Engorged Onion

well for gods sake @layzievjudging on that first sentence - you get the reality of sport...but then you go on as if you don't.. If you understand that teams can show desire, commitment and still lose a match (and it seems there is no right way to lose, as there is always mental weakness as a byproduct for some)...then what is to be genuinely dissatisfied about. Aside from 1 match - we've been up to our necks in all matches... isn't that the 'level of commitment' you're after. People keep confusing losses for a lack of endeavour or care.... from both, players and the fd.

do you really think they're not motivated? really? coaches and athletes can still care, still be determined, stlll be 'hungry', still want to win, and actually not win.

you're very right, thanks for pulling me in to line, with the dark dark reality of the situation

I get the notion of minimising risk.. (and it really does feel its a directive from coaching staff) going for those little kicks - but jeez - a big one from 45 and beyond... a) it looks good on tele - b) it looks good at the ground, c) it changes how the opposition 'must' defend d) it lifts the crowd e) surely, as a teammate it's awesome to see your mate out there doing that, and the good vibes that come

reckon cp5 is pi$$ed? or a begrudging acceptance?

the psychs role is far more forensic than what is written in that book @billyblanks29, and I am not meaning to be condescending. The role is to remove psych barriers that impinge on performance (not give more 'skills') - moreso, helping the athlete be task focused, not when it's easy, but when it is difficult - helping the athlete (and coaches) not get caught up in their stuff (ie: mindfulness and self reflection) helps them in game moments, when the chatter gets loud and they go into safety behaviours (which removes discomfort, but doesnt help outcomes). the problem is the need to feel good when executing task - vs the reality of high pressure sport which is highly uncomfortable. One example would be goal kicking: Thought = "dont want to miss this" action = tighten up on goal kicking action ...stab at a ball short term relief = feel vaugley less stressed while kicking it outcome = more likely to miss vs being accepting that your head will say Thought = "dont want to miss this" action = have the discomfort and kick fully through it anyway (the self reflection and mindful part) outcome = get the goal mood/confidence/vibe, whatever you want to call it - increases = make it easier next time

are you part of the FD mate?

im not even wanting to comment on your quote - just acknowledge your 'handle' - hilarious!

So... I see Richmond are 'resting' some players against Essendon... http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-08-16/safetyfirst-for-tigers-with-midfielder-ruled-out the pessimist in me..etc etc etc etc

They’ve had one for a few years - not sure what capacity per se - David Williams.

a little cipher. v = vibe k = knowledge f = you're a family member nfi-iass = no idea, i like stirring. pick one...

do you know his skin folds? maybeeez he has big bonez?

it feels as though in the last 15 years we've had numerous leave to go on and win flags.. feels like its more than other clubs... i know its not quite the same question... Personally, Darren Jolly would have been more than handy... steven armstrong another

seems pretty fair, and to keep the riff going... where's that parish bloke?

100% agree @demoniac - I remember Hawkins was pilloried for the first 3/4 seasons of his career - and that was a decade ago...same narrative happens... we all 'know' that key talls take longer - unless you are a freak genetically (Hogan) - but we still want awesomeness straight away.

For mine, he looks quite elegant.

1 and a bit goals a game methinks...

As I was writing the post I was thinking about it for other clubs also - so perhaps it's a moot point anyway?

Maybe I'm a pessimist - I think we've only got 4 players that can step up and turn a game - and 'drag the rest of the team along' - those that would be willing and have capacity to do so. Gawn, Oliver, TMAC and Viney when fit. It might be a reductionists way of looking at it - but I still don't think we've got the cattle at this point in time....with all due respect to the 40-60 game players. Again the off season will be exciting to see what/if we can get some silk...

I've got a vibe that he is out of the club, no info, just a vibe - not that he isn't wanted, but the pragmatism of the horse trading at the end of year, is to get some value, but him leaving would be for him on his terms - back to WA of course. Personally, I'm happy to have Hogan at the club, and I'm also happy if he chooses to leave - as I am sure what we would get in return would be of great value. And the only thing I have to base it on is his demeanour - mind you - it may not be about Melbourne (place and club) he may have that demeanour no matter where he is - that is - looks aloof/disinterested/ when he presents in the media. Anyone else feel the same way?

I hear what you're saying @Redleg - and everyone knows (Football department, supporters) its a win loss industry. But if you like numbers (which I do) - there is still sophistication and nuance in understanding the WHY of the wins and the losses that people like to revel in.

Valid point @Rogue, it got me thinking about how Goodwin has gone about it sans Lever - maybe Goodwin is looking large scale consistently. Supporters see stubborness, which is fair enough, perhaps Goodwin says players play the role whatever, irrespective of who comes in to fill the role - to learn the role on game day - even at the overall expense of 'potentially' losing a match. Because its about learning the craft under pressure on game day, in the system that he thinks works. Now... the system would presumably work really bloody well if Lever and Hibbered were in... and they're not, and this is the discrepency - no players who would typically fill the void - so you bring in someone else (petty, smith, frost, pederson) you then start rejigging the system to accomodate their lesser skill sets - and that then throws everything else out of balance...a cascade effect if you will - for the worse.

Blicavs is the new Green...

taking the urine surely @pewpewpew

I'm still comfortable we will beat West Coast over there...