At the break of Gawn

Dees the line at 30.5 is very good value. With Lever back and our game plan having a significant shift back to our old style it won’t be a blowout. 50% of the possessions on Saturday night were contested compared to a 37% season average. We only took 72 marks (well below our average) and we kicked long out of defence instead of trying to switch with short kicks. I can’t see Brisbane putting on a massive score. We’ll squeeze them wide and I expect Lever and May to have a lot of intercept marks.

AnB has to go to Zorko. Brisbane were struggling badly when Coleman went down and it was only when Zorko went to half back that they’ve got their game back. If we can shut him down, then that will go a long way to winning the game.

That’s because the dogs don’t defend so he had the liberty to run amok. I also listened to that Gawn interview and I think we just wait and see how we can get him involved more. Unfortunately he might be tagged again this week but you’d imagine he’d have no excuses against West Coast. I’m 100% backing Clarry to get back to his best. It might not happen completely by the end of this year but he’s too good of player to fade into obscurity. I’m tipping his 2025 will be huge and he’ll remind us how good he really is.

Yeah he definitely tiptoed around the question about his family being upset with the club. Sounds like there must have been some communication breakdown.

Surely $4.40 for a team sitting above another team on the ladder would have to be some sort of record this late in the season. Even Port were shorter odds against the Lions in the QF in 2023. I honestly can’t remember the last time we won a game being such underdogs. Probably Perth in 2018 at Optus to claim top 8.

Oliver hates him too after the eye gouge in the 2022 SF.

I think Windsor has to go. Couldn’t even execute basic handballs last night. Needs a rest. Also AnB must tag Zorko and we need Petty to play a defensive forward role on Andrews. If we can nullify those two we might get a look in.

Windsor’s handballs have been diabolical tonight.

Petty has been lively. Really unlucky not to have another shot on goal early in the qtr as he was taken high. Fritsch is our real problem. He needs to engage Archer.

Yep we’ve been butchering it. North’s contest work was very good that qtr. If they keep it up we’ll be done.

What is with our second qtrs this year? It seems that the opposition makes a few tweaks and then we have no answer.

Will be absolutely filthy if we drop this opportunity to go to 6th

If we lose tonight, the AFL should put up the poll of which top 8/expected top 8 team is the biggest pretender. Geelong last night, who handed the baton to Port today who are now handing the baton to GWS who better not be handing it over to us.

The only conceivable reason is that Goody believes in his ability and thinks him and Roo just need more time playing together. North’s weakness is their defence. We’ve played probably two of the best back 6 teams in the league back to back in Freo and the Pies. Collingwood had a lot out 2 weeks ago against us, but their back 6 was their flag back 6 and are bloody good. We really should be kicking 15 goals on North’s defence tonight.

Is he actually a good coach? Which club is going after a guy who’s had 10 years and done nothing? If I was Port I’d be going after Leppitsch.

If we are to win tonight, I sort of feel any sort of buoyancy will be squashed next Friday night. The Lions look bloody good. Thank god Lever will be back.

One thing that stands out about Carlton is their synergy in the middle of the ground. They just seem so connected right now. McKay and Curnow also always know exactly where each other are. We’re the complete opposite. Petty has no idea where JvR is while Viney is more likely to handball to the back of Clayton’s head.

Glad I put some money on North at the start of the week. I’m happy to lose that money if we win, but if we lose it’ll be at least some consolation.

I haven't looked at this games by experience stat in a while, but this is really interesting. I wonder if the low number of players between that 100 to 200 mark is causing some of our form issues? It's like we're heavy on top and bottom but nothing in the middle. Interesting to also note all the commentary about this amazing "young" Swans team yet they're the 3rd most experienced side playing this weekend (and not far off 2nd).

LDU passed his fitness test so he’ll play unfortunately.

I understand the Petty hate but unless Jeffo is ready, who can come in? BB isn’t the answer.

He’d have to significantly improve his kicking. He still turns it over far too often.

Knowing this guy’s history, he tends to always be a late out if he’s not 100%.

Agreed. Aging players, limited pre-season to some, new midfield coach, game plan change etc. However, if you were a board member looking at this, there’s three accountable people - McQualter, Goodwin and Richardson.

Heads would definitely roll if that happens.