titan_uranus

Yep, a major disadvantage. They ran all over us late. It’s likely going to happen again this year, which is frustrating. True, but we also got quite unlucky - the kick out from AJ’s point went to a contest and bounced perfectly for Callaghan, which led to the chain giving Keefe the mark. Who then kicked truly despite not being a renowned goalkicker.

It was 7-11 actually (not sure of percentage). 4 of the wins were vs West Coast, Richmond and North, too. On the other hand, 5 of the 11 losses were by less than 10 points. Only 2 of the losses were by more than 30 (Hawthorn twice, one of which was level at 3QT).

I’d be staggered if we beat Fremantle or Brisbane. We also shouldn’t get close to GC, but that’s in Melbourne where maybe we get a leg up. IMO they’re three genuine flag contenders. The other three - St Kilda, Carlton and Essendon - should all be considered winnable (at worst).

Getting Sooshi Mango involved is a great get I reckon.

The new ad’s a ripper IMO.

Such good news. I foresee huge things for Langford. So glad to see him commit.

That’s a relief. Hope it progresses well and he can make his debut sooner rather than later.

So they’re a year older and wiser but we’re not? They’ve brought in good and experienced players but Steele, Mihocek and Jiath aren’t relevant? And our change in coach/approach doesn’t factor either?

Most interested to see what we do structurally - with JVR and Mihocek (assuming he's fit) locks, do we go with Heath (assuming Kentfield isn't fit)? If not, are we going to have a forward line with just Mihocek in it when JVR has to ruck for 5-10 minutes a quarter? Are we even going to be able to get away with Gawn rucking 90% of matches when other clubs are going to go with two rucks - including St Kilda, who will have Marshall and TDK. The fact that most people are including 2-3 of Sharp, Laurie and Tholstrup in their sides for Round 1 is, though, a bit of a disappointing indicator of where we're at right now. A few injuries, but also just the reality of our list. Sharp really shouldn't be playing, Tholstrup hasn't really demanding selection during the pre-season, and Laurie is...well...Laurie. I just can't see him suddenly becoming capable at AFL level after what we've seen across his (albeit limited) appearances to date. Would love to be proven wrong of course.

Will be gutted if this is a long termer. He deserves a crack at it, and offers us something promising. Fingers crossed for him.

58-35, we lead.

Could be both though.

Are we genuine about it being a “community” series at regional stadiums when Carlton just played Geelong at IKON Park? Either do all the games in regional areas, or if there aren’t appropriate grounds, don’t bother.

Isn’t the bolded bit one of the main problems with the Walsh contract?

It wouldn’t be a Demonland thread without a classic @Bring-Back-Powell single stat/match reference to make a point. That game was 2.5 years ago. Clubs of course don’t make decisions based on one game. They also don’t make decisions based on form from 2.5 years ago. If they did, we’d still have Trac and Oliver on our list. Alternatively, perhaps someone should offer Joel Amartey the next biggest contract in the AFL, given in Round 14 2024 he kicked 9 goals in a game.

You seriously underestimate the additional distance that has to be travelled to get to Casey as compared to those other places. With no traffic, right now at 10pm, it is a 40 minute drive from Hawthorn or Glen Iris to Casey. That’s an additional 15-17 minutes more than it would take to get to Dingley. Again, that’s with no traffic. Dingley’s one suburb over from Moorabbin. It’s not central, sure, but it’s not in the same ballpark as Casey. Casey’s roughly double the distance from the city as Dingley is. At the end of the day if Casey is all we’ve got, then so be it, and yes there will simply have to be adjustments for our staff and players, but it’ll be the least attractive option of the 9 Melbourne-based clubs.

Fantastic piece.

Some of the “problems” seem blown out of proportion in the article. So is this some sort of MRC leak to scupper the plan? Are we cooked?

It’s been addressed already but that’s 3, maybe 4, good players missing. Bowey too. But anyway these are not hugely important comparisons for a practice match on 20 February in 30 degree heat. The result is not very instructive The way we tried (and succeeded) to move the ball, the roles of Steele, Heath, Kentfield, Latrelle and Howes, and the hopeful confidence of a win, is what we can take from today. I’m so keen to see what we do with JVR, Jeffo, Kentfield and Heath (plus Gawn and Mihocek).

2018 aside, when was the last time we said this?

Positive vibes in a game day thread. Tell me it’s pre-season without telling me it’s pre-season… But I love to see it.

@DubDee got in first. By your logic we’re a force to be reckoned with.

Yep - or of course the other possibility is Viney is declared out for the season and placed on the inactive list (or, worse, someone else goes down with a season-ender). If it happens after 2 March, unless the AFL grants an exemption like they did to us last year, we’d have to wait until the MSD to fill the spot.

Jesus @bing181 is it actually impossible for you to see someone say something optimistic about the upcoming season and just leave it alone?