full of "let's make our own story!" If we are successful with Clarrie then it was the right thing to do. If not then maybe we should have moved him on when we had the chance. If he moves on during this trade period and we become successful again then we did the right thing moving him on. If we move him on and have another bad year then gee we missed Clarrie. The funny thing is out of all four scenarios whichever one does come to fruition there will be a bunch of hindsight Harry's telling us how they knew this was going to happen!

But we are hated. By the media.

Lindsay although he's done his knee looks a gun to me. Elite left foot kick and a good connector into the forward 50.