Rodney (Balls) Grinter

Maybe, but seems T Mac, May and Disco can all play in the same team - well at least sometimes (Carltons plethora of tall forwards may have something to do with it).

Largely Agree Re T Mac Vs Lever. I understood the rationale at the time, but in hindsight, it was a bit of a punt that didn't pay off. Lever has looked underdone and struggled to get back to his best form since he returned. Also at the time T Mac was dropped, we still had a sniff of finals in our season and he just might have made enough difference to get us a few more wins and we'd still be in it. But everything is clear and beautiful in hindsight hey. The calculation these days is that quality players like Lever, Viney, Trac etc don't usually need a run in the twos to get back in form, but I do wounder if it wouldn't be a prudent move sometimes in marginal circumstances. It's also somewhat disappointing that T Mac may well not get the opportunity to get to 250 games, when in alot of ways I think he deserves that honour, but will likely fall just a few short. Conversely I'd also like to see Adams blooded before the season is out.

When I played juniors I recall assistant coach who had played U19s footy for Collingwood back in the 70s (Bruce Armstrong I recall) who gave us the advice based on his playing days that if you can't reach to punch the ball, then punch the inside of their arm, such that even if they hold the mark, at the end of the day they will have a sore/brused arm. That's pretty much the Collingwood way right?

Totally agree. The other aspect is when the ball spills free and is taken away by the team that incorrectly disposed of it and becomes part of a quality forward ball movement chain. The tackling team is actually disadvantaged in these instances, which is counter to what should be the case. With respect to holding the ball in general, I feel that the AFL has also let it slip on two aspects: The time allowed to dispose of it has gone up drastically from the 80s; Players are being allowed to dive on the ball and being penalised in very few instances, which is also a significant relaxation from when that rule was bought in. Only if it gets raked back in blatantly are the always called or at others its a lottery; The impact of 1 & 2 is to slow up and bottle up the game more.

Great article. My favourite quote Re his preference for playing forward or back: "I love playing both positions, so as long as we're winning games I honestly don't mind where I play," Turner said. Top attitude, which I really hope is shared by all our players

Typical. Clarko is a C [censored].

If Lever isn't right physically, then it's well time to rest him and/or get him operated on and get him right for next year. He doesn't need more exposure at AFL level to be a great player. Give the opportunity to those that need it (Adams) or those that deserve it (T Mac). If he's just out of form, then he needs to suck up a few weeks at Casey like anyone else. He's always been painted as a great leader, so that really shouldn't be beyond him. If it is, then trade him for someone with real leadership qualities (but I don't think that's the case).

Never ...in ...doubt

Seriously for the love of God, just play T Mac every game between now and the end of season if he's fit. Way more impactful than Lever is at the moment and deserves to end his career on a high if he doesn't go round next year (which I feel he possibly could, but probably won't).

I honestly thought both Fritta and Tracs lack of defensive intensity in the first quarter was woeful. Did think they somewhat redeemed themselves by the end of the game, but seriously when we were on a hiding to nothing after 4 losses on the trot, you'd hope they would have showed a lot more endeavour and despiration - it's almost like they think that's beneath them. If they want inspiration, just look at T Mac up the other end of the ground.

Kozzie got 3 weeks for something that was a clumsy footy act. Xerrie should get 4 - 6 weeks. But he won't.

Go figure right! The joys of following the MFC. Lol

Just about BOG for us at this point.

Has anyone got some tissues for @picket fence ?

Seriously Petracca, Fritta just let them walk the ball out of our forward line, no pressure. Not good enough - how about a bit of desperation? Pertracca is just hanging out for loose balls in the forward line. Drop them both and let them rot at Casey.

Think this is an important game for morale. My take on the past 3 - 4 weeks is that while we havent exactly put the cue in the rack, we've been happy to prioritse blooding new players and perhaps being willing to cop the hits on the scoreboard in an attempt to persevere with ball movement methods in game conditions. Comes a time where loosing week after week has a debilitating effect and we really need to get another win on the board.

Yes agree effective, but wasteful.

Good old fashioned plastic membership card never let's me down (except for the two I lost at the start of the season 🙄)

You mean like it was before we dropped him?

Yeah, like tipping against your side, you don't mind loosing the cash if we win and at least you have the consolation of the bet if we loose.

Pick 26 was pretty good for Jack Viney. I see similar in Kalani to Jack, in so far as he has grown up loving the club, wants it to succeed and being mentored by one of it's greats. I know Taylor and Co do highly value attitude over talent and I think Kalani has alot going for him in this respects. Similarly, I don't think we should undervalue father son players being invested in the club, as opposed to being just the first team that drafted them out of the U18s. The draft can be something of a lottery anyway.

Now you're getting the hang of it Ghosty and my name's not Ron or Rod!

You can actually purchase them straight off the internet here: https://splashswimwear.com.au/products/aboriginal-flag?srsltid=AfmBOoqJZzfOpZM2ehyikc0H3WqkWgfd3kV1Ppz-1gwVH3LmdzrroGN9

Just don't tell Jed Adams

100% I think put T Mac in that same category. Guys like this are worth their weight in gold for club culture. We're not too top heavy with aging players, so I'd be giving T Mac and Melky another gig for as long as they're still wanting to play and producing the sort of form that has them on the cusp of senior selection, which it certainly still is in both those cases.