John Demonic

Without making light of the terrible situation for the youngster, i'm now wondering if AVB's contact training in September 2018 caused our 2019 pre-season injury crisis...

Its great that 2019 is almost over and we'll go into next year knowing that whatever happens, there won't be any lofty hopes and expectations to be severely crushed again, at least not for me. It's a kind of detached nonchalance with a bit of freedom in it. A free hit next year in terms of being resigned to landing anywhere between 1st and 18th and not being totally surprised by it. Well that's the current theory anyway...

If Brisbane can be close enough to finishing 1st by round 23 after where they were in 2018, then a list of everything going perfectly right for us would just as easily do the same. Furthermore Edit: Unless teams like Geelong, RIchmond or WCE really nail their away games as much as their home games and get seperation, then i reckon there will be a glut of teams within the top 10 and 2 wins or losses in the final two rounds could easily see you either in the top 2/4 or missing the 8 all together. We should improve enough to be a part of that glut if all goes to plan.

That felt to me like a bit of an upper ?

It's hard to get excited at training reports when Juice Newtons 3rd law applies ' For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" ie Pickett is evasive and quick? Our defensive efforts were cumbersome and slow! Jackson takes an amazing mark? Omac/May with terrible defensive efforts! ?

Is this a video still from the revamped 2020 version of Cmon Demons ? Furthermore: I can't wait to see Burgo rubbing down Petracca's thighs to the sound of that chunky bass

That's fair enough. And I've been a little harsh in regard to his re-occuring shoulder injuries that have sidelined him. However the past two seasons (17/18) there has been a constant debate over whether the lack of pressure/effort level questions hanging over him outweigh the x-factor/goals value, and last year by virtue of him having a contract, there really wasn't a need to address the issue. But now that it was re-signing time, did we actually want to keep a player on the list where we have this year by year 'will we won't we delist him?" issue there? - With the selection of Pickett and lifelines to Bennell, Brown as well as an injury list with VDB, Smith, there just isn't enough space anymore to keep a 30 year old small forward with these doubts hanging over him. And his delisting, to me, signals that the club don't think there will be a change of circumstance a year on. I think he and the club needs a fresh start, fresh blood. Bring in unknown quantities.

And Daniel Menzel averaged 2 in his final two seasons at Geelong. Where is he now? There are other factors besides goals at play in working out who deserves a contract and who doesn't.

He hasn't really earned a 1 year contract, however useful it is to have his 'potential' as a backup option. It was better to give others with desperation to succeed a go, i think the club turned over a new leaf in that regard.

Highly recommend watching the Houston v San Antanio double overtime game, it was absolutely off the hook! Big comeback, Big shots, Big Calls. Crowd going nuts, Patty Mills with a nice 3 and a getting an awesome offensive foul against Harden go his way. Brought back memories of a 90's rivalry Can't stomach 'barracking' for Houston anymore the way Harden plays, especially the way he ended game 6 v Warriors last year with an offensive foul and giving the series away! So currently i'm following all significant games and rooting for underdogs! And of course, barracking for anyone but the Lakers! Nuggets have been impressive after a slow start. Toronto are probably my favourite to watch with Siakim, Boucher, Van Vleet all combining and playing such a good team game. Watching all Clippers and Lakers games as they seem to be the best teams playing the best ball! Dallas are also fun to watch with Luka. I admit i havent watched much Giannis and Milwaukee but i think its because their schedule has been very easy and they're due to play some big games soon.

The trick is to get Robert Walls to predict you for the Wooden Spoon ala his West Coast prediction for the 2018 season

Agreed. We really missed the boat on Brad Ebert.

I think you're both wrong. If all goes to plan, Brown AND Weid will be in the two's. #Wacko4Jacko

Calm down old + dee

I didn't speak to any Essendon supporters this week and i'd appreciate a few Likes for my efforts.

That's a bit dramatic Tony

Do you really think it's that cut and dry? The season could easily be divided up into a period of bad luck with injuries and some close losses and a period of good luck that sees us showing massive improvement but still missing the 8. I'm not accepting mediocrity but there are mitigating circumstances and not making the 8 isn't Goodwins death sentence imo. Collingwood, Richmond, Port Adelaide, many clubs have decided there were enough positive developmental signs to stick it out with their coach for another season despite missing finals. Its all about HOW we play this year.

Dunno about that, we could easily find ourselves 4/7 with a bit of bad luck and some gameplan issues that require a few minor tweaks that could be ironed out in the 2nd half, that sees us making a run to the 8 with 7-8 wins

I just hope he doesn't spoil 20, flying for the mark when TMac, Weid & Jackson have best position, allowing an easy crumb to his opponent for a rebound out the back. One of two slights i have on his game.

Jackson will play 20 games up forward. He's the height and weight of Ben Brown. Absolutely ready to go.

Life isn't fair Bennell will come in for Jones in the GF

dont worry georgey, there's stil a spot for you on the half forward flank of life.

Clarko must be still annoyed about losing to us this year and has sent out his spy to try and prevent it from ever occurring again.