At the break of Gawn

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.

Our forward issues are diabolical but our midfield problems aren’t far behind at all. We’ve gone from a club with a questionable forward line but a great midfield and defence to a club with a poor forward line, a poor midfield and an average defence. Sitting 11th is about right.

North at $5.50 is very good value considering their performance on the weekend. I might just do a small bet to cheer me up in case we slip further into the abyss.

SEN Breakfast

Not sure that's exactly what he meant. Also pointed to the fact that Trac announced his season over via his Instagram as opposed to Melbourne doing it first. Know doubt Morris is bringing up [censored], but I believe he's got a source inside the club judging off some of the previous stories leaked.

Anyone know what Tom Morris was alluding to in regards to the friction between the MFC and Trac’s family? Almost seemed once Trac got to hospital the club didn’t seem to provide the level of care or concern for him and his family that he was expecting?

Mick’s a dinosaur whose views have little credibility in this day and age. However, he does have a few valid points in this article. After a couple of our top liners, it falls away really quickly. He’s also right about Steven May, too. His inability to admit fault also is running riot at the moment without Lever there. He just points and blames other defenders even though we’ve seen him give half arsed efforts when led to the ball, and only likes it when the ball comes in long. He’s no where near the player of the last few years and his attitude is the epitome of the group at the moment. No willingness to do the hard yards and quick to pass the buck.

I absolutely hate Collingwood, but since they’ve sacked Buckley and booted McGuire they have not put a foot wrong. They’ve brought in the best head coach in waiting, grabbed some of the best assistant coaches out there, and have made really smart decisions with their recruiting. I’m not sure if it’s all of Graham Wright’s doing, but there Footy dept seems to be head and shoulders above the competition. To not lie down after being 54pts is very admirable and they’re probably the most reliable team now over the last 3 years. I absolutely hate it but it’s the painful truth.

I actually think this will help us. It’ll make them realise they need to be switched on. Also North are pretty average at the MCG.

Also think it’s funny that Langdon in ‘22 bags the Pies and they go after them and beat us. Comben says “we think they’re gettable” and North actually goes out and belts them in the first half.

Binman would be loving this! Absolutely shows if you’re not switched on, you’ll get belted by anyone. I hope our players are watching this because you can’t just go expecting to win against any side.

One thing I’m noticing at the moment is the emergence of young and fast midfielders. Sydney has Gulden and Warner. Port has Butters, Rozee and JHF. Carlton have Walsh. Hawks have a couple coming though too. We don’t have anyone emerging. Maybe that can be Tholstrup for us. The golden age of the midfield bull is over and we’ve been late to the party to notice.

I haven’t read or watched too much AFL media this week, but did anyone raise the opinion that Moore’s knee was completely unnecessary? He was trying to reach for that spoil and it just made no sense to go with the knee. He wasn’t going for a speccy, and he wasn’t protecting himself. If Moore wasn’t such an AFL media darling, I reckon there would have been a bit of a focus on careless and unnecessary knees in a marking contest.