Rodney (Balls) Grinter

3 hours ago, Fork 'em said:

Finishing on top was huge.
Proved to themselves they were the best team of the season.
I know I shed a tear when Gawn put it through.
First time they'd been even near it in my lifetime.

I shed another couple a few weeks later when Gawn slammed this one through.
The captain was on a rampage and the boys were takin' us to the Big Show.
Happy Days.
 

 

When we are loosing in games, I'm normally eternally opermistic that we can fight back and somehow win, but I'd given us up for dead that night against Geelong.  It wasn't just being down by 40 odd points, it was also that we'd only kicked 4 goal for the game and seemed like we couldn't buy a goal.

When we came back and won, with Max taking that mark in the dying seconds and then actually slotting it through, I went bisurk.  The next day my neighbors at my place in Qld (who arn't big AFL people) told me, that they could hear that Melbourne had won.  In the minutes after the game I got calls from my MFC supporting dad and sister and we couldn't beleive we'd just won that game. 

It was similar with that bang bang bang, the way we turned the momentum from looking like another GF going down the toilet half way the 3rd to the most dominant MFC premiership in history. 

After all that pain we'd gone through in the ten years prior and the 2 other failed GFs I've been to in my lifetime - absolutely unbelievable.  Still craving the feeling of winning one at the G and being there though.

51 minutes ago, Fork 'em said:

Since the weekend I've listened to the SEN call of the 2021 Prelim and GF while forking about in the shed.
Last night I got home and watched this .... 
 

 

From mid way through the third quarter, that really set the tone for our finals series to come.

We'd been good and building in the games prior, but I think beating the Cats the way we did on their home deck built belief that we belonged.

I know it's not exactly the same, but I also feel there is a sense of camaraderie and bond created within the die hard supporters of a team such as ours that stick fat with the team through years of turmoil and then finally winning one.

I sense this with my mates that grew up supporting they club, who were quick to call in a state of euphoria when we won in 2021, but also people I didn't know at the time and we both realise are MFC supporters - doesn't take much to realise how dinkum they were with their support and following of the team, when you reminisce about seasons past in the 80s/90s or whenever they seriously followed them and how good we were when we cracked it in 2021.

1 hour ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Let them 

Agreed.

Something to be said for flying under the radar I think.

Not that the professional football world of our opposition would be taking any notice of the media noise or lack there of in assessing us, but if it means we don't deal with so much external expectations, I don't think that's a bad thing.

In fact I suspect the near misses we've had in recent years, together with the external critisim and questioning of the club/culture will be something of a motivating force behind our players, similar to when the wheels fell off our finals hopes towards the 2020 season.

At the start of 2021, few had us as even making the 8.  St Kilda were viewed as a more realistic chance of playing and performing in finals.

...just saying.

I could well be wrong, but I'd expect the Tassie team to capture most of their Aussie Rules following public.  You only need to look at the dominance of support that the Eagles an the Crows get to see that. 

I suspect that from being on the butt end of the joke on a National level, the years of pent up demand from not having an AFL will make Tasmainians even more parochial than either of those states as well and it wouldn't surprise me if they get memberships and attendances it their first season that put GWS and Gold Coast to shame.

On 03/02/2024 at 17:51, DeeZone said:

We are still seeing it at GWS / Gold Coast stadiums whereas Tassie is a AFL footy state and should be able to get 15 - 20k on a regular basis, a lot of opposition supporters would also travel to Hobart so great for tourism, we love Hobart.!!

There's a reason why the Tasmanian govenment is a major sponsor of Hawthorn.  Hopefully that arrangement dies it's natural course sooner rather than later.

On 04/02/2024 at 13:27, daisycutter said:

I think the tasmanians have got a far better case than richmond to be called the tigers

so richmond should rebrand.  i'm suggesting the "ferals" with appropriate imagery

you know it makes sense

The same rebrand argument should have been made for Port Adelaide's entry.

On 01/02/2024 at 19:08, Queanbeyan Demon said:

When I saw the threat title, I though @Bigfoot was suggesting the great Jack Viney was working his way through the LinkedIn Learning Elocution and Vocabulary Course.

That's a bit harsh ... but I know what you mean.

I prefer it when Jack let's his footy and physical pressure around the footy do the talking.

5 hours ago, WheeloRatings said:

@TheWiz

I have most of the stats from that article. Here are the top 10 rucks across the various stats in 2023, and I have also included a table at the end comparing all rucks in 2023 with 10+ matches (note the text in the table may wrap on a mobile device).

Rating Points
 1 | 16.5 | Tim English (WB)
 2 | 15.3 | Rowan Marshall (St K)
 3 | 15.0 | Kieren Briggs (GWS)
 4 | 13.9 | Max Gawn (Melb)
 5 | 13.8 | Todd Goldstein (NM)
 6 | 13.3 | Luke Jackson (Frem)
 7 | 13.3 | Jarrod Witts (GC)
 8 | 13.2 | Sean Darcy (Frem)
 9 | 13.1 | Oscar McInerney (Bris)
10 | 13.1 | Toby Nankervis (Rich)

Score Involvement %
 1 | 26.7 | Luke Jackson (Frem)
 2 | 25.5 | Sean Darcy (Frem)
 3 | 22.7 | Rowan Marshall (St K)
 4 | 22.6 | Tim English (WB)
 5 | 21.2 | Sam Draper (Ess)
 6 | 20.9 | Hayden McLean (Syd)
 7 | 19.8 | Max Gawn (Melb)
 8 | 19.4 | Darcy Cameron (Coll)
 9 | 19.2 | Jarrod Witts (GC)
10 | 18.9 | Mark Blicavs (Geel)

Metres Gained
 1 | 280.7 | Rowan Marshall (St K)
 2 | 263.4 | Kieren Briggs (GWS)
 3 | 262.4 | Max Gawn (Melb)
 4 | 255.0 | Tim English (WB)
 5 | 221.3 | Mark Blicavs (Geel)
 6 | 210.0 | Sam Draper (Ess)
 7 | 200.2 | Oscar McInerney (Bris)
 8 | 199.1 | Luke Jackson (Frem)
 9 | 182.1 | Tom De Koning (Carl)
10 | 175.6 | Toby Nankervis (Rich)

Marks
 1 | 6.3 | Tim English (WB)
 2 | 5.2 | Rowan Marshall (St K)
 3 | 4.6 | Max Gawn (Melb)
 4 | 4.4 | Hayden McLean (Syd)
 5 | 3.6 | Mason Cox (Coll)
 6 | 3.4 | Mark Blicavs (Geel)
 6 | 3.4 | Darcy Cameron (Coll)
 8 | 3.4 | Sean Darcy (Frem)
 9 | 3.4 | Luke Jackson (Frem)
10 | 2.9 | Reilly O'Brien (Adel)

Contested Marks
 1 | 2.3 | Max Gawn (Melb)
 2 | 1.5 | Sean Darcy (Frem)
 3 | 1.5 | Mason Cox (Coll)
 4 | 1.5 | Hayden McLean (Syd)
 5 | 1.5 | Rowan Marshall (St K)
 6 | 1.4 | Reilly O'Brien (Adel)
 7 | 1.4 | Darcy Cameron (Coll)
 8 | 1.3 | Tim English (WB)
 9 | 1.2 | Luke Jackson (Frem)
10 | 1.1 | Sam Draper (Ess)

Intercept Marks
 1 | 2.0 | Tim English (WB)
 2 | 1.9 | Rowan Marshall (St K)
 3 | 1.5 | Reilly O'Brien (Adel)
 4 | 1.4 | Darcy Cameron (Coll)
 5 | 1.4 | Max Gawn (Melb)
 6 | 1.3 | Kieren Briggs (GWS)
 7 | 1.1 | Todd Goldstein (NM)
 8 | 1.1 | Brodie Grundy (Melb)
 9 | 1.0 | Sean Darcy (Frem)
10 | 1.0 | Luke Jackson (Frem)

Clearances
 1 | 6.5 | Kieren Briggs (GWS)
 2 | 5.6 | Oscar McInerney (Bris)
 3 | 5.0 | Rowan Marshall (St K)
 4 | 4.3 | Toby Nankervis (Rich)
 4 | 4.3 | Jarrod Witts (GC)
 6 | 4.3 | Max Gawn (Melb)
 7 | 4.2 | Bailey J. Williams (WC)
 8 | 4.2 | Mark Blicavs (Geel)
 9 | 4.1 | Sean Darcy (Frem)
10 | 4.0 | Scott Lycett (Port)

Tackles
 1 | 5.5 | Toby Nankervis (Rich)
 2 | 4.8 | Rowan Marshall (St K)
 3 | 4.6 | Mark Blicavs (Geel)
 4 | 4.5 | Kieren Briggs (GWS)
 5 | 4.3 | Tim English (WB)
 6 | 3.7 | Scott Lycett (Port)
 7 | 3.6 | Lloyd Meek (Haw)
 8 | 3.5 | Luke Jackson (Frem)
 9 | 3.4 | Bailey J. Williams (WC)
10 | 3.2 | Darcy Cameron (Coll)
23 | 2.0 | Max Gawn (Melb)

Hitouts
 1 | 39.2 | Jarrod Witts (GC)
 2 | 39.1 | Sean Darcy (Frem)
 3 | 38.6 | Reilly O'Brien (Adel)
 4 | 33.8 | Oscar McInerney (Bris)
 5 | 32.5 | Toby Nankervis (Rich)
 6 | 31.2 | Tim English (WB)
 7 | 29.2 | Todd Goldstein (NM)
 8 | 28.3 | Rhys Stanley (Geel)
 9 | 28.2 | Ned Reeves (Haw)
10 | 27.6 | Bailey J. Williams (WC)
14 | 25.7 | Max Gawn (Melb)

Hitouts Win %
 1 | 56.8 | Sean Darcy (Frem)
 2 | 50.7 | Andrew Phillips (Ess)
 3 | 50.0 | Ned Reeves (Haw)
 4 | 49.6 | Mason Cox (Coll)
 5 | 49.5 | Jarrod Witts (GC)
 6 | 49.5 | Reilly O'Brien (Adel)
 7 | 49.0 | Max Gawn (Melb)
 8 | 47.9 | Brodie Grundy (Melb)
 9 | 47.7 | Toby Nankervis (Rich)
10 | 46.6 | Samson Ryan (Rich)

Hitouts To Advantage %
 1 | 38.0 | Samson Ryan (Rich)
 2 | 35.0 | Marc Pittonet (Carl)
 3 | 33.8 | Tim English (WB)
 4 | 33.4 | Todd Goldstein (NM)
 5 | 32.7 | Kieren Briggs (GWS)
 6 | 31.6 | Jarrod Witts (GC)
 7 | 30.7 | Ned Reeves (Haw)
 8 | 30.4 | Ben Miller (Rich)
 9 | 30.4 | Brodie Grundy (Melb)
10 | 30.1 | Sam Draper (Ess)
11 | 30.1 | Max Gawn (Melb)

 

Ruck Stats, 2023, 10+ matches

Legend
Mt: Matches
TOG: Time on ground %
RP: Rating Points
D: Disposals
MG: Metres Gained
CBA %: Centre Bounce Attendance %
CL: Clearances
Mk: Marks
CM: Contested Marks
IM: Intercept Marks
G: Goals
SI %: Score Involvements % (out of all team scores)
T: Tackles
RC%: Ruck Contest %
HO: Hitouts
HO Win %: Hitouts win %
HO Adv %: Hitouts to advantage %

	Mt	TOG	RP	D	MG	CBA %	CL	Mk	CM	IM	G	SI %	T	RC%	HO	HO Win%	HO Adv%
Tim English (WB)	23	85.9	16.5	19.1	255.0	83.7	3.2	6.3	1.3	2.0	16	22.6	4.3	76.8	31.2	39.5	33.8
Rowan Marshall (St K)	24	84.5	15.3	20.5	280.7	86.7	5.0	5.2	1.5	1.9	8	22.7	4.8	74.9	26.6	40.0	27.9
Kieren Briggs (GWS)	17	75.6	15.0	15.4	263.4	80.0	6.5	2.8	0.7	1.3	4	18.2	4.5	74.4	25.9	38.4	32.7
Max Gawn (Melb)	22	81.1	13.9	16.9	262.4	64.9	4.3	4.6	2.3	1.4	10	19.8	2.0	57.5	25.7	49.0	30.1
Todd Goldstein (NM)	20	79.3	13.8	13.0	134.9	73.7	3.6	2.2	0.9	1.1	4	18.6	1.9	70.0	29.2	44.7	33.4
Luke Jackson (Frem)	23	82.6	13.3	15.0	199.1	44.6	2.6	3.4	1.2	1.0	22	26.7	3.5	45.5	17.7	40.3	30.0
Jarrod Witts (GC)	21	82.8	13.3	13.8	156.6	84.2	4.3	2.4	0.7	0.4	4	19.2	2.6	83.7	39.2	49.5	31.6
Sean Darcy (Frem)	15	74.5	13.2	13.8	165.2	77.7	4.1	3.4	1.5	1.0	4	25.5	3.2	69.5	39.1	56.8	28.3
Oscar McInerney (Bris)	25	82.6	13.1	12.4	200.2	80.8	5.6	1.8	0.9	0.6	9	13.5	2.9	77.0	33.8	43.7	27.8
Toby Nankervis (Rich)	15	80.3	13.1	16.7	175.6	78.6	4.3	2.5	0.3	0.9	3	18.3	5.5	74.1	32.5	47.7	26.5
Reilly O'Brien (Adel)	23	81.3	12.8	12.4	85.1	82.6	2.9	2.9	1.4	1.5	4	17.9	3.1	75.8	38.6	49.5	29.2
Mark Blicavs (Geel)	19	76.9	12.4	15.8	221.3	71.9	4.2	3.4	0.9	0.5	12	18.9	4.6	30.0	10.6	36.0	26.2
Darcy Cameron (Coll)	19	74.2	10.9	13.1	129.7	62.6	3.2	3.4	1.4	1.4	5	19.4	3.2	65.1	25.8	41.7	30.0
Tom De Koning (Carl)	19	78.4	10.7	12.0	182.1	51.1	3.5	2.8	1.0	0.8	9	17.9	2.5	49.0	17.7	39.8	28.2
Sam Draper (Ess)	14	76.7	10.7	11.0	210.0	66.1	3.1	2.6	1.1	0.6	10	21.2	2.0	60.7	20.1	39.8	30.1
Brodie Grundy (Melb)	17	69.9	10.7	14.3	152.8	54.4	2.9	2.7	0.8	1.1	10	16.5	2.9	47.7	20.5	47.9	30.4
Bailey J. Williams (WC)	23	81.8	10.4	12.8	165.2	83.7	4.2	1.9	0.7	0.8	5	15.8	3.4	73.5	27.6	37.9	24.1
Rhys Stanley (Geel)	13	77.5	9.6	11.9	147.2	79.3	2.3	2.3	0.2	0.5	0	12.3	2.5	65.3	28.3	45.0	21.7
Tom Hickey (Syd)	12	73.7	9.5	12.2	134.3	78.0	3.2	2.2	0.6	0.4	0	14.6	2.4	66.5	23.7	35.9	22.2
Ned Reeves (Haw)	21	74.0	9.3	8.1	63.0	65.6	2.4	1.5	0.4	0.8	2	15.4	2.7	62.7	28.2	50.0	30.7
Hayden McLean (Syd)	22	79.5	9.1	12.3	150.7	28.5	1.3	4.4	1.5	0.9	21	20.9	2.5	31.0	9.7	32.9	23.5
Marc Pittonet (Carl)	18	69.2	8.6	9.5	69.4	69.5	3.1	1.3	0.4	0.8	0	13.2	1.8	63.0	24.8	42.0	35.0
Scott Lycett (Port)	14	69.1	8.6	10.6	103.6	73.3	4.0	1.0	0.1	0.1	0	13.9	3.7	62.9	24.7	41.4	28.9
Lloyd Meek (Haw)	16	69.9	8.5	9.6	72.0	46.4	2.1	2.2	0.8	0.7	3	13.2	3.6	48.6	18.0	42.7	29.5
Mason Cox (Coll)	19	66.4	7.7	8.2	121.7	40.6	1.2	3.6	1.5	0.8	17	16.4	1.4	37.2	17.1	49.6	27.2
Ben Miller (Rich)	13	73.6	7.6	7.3	94.9	22.2	0.8	2.4	0.5	0.5	6	13.2	2.2	23.2	8.8	40.2	30.4
Samson Ryan (Rich)	14	69.5	7.1	7.1	139.2	29.5	1.1	2.9	0.8	0.4	12	14.6	0.8	28.5	12.2	46.6	38.0
Andrew Phillips (Ess)	20	69.9	6.6	7.6	105.0	47.4	1.8	2.3	0.8	0.6	5	14.7	2.4	48.5	20.7	50.7	28.0

 

All these stats are available at:

https://www.wheeloratings.com/afl_stats.html?year=2023

All these stats are well and good, but the one that counts most for me is the centre clearance rate from about the 27minute mark of the third quarter, till the 5 miniute mark of the last in the 2021 GF.

11 hours ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Was a standout according to reports in the Dogs match sim up at Maroochydore. Kicked 4 goals. 

Let's wait and see how he goes in the season proper, but it would be very bitter sweat to see him go well for the dogs.

I wouldn't begrudge Hamesy at all really in the circumstances, but would really rather him still in the red and blue and kicking the goals for us.

21 hours ago, Macca said:

No one was foretelling that both Brown & T-Mac would end up with chronic ailments that would mean that both would miss heaps of games

Certainly not when we signed Brown nor when we extended T-Mac's contract 

It simply did not happen

After the fact, yes.  But not beforehand

As previously stated, no one can use hindsight to justify a stance.  It's like the draft revisionists.  The shouda, couda, wouda people

But if you or anyone else can point to where there was strong opposition to signing Brown & extending T-Mac's contract, I'd like to see it

Besides which, even if you do happen to find such a person the chances are that they've got a 100 things wrong as well. 

Even a broken clock is right twice a day

Certainly, the majority thinking here was happy with both decisions with Brown & T-Mac

What it is really all about is that many here love to moan.  So give these types any opportunity to have a whinge and they'll be all over it.  It's their speciality (whinging) 

Just to be clear Macca, I'm not moaning or saying that there were pleanty that foretold this scenario at the time, just saying that at their age with recent injury history at the time, it wouldn't be unreasonable or unrealistic to anticipate that they would become more injury prone in the twilight of their respective careers.

It was a risk I think the club took with a realistic view of the potential outcomes.  We might have ended up with something on the worst end of those outcomes for both players to have had injury struggles the last few years, but that how it goes.

Both were significant onfield contributors to our 2021 flag, with the roles they played that season IMHO and likewise in the subsequent seasons through lesser onfield roles and probably greater off field roles as mentors, team values etc.  I personally view us as winners to date through the contracts we signed them to and the story isn't finished yet either.

On 26/01/2024 at 12:59, Macca said:

Yes, but injuries intervened and none of us could have foretold that.  No one

And it can work the other way too

What if Dunstan & Melksham were contracted this year on reasonable money?  

I think we could have reasonably foretold that injury hampered last few years of the contracts of BBB and T Mac were reasonablely likely, given their recent history of injuries and age prior to them signing the contracts they did with us.

Still I think they have both been good value for the club for many of the reasons already discussed.  Even just having both of BBB, T Mac and Melksham around to play 6 - 10 games per year over the past couple of seasons has ment we've had some big bodies support for JVR etc, so we can develop them and play them when they're ready, not throw them against men too early.

I do certainly see leadership qualities in Pertracca (similarly for Lever and Brayshaw), but I think right now we are well served letting him focus his energy on being the best player he can be for the team, while he's at the peak of his game.

Such a shame Nev 

6 hours ago, Six6Six said:

Ther Rookie draft saw James Harmes (2), Max King (19), Alexis Georgiou (35) and Neville Jetta (50) added as rookies.

Christian Salem is now added to the list of only men still standing along with, Jack, T.Mac and the skipper.

Such a shame Nev couldn't quite maintain his place in the team to make it to the 2021 premiership side.

On 14/01/2024 at 12:18, Tracca said:

Another 2nd in time trial for Tmac..... 

On 15/01/2024 at 06:34, Tracca said:

Why? Because he's good at running  at a steady pace over 2km? Still can't move sideways. Think you need to take your rose coloured glasses off and accept that Tom is in the shape of his life and giving it a last good crack.
 

He most likely won't make the team but it's a bloody good problem to have if he does put pressure on the selectors. Stop being so pessimistic.

It's a bloody good effort for a bloke of his size and age to be still in this sort of shape, particularly when he spent a big chunk of last season injured and not being able to train to his capasity.

That sort of professionalism, attitude and resilience is the stuff that builds culture.  Regardless of his direct impact at senior AFL level I think that guys like T Mac would have a great influence on our developing players comming through  -  pitty the media scum can't write about that.  On a related note, what does it say about the media's culture to be constantly hounding and spreading innuendo about individuals going through personal issues.

18 hours ago, 58er said:

Obviously a golf accident and can play in the next 3 rounds of pennant. Nothing to answer for. Please move on everyone. 

...they'll change that rule next season.

23 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

I'm not interested in an illusive flag.  I want a real one!

Lol - I want one of those too I, but the real one has been somewhat elusive in my lifetime!

I'm getting a nagging feeling we might just explode this season.  Possibly in a bad way, but I think we could just as likely explode in a good way and not just be compeditive, but really dominate the competition on the way to that illusive flag at the G.

Starting to get a little impatient with the off season too and thinking about counting down the days till Rd 1, oh - wait does that even work?!

1 hour ago, daisycutter said:

just a golf action. happened in a fraction of a second therefore not a conscious decision.

Not sure I buy it.  From what I can gather, Guss is a pretty good golfer, so surely someone off his kind of handicap can keep it on the fairway.

Players have been aware of the need to protect the head in golf for years now, so I think he's got off lightly if he isn't sanctioned.

On 08/01/2024 at 08:51, The Jackson FIX said:

Gus reportedly hit another golfer in the head with a stray tee shot yesterday (drawing blood!).

Early speculation that the victim was in fact Bruz was quickly ruled out when it was confirmed the incident took place at Royal Melbourne, not Moe pitch and putt.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/melbourne-demons/promised-him-some-tickets-afl-stars-wayward-tee-shot-leaves-fellow-golfer-bloodied/news-story/de1cec9a00c77cb83fab9bc76ddc2aa6

He was attempting to smother - nothing to see here.

On 07/01/2024 at 11:01, demoncat said:

Laurie - from all reports he’s taken a significant step forward with his fitness (coming 3rd in the 2km time trial), which is what Judd credited for his breakthrough into the senior side last year 

We’ve been crying out for classier ball users and if Laurie can hold down a spot averaging 15-20 possessions a game (which an increased fitness base should allow him to do) it will go a long way to addressing one of our biggest areas of weakness

On 07/01/2024 at 09:29, samcantstandya said:

Which player or players do you think can step up and make an impact in 24? I reckon of the younger brigade Laurie will step up and I expect McAdam to play a forward role.

It would be great if Laurie makes it after all the past and future investment the club has made in time.

While I know those who have seen him perform at VFL level have some raps on him, however I don't think he can be compared to McVee.  One of the things that stood out to me about Judd, is that he looked at home at AFL level from day dot and hasn't looked back since. 

In my view, Laurie has gone MIA in too many of his appearances to date, to be Judd like.  Even Wowey Jnr had a quietish first outing, but IMHO, then looked pretty comfortable and quickly got involved and looked the part at AFL level - yet to really see that from Laurie.   Maybe Laurie will make that next step this year, after another preseason and the AFL game time exposure he got to last year, but I'll believe it when I see it.

7 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

I don't quite know how to say this, but he also seems to have his teeth misaligned with the rest of his face.

Doesn't like Terry Wallace to me.

On 30/12/2023 at 06:12, Ugottobekidding said:

I think Laurie is a cleaner finisher than Spargo

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.news.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-demons-forward-charlie-spargo-boasts-the-afls-best-mark-rate-from-kicks-inside-50/news-story/301768044e793a351428385997c595c6%3famp

Melbourne Demons forward Charlie Spargo boasts the AFL’s best mark rate from kicks inside 50

Granted this was 2022, but Laurie and others will be doing well to better this.

Charlie clearly showed what he's about in the final against Carlton, was one of our better players that night.

1 hour ago, FireInTheBennelly said:

If Spargo played vs the pies, we win the flag. For me it's that simple.

Agreed, much more mongrel than Laurie, who might as well not have been out there.  In fact, at this point, I don't see that Laurie offers anything different from Spargo, but with less bite.  Given the plethora of players we have around this size and skill set, I do think Laurie is going to find it difficult breaking into the team, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong.