leave it to deever

Tomlinson was a possibility but probably a bigger risk than Tmac. The cupboard was bare, I'm afraid. Let's hope it's not at this year's end as well.

Its all about scaring off Geelong supporters, I think

R tix on sales as yet?

It is an issue. It's been an issue for two years and most likely cost us a flag. Can't see any arguments against this. 1However if Jvr continues his form and growth and Petty and Fritta are injury free, I feel it's not that serious. But we have to have realistic expectations with Bbb, Tmac and Shackle.

Big fan of Harsha but nobody beats Skull.

I think the appetite for a flag in 22 wasn't as strong. A proper argument for the concept of premiership hangover if there ever was one. Sure we were incredibly competitive but we fell away at the wrong time. In the middle of the season it became evident that the fwd tall duo of Brown and Tmac was in trouble. Also it seemed that Jackson had already checked out. I think we got to top four by sheer talent and professionalism. Last year was somewhat the same. When you look at all the player reviews it does seem that a significant number of players were down in form. Throw in a tough run of injuries and that's all folks. My thoughts on the this thread were basically that a flag team will be mates for life. That the event will serve as bond for these blokes forever even outside of footy. I just hope that they get a chance to win one more. In both 22 and 23 we did enough work to secure finals births at home. 22 finals effort was very poor and hard to understand. Last year we made a great effort against the Pies but we were robbed via injuries, the Maynard act and some poor use of the ball going forward. The Blues game saw our fwd line even worse off with Jvr missing and we fluffed it in the last minute. Despite players being down in form last year we did well enough to make finals and we came so very close. Probably the most frustrating of seasons for sure. I hope we get to reset this year and win a flag on the hallowed turf of our home ground. The talent of the 21 group is huge and it could have been a three year in a row flag club. Alas I do believe that the window is closing. The club has been doing some savvy recruiting to replace players but ultimately I feel that time is running out. The hunger and chemistry and talent of the 21 team is mostly still there.

Why are you always on about bannanas Stan?

In any case it's going to be a very tight and interesting season. I'm keen to watch the continuing growth of Jvr. I'll be wrapped if Petty gets a year of no injuries with Fritta likewise alongside him. I've also been holding out to see Kozzie go to new heights ( as long as he keeps his feet on the ground). So it's a big year.

I get my fair share. I was wondering why but now I'm assuming we all get them. Daisycutters probably correct. It's Bbos fault. Cheers Bbo. Ivy

Call it what you will.... Solidarity, espirit de corps or mateship. I was wondering what winning a flag means to the players as a group. They will forever be bonded together as a special team that did the almost impossible. They will be special mates for life . More so than just a group that played together. Sharing a common bond with each other as they journey past footy itself. How nice for them all. And given how long between flags, our 21 team will be even better. A band of brothers perhaps. Not like they don't deserve it.

Good point. I think a players peak is 26 and they maintain it for two to three years.

It's a fair probability. I mean there a lot of unknown factors about like Oliver, Petty's fitness and a few others. But I feel quite confident. It's still a reasonably young life list with a good balance of age and youth. There are also a lot of players on the list that haven't really been able to show their true colours. Also a number of players were down on form last year so if they get back to their best I see no reason why we won't be top four again.

You really shouldn't have.

I'll be wearing a pink carnation.

Glad Marty Hore is back. Although as far as back lines are concerned it's going to be pretty tough breaking into it. Hopefully Rivers gets more time in the middle. Tx for posting this Dland.

Thanks Eldiablo. You are probably correct. I'm sure they will be at least bigger than the last two clubs combined.

You make a good point. Perhaps in its Qld and NSW land grab, the AFL pulled the trigger too early there instead of going the route of Tassie first Or is it a case of Tassie itself not big enough?

That reminds me of a song by Painters and Dockers

Really do admire the commitment of some supporters who travel so far.

Sydney is a beautiful city. Greatest Harbour in the world possibly and lots of Sunshine. But in terms of getting around on pt Melbourne is easily the better city. The Scg although close to the CBD is kind of like how getting to Waverly used to be. A bus to the tram followed by two more bus routes. Not good. Don't get me started on Snz stadium or whatever it's called. The MCG and Docklands are so easy to get to.

I hope we as a club close ranks re the media as much as possible this year. I know there are media commitments and expectations but if I had my way I'd have players and staff talk to the media as little as possible. We seem to be the latest whipping boy and it sometimes seems they are looking for things to dump on us. I hope that we do most of our talking on the scoreboards this year . It's getting closer.

Really surprised by this. Your posts are usually on the money. Speaking of which, as far as I'm concerned DS, it couldn't buy better leaders. Cheers.

He shut down many a star. Had great stamina and yep great footy intuition.

I will miss watching star Oppo players getting Hibbered.

Think I'll do myself a favour and stay away from this thread. Ignorance really is bliss.