waynewussell

Merry Christmas all!

I'd be coming from the northeastern suburbs. It would take me 15 minutes longer to drive to Caulfield Racecourse than it does to get to Gosch's Paddock. Distance wise it is less than 5k further! Let's go with the plan!

I don't agree with underestimating Hunter's worth! Here's a quick comparison with other prominent wingman types. Hunter: games 197, av disposals 23 Ed Langdon: 157, 20 Bailey Smith: 103, 22 Isaac Smith: 280, 21 Josh Daicos: 103, 20

I'll be a smart A... Let me get this right, Sparrow is better than Sparrow!

...and you are, of course, staking your reputation on this prediction, Adonski

He does look stronger, with some growth in upper body. He seems to be enjoying his work, in sharp contrast to his body language in VFL final! He is taking some very good clean marks against very good opposition. He still double grabs at times, and doesn't go like a raging JVR to every contest... a bit of picking and choosing. Having said that, he is clever with his positioning and will be worthy of a game with the AFL team during 2024.

Spoken like one who rarely attends training and is unaware of the high-level physical competitiveness of the marking exercise that I witnessed from close range. Doesn't it strike you as remarkable that at least three independent observers have referred to the mobility and physicality displayed by BBB? It wasn't just those attributes... BBB was taking marks against all comers.

Clayton already looks to have trimmed a little belly fat. He will be driven to recapture peak fitness, of that I am sure!

Wandered in for a gander right on time for time trial. Tomlinson and Spargo ran as though they were here to protect their round 1 spot! Other impressive runs by Fullarton, Tholstrup and Adams (special mention to Jack Viney, who only knows one way!) I was amazed at how vigorous Melksham was in his rehab exercises. Also good to see Fritsch and Oliver progressing well. When they began full oval work in several groups, I walked around to watch the young talls on the Punt Road wing. I was impressed with how much effort coach Stafford put in with his instruction to this group. They were primarily engaged in one-on-one marking contests with a small running past to mop up after the contast. Most impressive in the air was Verall, who consistently got the better of Farris-White, Jefferson (who took a couple of good grabs) and Schache. When Benny Brown joined for a short stint, he was excellent at putting his opponent off balance and clunking the ball. I haven't seen Ben looking this strong for some time. In general, noticed how smooth Billings was in run and disposal. Fullarton and NcAdam did not stand out for me in these full ground exercises. Tholstrup looks the closest to senior selection of the newbies.

Thanks, Werridee, Legend!

Thanks to all those reporting... great to have you back!

Collingwood will train away from Olympic Park across the first block of the pre-season due to resurfacing works, with the group set to start on Gosch's Paddock before spending most of the next month training at Victoria Park.

I'd love Casey to sign delisted Gold Coast forward, Brodie McLaughlin. Still has something to offer an AFL list, in my opinion.

If she repeats what she did in the final qtr of the Geelong game, she will be playing in the ruck!

This is the factor that has been overlooked in the whole Grundy/MFC story. He did not live up to expectations. He was competitive at the centre bounce and occasional marks around the ground. He was almost non-existent as a deep forward target and only provided the occasional spurt with his ground level possessions. I think he is clearly beyond his prime and I expect some disappointment is in store for Sydney.

To put it another way, this team finally put it together when they had nothing to lose! The weight of being the reigning Premier proved too much to bear. It's a fixable state of mind. A few of the team may carry the scars into the future. A few of the team are passed their prime. I hope all three Irish women front up again; they are tough and will continue to improve. Otherwise, some astute recruiting is needed.

There were players who didn't handle the physical pressure and there were players who didn't handle the mental pressure. You know who is on those lists, no need for me to name names! Then there were players who stood up... Hanks Goldrick Gay Hore West Pearce Mackin x 2 Zanka Heath Hore Purcell

This team fell into a very dark hole in the final three games. We know they are better than this, but it seems no one around them knew how to convince the players of that fact before it was too late. Get Daisy back asap!

Tayla is carrying injuries. She is fragile at times but I'm backing her.

This team fell into a very dark hole in the final three games. We know they are better than this, but it seems no one around them knew how to convince the players of that fact before it was too late. I'm calling it; an insipid performance by the coaching team. I'm not calling for heads to roll, at least not the main man, but something was missing from the support group. Get Daisy back asap!

Absolutely brain dead to be linking men and womens' final performances.

Congratulations to Eden Zanka for fighting back from several weeks in a dark place

I'm sure 5 seconds just evaporated in the final 12

Thanks for turning up in the final quarter ladies!

I was writing a post to explain this, but I give up. I know what I would have said at half time if I was coach... But it is too late now. All we can hope for is that these women take some pride in their team and their personal performance in the final quarter. Our Golden period is clearly over. Mental issues more than physical issues. Its difficult to watch!