45HG

Hawks by 75 in '06

As some of you may have noticed, I'm a big stats fan. I thought it would be a good idea to share some of our favourite/thought provoking stats throughout the summer as none of these will need to be updated for some time (and because uni is now finished). I'll start with a few of my own: Of all players eligible for the AFL rising star in 2009, Jack Grimes had the highest supercoach average (94.4) out of any of them. This was 10.1 (!) points higher than the next player, Daniel Rich. In the final 3 years of his career, Matthew Whelan played in only two victories (over Brisbane and West Coast). Since our last Grand Final, we have had 80 wins. Only 3 of those have been by 60 points or more - none of those teams were in top 8 at the time and none of them played finals that year. We have lost 22 by 60 or more in that same time (7 of those to teams that didn't play finals that year). Only 19 players of our current primary list have beaten a Victorian side in the last two seasons.

The counter point to this would be that even during the "list management period" we had some decent showings - beating Port, essentially beating Richmond (though we both I understand what you would say), a good showing against the Saints, a smacking of Freo (only our 3rd 10 goal win since our last Grand Final), 3 decent quaters at the cattery. Now don't get me wrong, I am fully aware of the circumstances of each of those matches and am not saying the 2-3 good quarters he or there is acceptable, however I think we have shown enough to give the impression that we have a very solid base to work from. It seems like forever ago, but I specifically remember the first 6-7 weeks felt like things were starting to gel into place and we were starting to see the systems take form - unfortunately more injuries and poor form lead to the season ending the way it did.

Just noticed on the news that Sylvia was the Melbourne player representative

I will say on the topic, however, that it is a very difficult market to operate - possibly even harder than the premiership market. One would assume that the lower teams would improve, but how much? Will they improve in comparison to other teams (win more games) or simply improve to the same amount as other teams? It is very difficult, IMO, to judge which teams will struggle as there are so many factors that may lead to a team struggling. North would be the team I'd worry about.

By God, have people actually watched Essendon of late?

Out of every quote, and stat, I've laid against your club - you've chosen this one to have a go at me over, the only one that is actually in favour of your club!!! Please, please stick around.

Don't know about storm in a teacup - but I'm still picturing Bub storming around in circles in his play pen. BUT THE WORLD DOESN'T CARE ABOUT AFL WAH

Having a laugh - and a laught is never a waste of time.

FIFA is very precious, but you're sounding like a 5 year old who won't be able to go on a play date. Why is Sydney unavailable for 5 weeks but the G for 10? Sounds like fear mongering to me. When did I say I gave a toss about stadium upgrades and its affects on AFL? If anything, the AFL need more boutique, down-scaled stadiums. And don't act like the season is definitely delayed by 12 weeks - because that is not heralding the same reading you suggested me to do. Perth, Adelaide, the GABBA, Darwin, the SCG and ETIHAD will still be able to host games not to mention Casey or Optus Oval which will be option in 10 years. Not 4 years ago the G was out of action for 5 weeks - result? No real biggy, the season carried on and barely anyone remembers that now. But continue whinging, please.

Never said there was anything wrong with it - but I still see it as selfish, as you do. This is the world's biggest sporting event and I'm sure the AFL could find a way to play the season around it - removing the pre season gives you 6 weeks, how in God's name the MCG would be unavailable for 12 weeks is beyond me - isn't the world cup about 7 weeks? Regardless you could extend the finishing time of the season. Some sporting organisations in the world have upwards of 4 weeks break every year for winter - how precious are we that we can't accept any change to host the world's biggest sporting event.

Quite the selfish view.

Collingwood also give me much joy with the old "who kicked 5 goals in the 1990 grand final?" Of course you play with statistics, that's what they're there for. Don't forget 16-4 in finals HT - and that's since 1897. Oh, 12 minus 1 is 11, not 10. Difficult arithmetic I know.

There was a post a few pages back that I just saw now that made me chuckle. This Collingwood fan came on here and tried to have a go at us for our GF record. Lol - I assume he is not aware that we have beaten them in 6 out of 7 Grand Finals. Or that their GF record since 1936 looks like this: WINS: 3 - 1953, 1958 and 1990 (Yes that's right, 3) LOSSES: 16. Yes, that's right, 16. 16. 3 wins and 16 losses. By God, I think I hate Carlton more than the Pies because Collingwood makes me laugh so often. Further points of humour include: Melbourne smacking the Pies by over 70 points in a GF and Collingwood kicking two (2) goals in a GF against us for a total of 4 scoring shots against our 22.

I'm going in tomorrow - it's very relaxing.

Yeah, we're plus 11 now aren't we?

Absolutely

Schwarz? Team of this decade? If anything, a massive underlining as to why we haven't gone anywhere - just as any study of recent MFC stars has been

What players drafted to AFL teams have changed their fortunes, perhaps forever?

No truth, yeah look, we're just you know going through the motions but we'll play it one Essendon player at a time and see if we can fit them into our systems and rotatet them through the middle and into the fat side...

We'll go in circles arguing essentially the same point which will only be viewed as good supporters of the club bickering. As such, I will say I respect your view, I understand that the club as a business must search to gain as much money from events such as this, but I disagree with the way it is being done and will leave it at that. I don't view the Hugh Trumble room in the MCC as embracing on an opportunity to build on our history and I certainly do not think it gives us a home - it is the same home we've had for 151 years and is yet to give us a substantial foothold in Melbourne. I don't understand how you're "over supporters who think like this" (offering counter ideas to what the club decides as the best approach) but I will put this down to a "clever" attempt to invert my opening line. Perhaps my idea does sound a but like a family day, but I see no counter-argument as to why this design is a negative and why this would have poor repercusion on the club. Your point on other venues being moved or cancelled is void if more than 18 seconds of thought is put into the initial plan - the plan as it stands remains open to a select few which, in my view, does not represent the direction of where this club should head. I apoligize, how in God's world I started arguing I do not know.

And thanks for playing. You think 30,000 people will go? You think more people than we have members will go? Wow can I have a real argument please? Are you honestly saying there's no way to put it on cheaper to include more fans? Have an event in sunlight at a park to enjoy the night? $10 for 2 months is a lot for some but you show your ignorance. There is no inner sanctum here - save for the illusion of it. What does it cost to get the great Jack watts out?

It's an arrogance thing, move on

Whose spot in the 18 would you give him?

Thorp's played 2 matches for 1 goal - massive call saying that he would kick 4-5 against quality teams because their main defenders may go to our other forwards. You hit the nail on the head rp