Maybe next year

As long as the weed is well rooted

From the top deck of the MCG last week it was clear to me that Brayshaw hurt his knee again towards the end of the first quarter. As he started to shake it off he hurt it again at the punt road flank in the 2nd quarter and after that he could not muster a jog. Even when he walked there was an obvious limp. I have not attended training but if he is like that I don't believe he should play at any level. If he is fine, then he needs to go back to the VFL to ensure his knee can stand up to AFL tackling and pressure. Other than that I'd be loathed to make too many changes. In: Dunn, ANB Out: Brayshaw, Harmes Last chances: Hogan, Oliver (needs to know one game does not mean automatic selection), Bugg Stay Tuned: Stretch, Petracca, Weiderman

6. Gawn 5. Jones 4. T Mac 3. Harmes 2. Viney 1. Cross

6. McDonald 5. Michie 4. Watts 3. Grimes 2. Viney 1. Dunn

Personally I'm sick of hearing the players in media. There should be a ban on them until they can play like players. I feel terrible today. there is potential but the longer the season goes on, the skills and desire goes and it is only going to get worse. I feel like everyone going to Etihad for the last game, refusing to clap and when they come out turn our backs on them. I feel like they have turned their back on us.

I left half way through last quarter (considered leaving halfway through the first) but here it goes 6. Viney (shows more heart and endeavour than the rest of team put together) 5. Hogan (keeps presenting and crashing packs) 4. Dunn (composed and the Torps) 3. McDonald ( defensive errors but also many saves) 2. Watts (if only he can stop those 2-4 most ridiculous errors) 1. Garland ( pick from a hat)

6. Vince 5. Dunn 4. Garland 3. Viney 2. Gawn 1. Watts Apologies to Jetta. The defence really held way when Collngwood came at us. Apologies to Jones also.

I asked the club to send a video with a birthday message to my son. They obliged and who do you think starred in it. Yes - Jack Watts. At Luna Park earlier this year, the minute he arrived he was swamped and he did not move from that spot until called upon by the club. People whinge and complain about him but he brings people to the club and through his work he keeps the next generation interested when there is little else. He also is the best kick at the club. I do get frustrated just like everyone else but credit where credit is due.

6. Cross 5. Hogan 4. Gawn 3. Garland 2. Viney 1. Jetta

6. Vince 5. Gawn 4. T Mac 3. Viney 2. Jetta 1. Dunn

6. Gawn 5. Viney 4. Vince 3. Brayshaw 2. Dunn 1. Jones

6. Vince 5. Cross 4. Hogan 3. Toumpas 2. Jones 1. Watts

I'm sure we can find a role for him even if part time (eg. Mentor)

It was a shame to see a champion of the game end his career in the way it happened. What better person could we choose to nurture, mentor and teach our young midfielders. Let's show him there is life after football. He was a Melbourne supporter as a child so he will have a soft spot for us so let's strike now.

6. Brayshaw 5. Grimes 4. Garland 3. Hogan 2. Cross 1. Pedo

Out: JKH, Pedersen In: Jetta, Jamar JKH was a waste today. I though Pedersen was ok but we need to give Spencer another go. I'd have him as a sub with Jamar yo ruck a half and Spencer the other. We will then know who we persevere with. Toumpas also to be given a final chance and I'd okay him on the ball more. He is too slow elsewhere and I want to see if he can be an inside mid. I would not rush Viney back in for the Hawks. If Vince gets rubbed out or if Tyson is injured, then Riley comes in for me. Bail next in line after Riley.

I think the scoreline flattered us. I would have put Pederson on Tippett and played Howe up forward. I'm at a loss with Spencer and Toumpas. As I read before, if Spencer wants to play he has to kick the ball sometimes. It is football. His dash in last quarter is promising. Jakarta is better than him and must come in. Toumpas is slow and misses targets even when there is no pressure. He needed to show something but I Luke not see it today. I would give him one more chance and if nothing, then drop him for 6 weeks minimum. I want to see clean disposal. For those who bag Watts, he had more possessions than JKH in 1 and a bit quarters. He looks to set up goals. I was interested that Rhys Shaw immediately targeted him when he came on. I think he needs to understand that teams feel he is soft. He has to do something about that. The forwards had little opportunity today but showed promise when ball is kicked quickly to fwd line. To quote Terry Wallace, if I see Garlett miss a set shot dead n front 30 metres out I'll spew up. The same when he runs to an open goal. If it means he has to snap every time then do it.

6. Jones because he is the only one who can kick to a target 5. T Mac 4. Vince 3. Salem 2. Cross 1. Garland

I blame Watts for today's lost and before anyone says I am bashing him, I have been a staunch supporter of his. His work rate is normally unnoticed but those 2 dropped marks cost us momentum and gave them belief. Closely followed is Garlett who continually fluffs set shots. Tyson improved today but his kicking is deplorable. I want more game consistency from JKH and Kent. Really impressed with Brayshaw and Hogan and I am willing to commit to these players with 10 year contracts. They are natural competitors and I am happy for a long term contract. They will never be complacent.

6. Vince 5. T Mac 4. Jetta 3. Hogan 2. Newton 1. Jones I am a big Watts fan and I defend him constantly but I am afraid he cost us today. He needs to be dropped. Tyson needs to improve his kicking.

He had to be injured. I saw him with his hands on knees early in the last quarter and he looked spent. There was a report he did not train on Tuesday so something is up. I have not lost hope. I do think we were top heavy today but I'm not sure the solution. I don't blame Roos and we are silly if we do. The players need to take it upon themselves. The young players are carrying us and with that comes drop off. Leadership during game has not been there since J McDonald was asked to leave. There is something wrong as we saw this utter capitulation during preseason.

6. T Mac 5. Hogan 4. Viney 3. Salem 2. Newton 1. Cross Hindsight is wonderful but JKH better than Kent. Very sad today

Could not agree more Blinky. He always has time for kids and carried himself with dignity throughout his career. He deserves all the luck he gets and I for one hope he comes back to the team better than ever.

Dick Pratt passed away some 6 years ago. He contributed amazingly to the community. Not sure on what basis you call him undesireable but I think it was unnecessary.

6. T Mac 5. Garland 4. Cross 3. Jones 2. Garlett 1. Watts Worst 6. Struggling to find which is the first for a very long time. Toumpas needs 8 weeks at Casey for confidence and fitness.