Wiseblood

However, one big positive have been Langdon and Tomlinson, especially in their roles: 30 disposals and 11 marks between them roaming up the wings. Absolutely what we've been crying out for. Disposal is a little shaky at times but, again, that can be forgiven a little due to the time of the year and conditions. Great pick ups for the club.

I honestly don't know what to make of that first half. We've done some good stuff... but have been terrible frustrating at the same time. Our usage forward of centre continues to be a problem, as do our skills (although the dew doesn't help), but then I feel as though we look terrific defensively and when it all 'clicks' I can see us putting multiple goals together in quick succession. I feel more positive than negative but we'll need to improve to have a shot at the Eagles in Round 1 at this stage.

Tomlinson kick was a shocker, but it wouldn't have had to happen had ANB not fluffed a simple kick in the first place.

Rather lose it now than in two weeks time.

Back out there already.

How good are Fritch's hands? He would be terrific across half back...

Oh, boy. Steven May. Wowee!

Super kick from Milkshake. Love him from that distance. Great link up play too. Skills aren't great, true, but the conditions aren't exactly conducive to it. Slippery all round the ground.

That made me vomit in my mouth a little.

No doubt we should be further ahead, and our kicking for goal continues to need some work, but we're the better side here. Our defense is working well, our mids are on top and I feel as though we're a chance to score every time we go forward. Can't ask too much more than that from a first term in dewy conditions.

Loving Jay Lockhart's pre-season. That was terrific play. And that was out on the full!

Nah. He just isn't a back pocket.

That goal set up by a ripping tackle from Spargo. Sensational stuff.

What are you all talking about? Our set shot kicking is superb....

By playing for Melbourne.

Great chase from Harmes. That's what he can bring to the back half.

Why isn't that advantage? Ridiculous.

He was laughing his [censored] off while he did it, too.

Great to see us hit up a lead 40 metres out as well. No blazing away.

Lever and May already working in tandem superbly.

Hawks running out with the tallest backline I've ever seen.

Yep. Let's have a good, strong hit out that sets us up perfectly for Round 1.

Yes, totally missed that. Thanks for the clarification!

Looks like we are going for as close to our Round 1 side as possible, which makes sense. No Pickett is interesting. Has he done enough for a Round 1 gig and has, therefore, been given the week off, or has he missed out entirely? Edit - just realised he is missing due to personal reasons. My bad.

You don't need to justify it to anyone, Andy. You could argue that there are plenty of legends of our club who could get a run in the banner - what you've done this time around looks terrific, regardless of who made it and who didn't. Great job all round.