waynewussell

We've been riding for a fall by not having a decent back up for Max, and I don't mean an automatic Spencer inclusion. Pederson is the one who is being shafted by our passion for owning 'the youngest 22' tag. Not only is he a better ruckman than Jack, he is a better key forward than Weiderman (at this stage). I am particularly disappointed in Weiderman. He has been given an opportunity, and 'belief' by the coaching panel, but he hasn't grabbed it with both (even one!) hand. First gamer, Smith, was better than him today. 5 good touches in three games is not enough!

OK, perhaps I have been a little harsh on assessing ANB...BUT, that dinky kick directly toward GFC goal in the last Qtr, which resulted in an easy conversion to Cats was thick as a brick... brain fade... silver service... you name it! A tendency to overate himself in my book!

Yes we are young and we can continue to develop, but no one should be in any doubt that we allowed ourselves to have our pants pulled down (again!) by a couple of old stagers! As far as I am concerned, only Jones out of our leaders, stood tall in trying to pull us out of the ShXX that we got ourselves in! On today's showing we are still 9 - 12 and not an obvious top 8 team. WE were anxious in front of goal. Almost to a man we were signalling that we didn't want to be the one that nailed the gettable goal. Weak as PiXX in my humble opinion!

When a team burns so many chances against some old pros they usually get burnt! Disgusted with the set shots that were missed! Some of the lads made very little contribution when they had the opportunity to step up. Happy enough with Kent (minus set shots). Hannan is not playing as instinctively as he did in his first game. ANB still has that question mark. Tyson didn't have much influence. I could pay out on some other young blokes who let us down by not being competitive, but I will put the cue back in the rack. I'm sure you all know who I am referring to!

I reckon Lewis was injured earlier in the game. He spent quite some time on the bench at one stage. He seemed to be playing hurt to me. I suggest that he would have missed this week in any case. If the umpires were doing their job Jessie would have received a free for Rowe's blocking (with his back to the play) of his intended lead before he lashed out. It had been going on for the whole game. How many umpires does it take to change a light bulb?

What a poor reading of character! Nothing fake about Bernie... a lair perhaps, but he is loved by coaches and team mates because he has legit cred for backing up his mouth when required.

Just want to remind a few folk about Hannan's career to date and his value for us. 2015, BOG in Ammos' A-Grade GF for Premiers, St Bernard's. 2016, BOG for Footscray in GF v Casey. I have a very good friend who is an insider at the Dogs who reckons he's the leap of Howe with X factor.

Had a short chat to Jack Watts in town yesterday and he seemed his confident self, at peace with the (football) world. I knew then he would be in the team. Go Jack! Go Dees!

If the 'rumour' is suggesting that Watts came back in poor 'physical condition', then the rumour is already inaccurate.

Congratulations Lily! Maybe a retraction is in order Ralphius Maximus!

The only disgrace I've come across this weekend is a keyboard warrior with Roman connections! As for Lily Mithen... well played, building on round 1, important to our 'come from behind' win.

No one has mentioned that this may be an indication that Goodwin feels Jones is not an automatic selection throughout 2017... (not my position, just sayin'). That's the only solid logic I can offer for the decision!

I've seen our VFL team struggle at Casey Fields in conditions like this. I've seen the VFL team squander first use of the breeze/blizzard, then struggle to get back on top. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe two Brisbane goals resulted from 50 metre penalties, the second of which was evidence of a pedantic umpire who has no sense of the spirit of the game (not uncommon I'm afraid). It was evident in the practice match against the Blues that our forward line was our weakness... or our ability to convert from forward entries. That will need to be addressed. However, who would have expected a wet slog in early February when they were drafting athletic, pacey women rather than big, strong players (Collingwood, Brisbane, Freo). We were out muscled in conditions that favoured our opponents... end of story. A great start to the future of our Women's team!

"Matt Jones was supposedly best 22 during training last year and ended up being delisted. That's just another example of reading too much into training. He looked great in January, yet ended up being the same player in June." Wiseblood - Matt Jones played the better part of half a season before injury wrecked his season. My point being that blokes who burn it up pre-season are certainly in contention for the opening rounds. In the early days, post injury, Max also looked to be lumbering around. I was convinced in those early games that he couldn't jump! I think it is possible for a player who has had several interrupted pre-seasons to take a huge step forward when he has a clear go at it. I'm not saying that Spencer is a walk up start, but we don't have to look any further back than Max at the first Maroochydore Camp to be excited by Spencer's current track form.

Oh freddled gruntbuggly, Thy micturations are to me, As pluried gabbleblotchits. On a lurgid bee

Trengove looks a lot like the player we knew in his first few seasons - pre-injury. That is a very handy mid/forward waiting in the wings. He is assured with the ball, has always been good inside, and he is a goal-kicker when inside the arc. He may come into calculations early if there is any delay in getting Tyson back.

Almost all families are disappointed, and more, if a member is hurt during a training routine. AFL families are no different in that respect. If Dom feels his immediate treatment was lacking in some way then I'm with Dom. This does not mean that our coaching panel and medicos are second rate... far from it, I would suggest this situation comes up at every AFL club from time to time.

Spencer is certainly training like he has a new lease on (football) life. This may be because the senior coach has had a quiet word.

Spencer has definitely improved his involvement in general play. He has always been quite quick in straight line work, however, it seems to have been a ploy of the coaching group to develop him into a useful cut-out for Max, as Vogon suggested. He no longer has the baby giraffe effect holding him back!

Hunt to Lewis, handball to Billie going past, plays on and... and... have to tear myself away! Cheers

Trenners just snapped a beauty from 45. Spencer doing well with run. Goes for a pass but intercepted by Viney. Alarm goes and teams change over. Did I say I have to go now... parking issues

Viney nails a rocket pass to Garlett in the square... goal

Full ground 10 v 10 now, one team given ball at HB, tries to break the lines. Max just missed a snap then follows up with a missed set shot

Should have mentioned, its hot out here. Whole group just completed repeat 60mtr sprints. Garlett and Hunt had a real go, with 'honours' split... proof that Jeffy is still quick! Vanders gets Chunk on the final run, Joel Smith also quick.

Into 4 groups now for kicking and handball drills. It is surprising that Petracca struggles in the very short foot skills tasks. It seems to be a wobbly ball drop leading to a soft floater. He excels when punching the ball 45+ using full strength