leave it to deever

Thanks Deestar9. Perhaps you were correct. It certainly seemed to work. And a Herculean effort it certainly was. Such a star of the game.

I think so mentioned this before but in the game day thread. Up untill three quarter time I thought Max was down in form I keep an eye on his marking stats because his form and this stat in particular is often a fair gauge of how the whole team is performing. I think at the three quarter time break he had two or three marks. Took about five more in the last ( would average out at 20 at that rate) But it's when and where... mostly the last five minutes of the game when he was taking them and was pivotal in winning it for us. That's what makes him a champion. You can never write them off even if their form wasn't good for three quarters.

Apologies to the OP here. He's seen and understood things I clearly haven't and is correct in his belief we are still a chance. I officially wrote us off after after the hope I had from three on the trot, was dashed by our Hawks loss. Which I believe we really should have won. Perhaps he predicted our best is better than the reigning premiers on their own turf. Clearly Melksham made the difference in our forward line. A problem that has been nagging us for many seasons. We are still a long way from making finals but yesterday certainly sent a message to other clubs and myself that we are still in it. Go you good Dees.

Melksham seems to have returned to the form we originally recruited him for. For me in the past he seemed to have struggled stringing great games together. I hope he continues in his present state for a good many games. Do you think his injury and absence from the game has given him a new lease of life ? Does this often happen when players get sidelined for significant periods of time? He's older too, so do they possibly realise that their careers are limited and it motivates them more? He's in scintillating form and will worry other coaches. I'll get my monies worth while I'm here and ask if you think if Bowey's shoulder injury lowered his performance for a significant time because he too is back to his best? It seems well and truly behind him. These two were the main reason we won for me. They deserve a shout out which I'm sure you'll give. And lastly weren't you guys proud to see players giving a bit back when their mates got some rough stuff? It really demonstrates a great espirit de corps. Something I felt had been lacking and an important element of a good team.

God call SWYL He needed to be dropped because he's lacked a fair bit of intent. I thought that mark he took on the wing was a ripper. Hopefully the old Fritta with more passion is back for good.

Bow bow Bowser.

Top post AtG. It's clear the shoulder injury had a big impact on him. Seems well and truly behind him and he shoulders a heck of a lot of the backline duties. Pound for pound he's one of the best about.

That win will give us a super shot of much needed confidence. Traveling up there against vulture crowd members and dodgy umpires against the flag holders was a supreme effort and will really serve us well. It also saw a good deal of struggling players find some very good form. Max ix the gift that keeps giving. Don't give me stick but I thought he wasn't his best for the first three quarters but I reckon saved the game for us in the last. The Hallmark of a champion is stepping up despite not being at your best. Putting in behind you and then absolutely starting. They say tall players get taller as the game enters its last quarter and Max certainly stood tall. I hope Kozzie never leaves this club. He and Bowey probably stood even taller. Good to see Fritta showing great effort even as a sub. Spargo cops heaps here but while he didn't reign supreme like some, I think it's a credit to him how often he is out in space, miles away from the opposition. It's interesting our best beats the best. I think mainly because we had a real functioning forward line for the first time this year. Most of that was due to Melksham. As I mentioned previously he gave his opponent a free drink after giving him a bath. Him playing there in prior games would have us in the eight. Big call but after his showing today a fair one. Speaking of tals, he plays five inches higher then he is. If only we could take his intensity and passion and share it around. He's plenty to spare.

After this game opposition coaches will be concerned about Melksham .. Aside from having someone up forward that can boot a handful of goals and give off several assists, It will take a lot of pressure off other forwards who have been struggling.

And good too.

Some truly good posts in this thread. Great to see the humor and less agro after such an impressive win over the reigning premiers.

The perfect pass.

Having a quality forward like Melksham who is getting on in years just makes the world of difference. He's someone who just gives his all and sadly what we have been missing. Losing him in the Swans game a few years back cost us a flag. But today it was great to see him back. It's his intensity that some other players could really learn from. I hope after his long career he's stays on at the club in a coaching role.

The only sour note of this win is not knowing any lions supporters to stick it up.

Again great call. Last two sentences especially. How great to have a quality forward that plays with so much intensity in Melksham. He was even considerate enough to give his opponent a drink. And I suppose a bath.

Good call. Went off the boil after his shoulder injury He's back to his best this year. Which is bl56dy damn good.

I checked the stats at three quarter time and thought Max was down on marks. It's usually a fair barometer for us. Great last quarter from him. Won the game for us.

I checked the stats at three quarter time and saw Gawns mark count down. I thought it was low and as usual a barometer for us. Great winning last quarter for him.

Sing the song peeps Loud and proud.

Where we win.

Max winning it for us.

Just one more to seal it.

Where has this been all year? Keep it coming.

When Kozzie tackles...as small as he is..they stick

Lions in panic mode now. Love it.