Wiseblood

Are you sure?

Every single day I get down on my knees and thank every deity ever created that Mick Malthouse let Jeffy Garlett go for a bag of peanuts.

He looks very, very rusty. He's dropped a few so far today and looks a few steps off the pace. Not worried though, as all he needs to do is clunk one and his confidence will sky rocket.

Absolutely. He's taken a couple of weeks to get going but he's been brilliant today. His hardness over the footy and willingness to run both ways have been a highlight.

Settle down guys. You can see what we are trying to do - when it works its been great, but we need to cop a few turnovers as we get better at it. That's life.

Our forward pressure has been fantastic today. It's great to watch.

Right now we are playing some very good football. When our run works off half back and the pressure is up we look terrific. I love Ben Kennedy too. His hardness at the footy has been fantastic.

Salem's had 3 clangers already this term by foot. Let's not get carried away. It was an awful turnover though, no doubt about it.

Horrible turnover from Wagner there. When it comes off in the backline we look great, otherwise we can't get it past half back.

Sandy is losing the plot. Said Salem is kicking in... it was Jetta...

Great work from Jack Watts! Great contested mark and a good finish! Kennedy has been amongst it early as well which is good to see!

Saints have won the ball out of the middle three times now, twice through free kicks (although Gawn was very unlucky there) Excellent play off half back there. Props, and I don't give it often, to Matt Jones who has twice set it up. Well done.

Good intent early, given away a few free kicks though.

Spoke a bit too soon Jako, Stevie J has 3 before half time. Not quite past it yet.

I believe so. You wouldn't know it to glance at it though.

Interested to see how a full strength GWS goes against Brisbane. They've looked pretty good in their first two games but I still think we can match them.

If we can finish those first 12 rounds 6-6 then I think we can have a real crack at sneaking into the 8 as we would have some real confidence going into the final 9 or so rounds. But we'll need a fit list and a little luck to get that far. This year anyway.

I think what WJ brings up about their performances are things that need to be learned at VFL level - the fitness, the running patterns, the ability to get to the right spots etc. It's a bonus that we can allow these kids to learn their craft at VFL level so, when the time comes, they can slot straight into our side and contribute on a weekly basis.

I think this game will tell us a little bit more about where we are at. I just want us to show the same intent and commitment for the contest that we've shown over the last fortnight, and hopefully we can do it for more than a few quarters. I liked what Ben Mathews said during the week - we are starting to do more of the right things but we still have plenty of work to do. Clearly the coaches are pleased with our intent and willingness to get behind the game plan, it's just our execution that is letting us down a little. The one thing that worries me as well is the pace the Saints have, particularly through the middle of the ground. We need to get first hands on the ball and not allow them a few easy hand passes that release their quicker players.

So was Luke Tapscott. Just saying.

It's one practice game. Calm your farm.

He's not the Messiah old dee, he's just a very naughty boy!

I don't know why people are up in arms about us playing there by citing our poor record - we've had a poor record at every ground for 5 years. I'd love to see a figure of how many memberships have been bought by residents in the NT though. Have we really had a positive impact?

Wouldn't have thought so mate. Hopefully a few Demonlanders will be able to get there and provide a few updates for those of us who can't make it.

I'd love him at the club... but I'll temper my excitement until I see how his body holds up this year. If he struggles then I'd be happy for the club to steer clear, we can't afford to give up good stuff for a bloke who can't get himself on the park.