waynewussell

6. Gawn 5. Steele 4. Langdon 3. Salem 2. Fritsch 1. Tholstrup

I think we need to be balanced in our criticism, but a few observations are warranted… Langford has been disappointing in the first two games (his intensity is lower than 2025). His positional role is very similar to last year, so that’s not the reason. For those wanting to see more of him in the middle, that’s what I had hoped, but he has to do more to earn that right. I have also been disappointed with Lindsay so far. He needs to come back to the wing or half forward. He is trying, but is often left to defend bigger opponents. Lever is not functioning at the level we need and expect from a key defender. He is not at the level he was consistently at in his first years with us. Petty is inconsistent. His best is very good, but his ‘downers’ are way down! McDonald is still more reliable and consistent than both of them. On that theme, selection is already an issue. This had to be the game to play Heath. I’m not saying he is Justin Madden, or Jim Stynes, or Peter Moore, but he is the best chop out for Max that we have at the moment. He is very competitive in the middle. He has good hands. He is young and fit. He did well again today for Casey. In today’s situation where Disco got injured, and where Freo had tall forwards taking a huge toll on our backs, you could swing Heath back for a while. He can also give us a target when forward. Once again, I’m not suggesting he is Stephen Silvagni or Kelvin Templeton, but he does make things difficult for opponents with his excellent reach and agility. Today against a side with two rucks, a giant at full back and a high marking full forward Heath should have been in our 23. That’s enough from me…

I was frustrated at the number of free kicks that were not paid (to either team). there were 27 paid in our game and roughly even allocation. There were 43 paid in Hawks v Sydney (Hawks got 26) and 41 paid in Adel v Dogs (Dogs got 23) The non-paying of the obvious leads to some scrappy pack work and I’m afraid we were overpowered in close

The criticism of CJ is ridiculous! Only 8 players had more marks than him (7). How do you think he compared to Judd today? He had a higher fantasy score than 11 of his team mates (I didn’t count Turner). His run and spoils were on a par with last week.

Agree with everything you said apart from Rivers… he had an ordinary outing… I was cursing him at times

One of the best ‘one-liners’ this site has seen!

Maybe AMW to HB and Lindsay to wing...

6 Gawn 5 JVR 4 Pickett 3 Windsor 2 Steele 1 Petty

Congratulations!

I guess selectors can only go on what they see in a player throughout his games and training so far. I see a player who is tall, but agile, good decision maker, athletic and very effective disposer. A player who is growing in confidence, playing his role and complementing the game plan! I’m not asking you to tell me what you see because you obviously made up your mind about Howes when he first set foot on the MCG!

In all the pre-season training I watched, Culley never once contested in the ruck!

Smart pick-up!

I, like the great majority here, love your work Ghostwriter. This site would be diminished without your humorous, insightful and passionate input. The connections you have made are part of the MFC fabric. Stay strong and be yourself!

According to Garry, Kossie has followed his partner to Darwin to try to retrieve the situation. MFC are expecting him to return on Friday.

You just don't get it do you! We are talking about complementing Max's game, not sacrificing Max's game... you may not realize this, but you may be agreeing with us!

Heath played against North in the unofficial practice match. He did very well, matching it with Xerri and eclipsing him at centre re-starts. This was the week before Kentfield got injured.

I think we will soon see that Heath has more strings to his bow than being purely a ruckman. He is a very good high mark with a big body. He has key position credentials, even if they are used sparingly. He is a very good, long kick. I don't think we will be embarrassed if he has to spend time forward or in defence when Max is still in the ruck.

You give BS a good name! “Walked Away” - terminated “Star Players couldn’t wait to get out” - Oliver wanted to stay “I don’t care what his new role is” - Why did you mention it then?

That’s not what your comment was about. You showed unnecessary contempt for his worth in his new role.

Goodwin is one of the most successful football people of the last three decades! What planet are you from with an insult regarding his worth to Sydney? Look up his AFL career, it’s not that difficult Mr Keyboard Warrior!

You silly person! I was referring to Dazzle's chart!

Seems to have checked out somewhat, mid 2022. Is equal leader in the 2026 Brownlow at present.

Goodwin’s inspiring work on the bench turned that game around big time!

All the best for the future, Maysie! Thank you for your massive contribution to our first Premiership in 57 years!