waynewussell

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!

1 hour ago, Dee Viney Intervention said:

Why can’t they train at Victoria Park, it hosts AFLW games. 

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.

On 12/11/2023 at 11:12, whatwhat say what said:

gillard is going to be one of the best key position defenders in the competition for a long, long time

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

10 minutes ago, leave it to deever said:

I also think Grundy is overrated.

He may be good at tap work but his general play elsewhere was average for me.

 

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!

3 minutes ago, Return to Glory said:

Should Tayla Harris go around for us again?

 

 

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!

Was at a function during game. Won't be watching the replay in a hurry. I agree with those saying the trend was revealing itself over recent weeks. Commitment to winning the contest has been dropping away. Other top teams have been applying relentless physicality and we haven't stood up. The Womens' game has evolved. Pure skill and outside run isn't going to get the job done without inside grunt and physical attack. We are in a time warp and the window for this group has closed. Yes, harsh... but how else are you going to explain the sudden and total drop off?

29 minutes ago, Dee Viney Intervention said:

The player that I think is lucky is Eliza McNamara. I don’t think she has been great for a while now and needs to get involved and provide more run and carry. Understandably hasn’t been the same since her serious injury but on merit I think she is lucky. 

McNamara's 25 disposals in round 9 wasn't too bad!

2 hours ago, Wrecker46 said:

You'll never make a list manager. McVee the Harold Ball memorial winner, rising star nominee and a clear best 22 player is on our rookie list.

When did McVee get 'demoted' to the rookie list?

6.  Pearce

5.  Goldrick

4.  Hore

3.  Purcell

2.  Hanks

1.  Mackin

John Northey had an 'us v the world' approach in the late 80's. It dragged us from the depths to be a contender.

22 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Wayne I get that you're not happy with the decision and the censorship but I've made my decision. You are not privy to some of the reasons for the decision and I cannot disclose them. I apologise that this has upset you. I hope you can forgive me in time when we celebrate our 14th flag and you can still celebrate it here. 

Thank you for that comprehensive response. I can't say I was happy at the time, but that frustration was short lived! I understand the decision you made and I support it. 

6 hours ago, Jaded No More said:

If you want to discuss rumours, innuendos and highly contentious issues freely, go to BigFooty or better yet start your own discussion board.

Totally agree with your statement on Andy.

I wanted to discuss the Interview of Pert and Goodwin. Which of the above does that fit into?

1 minute ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

I can see your meaning. If you felt that way AT THE TIME, why post it now? Especially since you acknowledge the superficiality of it.

And by any definition “irrelevant” is something that DL has never been nor will ever be.

Incidentally, one who knee-jerks doesn’t take the time to extract certain sentences. That’s a contradiction in terms. 

The answer to your first question is simple. I was posting at the time, but those posts evaporated. I have a copy if you require evidence.

I want to make this clear; I'm referring to Demonland the site, not Demonland an individual.

I'm highlighting the role Demonland (the site) plays in providing a forum that helps steady the ship in a storm. I fully understand the decision that moderators enacted, I'm communicating the side-effects of that action.