DemonDave

Some big score blowouts in the Super Wildcard weekend so far. Does anyone else think the extra week of games is too much? As a Niners fan I'd say no now, am still riding that high from this morning, but it really seems some mediocre teams made the playoffs this year. Was also talking to a friend who doesn't follow the NFL, but does follow AFL about how it all works, and we both wondered when the AFL may try and introduce a 'Wildcard Weekend' given less than half the team currently make the finals.

Raiders 7 Bengals 24 Patriots 27 Bills 30 Eagles 17 Buccaneers 41 49ers 17 Cowboys 14 Steelers 6 Chiefs 31 Cardinals 34 Rams 27

Great to see the girls back and hear the song played after the siren. Hanks and Birch were our best 4 quarter players, however it was Zanker that steadied the ship in that 3rd quarter when dogs had the momentum, her ability to break not only tackles but lines was crucial, she's just so good at evading in traffic. Thought Maddie Gay was the other pick of the mids, Paxman and to a lesser extent Mithen and Hore were down on their usual output. Carris was excellent on debut as a 2nd ruck, means we don't have to rely on Zanker for that any more, and Loz was her usual excellent self as the #1 ruck. After a slow, patient, fluent possession game early on, it devolved into a bit of a scrappy turnover affair late, but a win and blowing off the cobwebs is banked.

Chiefs, Packers, Colts

Who wouldve thought this was going to be only the second most bizarre thing from this mornings highlights, very unusual to see two team mates scrapping. But no, then Antonio Brown goes and completely loses it, at least coach Arians made a quick decisive call to jettison the noxious person that Brown is.

Chiefs, Bucs, Eagles

Niners, Rams, Buccs

Patriots, Cardinals, Cowboys

Jack Hutchins has retired from VFL and joined Mansfield. Cory Machaya has joined Cora Lynn in West Gippsland Aaron VandenBerg has joined old Xavs Plenty more player movements here: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/locked-in-100-of-the-best-recruits-set-to-light-up-local-footy-in-2022/news-story/fe2de9dc666d8ea2986d4e305c296128

Of our list, we've got 17 players with 100 games or more, of which only 3 didn't play in the Grand Final (Tomlinson, Melksham and Dunstan). So thats 14 out of our 23 in the GF, means they've generally played a fair bit of footy together now. With Hunt and Fritsch on the cusp they should both pass the 100 game mark next year. No-one on our list has played 200 games, Melksham on 195 may reach that, Mcdonald on 193 will. 11 guys on our list, including recent draftees, have played 10 games or less. To me, thats a pretty well balanced list. We would have no real need to top up with experienced players in the next couple of trade periods, unless a lack of depth in any particular area is uncovered. Source of stats: https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/tp-melbourne-demons?year=2022&sby=13

Falcons, Saints, Seahawks I like the idea of the bonus point too!

Bucs, cards, Eagles

Bears, Steelers, Buccs

The #22 guernsey is currently free too, given VDBs departure. Wonder if he'll be offered it or choose to make a different number his own.

Ravens, Niners, Washington

That pass from Stafford to OBJ intercepted by Ward early sums up Stafford for me, what was he thinking? Was great for us to have Jimmie Ward back, he doubled his career interceptions total in this game. Our gameplan was pretty simple, ground and pound, or get it to Deebo, he's been immense this year.

Ravens, Bucs, Rams

Cardinals, Chargers, Bills

Had to pick something up at Highpoint on Saturday, the AFL Shop has quite a lot of the Knight designed merch in stock, as well as stickers/stubby holders/mugs etc. Rebel had the Jerseys with the team on the back, polo tops and scarves. All looked OK in person And picked up these three high gloss print/photos from Taylor Made, they were due to be framed but I requested them without being framed, were $20 each, somewhere between A4 and A3 size I guess. (magazine for scale)

Bengals, rams, Buccs

Hunt's loss was Bowey's gain. Feel for him as we having a good, consistent season, kept to the one position for once and was really playing to his strengths with that run off half back. For mine is still in our best 22/23, ahead of Hibberd as he's a better rebounder, albeit a negligibly lesser defender. Bowey may well have a couple of sophomore form dips, so competition for this spot will be hotly contested.

If you wanna really get into the nitty gritty of the GF centre square clearance-fest this video is a great watch

Had a fantastic year, his ability to run the length of the field to help out at both ends is a real asset. He's exactly the Isaac Smith clone we were looking for, except he's 25 and Smith is 32. That Grand Final goal, as already highlighted, showcases just how great a runner he is. What a bargain trade he's turned out to be from Freo!

Chiefs, Eagles, Saints

Australia Post have got a stamp sheet and Stamp/Medallion cover for pre-order: https://auspost.com.au/shop/product/2021-afl-premiers-melbourne-demons-stamp-and-medallion-cover-2108500?fm=recommendations:shop:1 https://auspost.com.au/shop/product/2021-afl-premiers-melbourne-demons-souvenir-stamp-sheet-2108330?fm=recommendations:shop:3