Wiseblood

So is this a good result or a bad one for us? I feel as though Port have a tougher run home, so them losing could be a better outcome as GWS have some easier games to come (and no, I don't include us in that).

Only someone interested in sadomasochism would have any interest in watching those last two minutes again.

Unfortunately, and for reasons which I cannot comprehend, that isn't obvious to some.

We can beat their midfield. It doesn't bat very deep outside of Sloane and M. Crouch. Their midfield got on top in the last but it's choc full of experience - Selwood, Dangerflop, GAJ, Duncan etc. One of the most experienced in the competition and they just willed themselves back into the contest on the back of it. The Crows don't have all of that and we can more than match them.

Absolutely, Dan. I understand why it will be hard for some to see those positives at the moment, but no doubt there is plenty for us to take from that game. We have the talent, the ability and the game plan to make some noise in September, but that's up to us now. And I still firmly believe we can do it.

Right, so now that I've had a decent night sleep and gotten past the smug texts and comments from some Geelong mates, I'm willing to look at a few of the positives last night. I think Christian Salem is quietly have a very good season for us. Had another 19 touches off half back last night and, generally, his ball use is first rate. He isn't flashy but he's tough, courageous and could easily be a 200 game player for the club. It's also good to see him staying fit. I'd still like to see him further up the ground, but I think that will come in time. While he tired in the second half, I think the first half showed us that Charlie Spargo can be a very, very good player for the club. Played a crucial role in many of our scoring chances early, as well as kicking a fantastic goal in the second term. Once he has another pre-season or two under his belt and builds his tank he'll be able to stay in games long, but he's a very smart footballer and a shrewd pick from our recruiting team. While his stats won't show it tonight, James Harmes is another who I believe has taken the next step this season. Shut down Selwood in the first half and Danger in the second, it adds another string to his bow. When he's not tagging he's shown he can rack up the stats and hit the scoreboard. Lastly, and the most obvious one of the lot, is Oliver. I don't think we can truly appreciate how good this kid is. Another 40 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles and 20 contested possessions. He has the chance of going down as one of the best players this club has ever had at the rate he is going. Took it up to their experienced midfield all night and never looks like tiring. He just goes and goes and goes. What a star he is. I'm still hurting from last night, and I won't forget this game any time soon, but I still think we are a big chance of making finals and taking destiny into our own hands. It starts with the rolling the Crows on their home deck next weekend.

Exactly. We aren't a bottom four side that needs to blood the kids. We had a set back last night but we are still right in the frame to play finals.

He should give us his 'never play again' predicted best 22 to make the world a better place again.

I'm more concerned with Hawkins getting weeks for his dog act on Fritsch.

Dangerflop did everything he could to make the ump see it, not to mention starting from 10m away. He acted like a five year old who started a fight and then tried to get his mums attention when his 3 year old brother retaliated.

In the 2007 season, before their decade of dominance, the Hawks coughed up 4 games by 20 points or less, 2 of which were by 9 and 5 points. I'd agree that the Hawks side from 2008 to about 2016 would rarely have coughed up games like tonight, although I do recall Hawkins kicking a goal after the siren and Isaac Smith missing one that cost them a game as well. That's just off the top of my head My point is that all teams do it at some stage, even the best teams. It's shattering for us, but not the end of the world... yet.

Paging @binman. JKH I can understand, but Oscar? He plays next week and, like the Jordan Lewis thread, makes this topic obsolete.

I don't know it all, but I know to not bother conversing with you in the future if this is all you have to offer. Cheers.

I think I've been pretty measured tonight. I don't see why you need to attack me but hey, have at it if it makes you feel better.

That's tough to watch. Having that smiling muppet in the bottom corner doesn't help either.

You can babble on all you like, but any supporter with a brain cell could see he was easily one of our better players tonight.

I'll wait patiently for you to bring up the posts that suggested Oscar would be AA this year. If those exist, the posters should be ashamed. I'm a fan, but AA? Nah. If they don't then you're just being sensationalist.

No Lewis?

I don't really disagree with that. I think Hogan can give us something up the ground, but only in very short bursts, 1998 Garry Lyon style. Outside of that they need him roaming inside 50 with T Mac and causing havoc for the opposition. Garlett and Spargo will also have a field day at their feet.

He's one I chucked on ignore early. I'm glad I've been vindicated in that decision.

It's hard to call right now. JKH probably deserves the chop, but for who? Vanders, if Goody is to be believed, won't be considered for a while yet. Do we bring in Kent? Has he been good enough at VFL level? Joel Smith doesn't excite me either, so do they give Wagner a run? Or is that just deck chairs at this point? I think what we need to consider is that we only got done by 2 points. Not 10 goals. I can't see the club making huge changes for the Crows game, other than maybe 1 or 2. What that looks like is anybodies guess right now. Edit - I know some might want Tyson dropped, but with Viney for another 3-4 games, I can see the club sticking with him as he's the best option right now.

Not to mention Stretch, although I don't feel comfortable putting him in there as he only had one good game before injury. I wonder if we can get Hunt back into the side for the run home to finals. He could be a handy addition across half back and through the wing.

I know this will make me sound like an apologist, but it was reported that Hogan copped a knock to his hip in a contest towards the end of the first term and spent some time on the bench with it. I don't think he was 100%, or at least looked like it, for the rest of the game. You're not really wrong though in that he needs to stand up a bit more in big games.

I think we've seen all we need to of JKH. I don't really like saying that, but I don't really know what it is he brings to the side. Not sure who we replace him with though.

I think what those losses (Saints, Cats x2, Port etc.) shows me is that we're not a serious premiership contender yet. I think we can make finals, but going by tonight you would expect us to go out in straight sets. I think making the finals would be a big hurdle for this club to jump, but as you say, right now they give us no reason to trust them or have faith in them. Even I'm finding it difficult. But I'll cling to the fact that we're still in the 8 and still in a position to decide our own destiny. I just hope we can do it.