45HG

Our 3rd quarter percentage is 8.86.

This thread is entirely misdirected IMO. It should have been focused on how we have played him when he is (clearly) not ready. Rubbish to say we stuffed up on a pick after 9 quarters!

A win could do wonders.

What's your position on how we have selected Toumpas this year HT?

I think the lack of high quality, experienced leaders is a big part of this. That and a lack of general defensive mindset. Our heads drop so quickly and we become reactive too easily.

Great thread and great to hear, thanks dd.

I can't speak for anyone else, but school holidays may have helped the turnout. Not trying to rain on any parades, but don't want expectations to be unfairly risen. I for one won't be able to make any more trainings due to work now that school is back.

Despite the loss, I'm glad I've been promoted to reigning premier. There's always a silver lining.

Low. Very low.

The big one is Dwyer at Collingwood. He's killing it but it'll be a shame if he has to return to the rookie list when Broomhead recovers. Mind you, he has glandular fever. The Pies will probably just leave him on the LTI list, claiming that the glandular is ongoing.

Magner > Byrnes

Which third world problems would you rather have Redleg raise on the footy board? (Aside from our midfield)

He'll be fine when he adjusts to the speed of the game. Give the kid time. That said, I don't think he should be playing AFL footy yet, I think that was clear in round 1 and I don't think making him sub does much for him. Some of our development decisions are baffling IMO.

I don't like it. Overkill. Especially with so many ways of checking scores nowadays, it'd be nice if you're watching one game just to be able to stick with it - and watch the other later on if you want to.

Our 3rd quarter percentage is 8.86. 24.14 158 to 2.2 14

What I don't get about the debacle is this; After 24 games of ineptitude, Mark Neeld has apparently taken the boys away to tell them to forget the game plan and just play hard, tough footy and to beat their man. This should have been his foundation from day 1. His first off season should've been purely fitness and contest training. Lay the foundation of hard, aggressive footy and then, once you're happy with the competitiveness of the team (to be the hardest to play against rah rah) implement the stages of the game plan.

THAT'S why Melbourne players have bears!

I could strangle Chris Mayne.

Great footage, thanks for that. I was one of the unforunates who didn't get to watch him play. Having said that, after looking at that footage I feel like "runs his full measure" would've been a pretty common phrase used when Flower was playing?

Just like in round 1, I wonder what was "said" at half time in the Essendon rooms. 3:30 to go in the last quarter - I know it's Essendon, but that deliberate out of bounds is the worst decision I've ever seen.

Bang. Dockers should've been further ahead for their dominance of general play. 4 straight goals to the Bombers and it's game on. 9 points and it's amazing how rubbish a side can look purely because of momentum. Zac Dawson should never have lost Hurley then, but he did, twice. Good finish by the big guy.

Yep - I certainly didn't mean to belittle any Dockers players, they certainly have their share of quality. However, they're a side who, as a whole, are greater than the sum of their parts IMO. Ross Lyon...

It does also show how different a match can be if you're a bit off the pace. Dockers have just been Ross Lyon'd. No real special players (save for Fyfe - note I'm a big Pav fan but he's not himself) but everyone playing their role. It also highlights, for me, the danger of such a defensive game style. You can dominate play and only lead by a few goals. A couple of easy centre breaks and a momentum change and your lead can be gone just like that.

Isn't Hird arguing that what he took wasn't banned?

Yes, I think you will.