45HG

Ray Chamberlain is a disgusting umpire who has no feel for the game. Over-officious, he basically waits to have his impact on a game - spends too much time talking to players and completely does my head in.

Previous results: 5, 10, 7, 2, 2, 31, 5, 19, 2, 9, 1, 8, 26, 11, 4. 15 games, average winning margin 9.47. Median result 7 points. 12 games under 12 points.

Two little things I noticed. After Jones kicked his wonderful goal he and Vineyard both came off. I was mortified. Sure, the guy was probably exhausted but good grief, he lives to get his team within two goals deep in the last - our two leading ball getters coming off sent me to shock - not helped by what I saw next. Spencer came on for one of them and belted to the middle. Pederson didn't realise Spencer was coming on so he was trapped in the middle with no time to get out. Something little but costly. Another was in the first quarter when Hall had the footy late on. He faked one way then started to run across the field, causing Terlich to follow him. Hall simply cut back straight toward goal and sliced the middle. Surely it's a footy basic to cover goal-side - I'd be happy to allow him space to run across field but don't give him the goals! It was only something little but I hope it is highlighted to the team. So many little lapses cost us so often.

Our first 12 games last year lead to 11 losses. The margins were 79, 148, 94, 28, 61, 60, 34, 90, 95, 83, 35. We've lost 3 games this year by margins smaller than every single one of those save for one (28). If you can't see improvement and greater positives in this team at the moment then I reckon the rocks in your head have rocks in their head.

I'm finding the Adelaide GWS game to be disconcerting viewing. Both teams are wearing Adelaide jumpers (it seems)!

Gawny has got our back - he's onto it! https://mobile.twitter.com/gawndog37/status/454565094933155841

Saints over the Bombers. Heaven. Nick Riewoldt never ceases to amaze - easily one of my favourite players.

And whinging about the latest umpiring decision.

I don't know what it means but Collingwood have beaten two previously thought to be decent teams by 38 and 35 points. Both games' margins seemed like they should have been much, much higher. Unsure what to make of it. North's ball use today has been nothing short of disgusting.

In the bar.

Should be 70+ by the end.

Pies are destroying North. If the Roos don't turn things around this could get very ugly.

Don't hold your breath waiting for the mark if you watch it - that was in Round 22, 1998.

On the other hand, you don't want to wait too long before playing Nostradamus.

It's only early but I don't love it. The game hasn't started, the players are basically stationary and I find it hard to decode the name. Not to mention the GPS device muffles the lettering and the slightest ruffling of the jumper leaves the name indecipherable. Not sure who its meant to help. Those at the ground can't read it, those watching on tv can only see it momentarily and probably only if the player is stationary with their back to screen. Can't see that being of much benefit, especially as most stationary players are mentioned by commentators/have their name on screen. Oh well.

Good chance Jetta is primed to play - doesn't seem necessary to upgrade him otherwise.

Glad you bounced back - good recovery time

Machsy, some good thoughts in there. I agree with many of your tips but I can't go past the Tigers tonight. They'll get the choccies over an undermanned Brisbane. I also think North love playing the Pies and they will prove that they are a top 4 side this year, showing Collingwood to be the also rans that they are. Can see Adelaide rolling the Giants at home - they'll get a lot of confidence from last week. Spot on with our game, Swallow, Ablett, Prestia, O'Meara should be too much on their own. Hope for a good fight though.

You should start a new thread with it, mate. I usually do but don't have time this week. Start a thread and just copy paste that post.

Neeld would've given him the option - the desk or the table.

He went into the pack optimistically but came out misty optically.

You must spend an outrageously large percentage of Melbourne games deeply worried!!!

Bloody ripping kid and I think this will, in years to come, be looked at as a blessing in disguise.

http://m.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/eagles-should-axe-awful-naitanui-brad-hardie-20140414-zquof.html Brad Hardie also sharing his piece of mind.

Subway improved when they removed yoga mat material from their bread…still not great, though. I guess that relates to Sylvia - he did a lot of Pilates to recover from OP...