Engorged Onion

Oh! I just scrolled back - nice to see we shared that immediate response, and probable smile to ourselves as we reflect on the couch watching the game. Even if you go off early Tim, someone is always satisfied 😇

Statement: Long time since anyone has kicked 4 goals against Geelong, from Mr Brayshaw as Charlie Curnow popped it though... Ahhh drifting back in my memory to Max Gawns magnificent 5 in the Semi Final of 21... that'd be when! 😍

Over the last 48 hours or so, and particularly after listening the podcast last night, I have been pondering the potential evolution of how we play, and more importantly why we are now (albeit 1 regular season and 2 pre-season games) doing things so apparently differently in the forward half. Primary focus over time (at least overtly mentioned to the public) Goodwin initially wanted to build from the contest out, and we have been well supported by the calibre of players that we have obtained, in being able to achieve that (2017-2020) focus on defensive capabilties first and honing those skills (2017-2020) focus on transitioning without ball (2019-2021) focus on forward 'connection' (2020-202... Now all these things have significantly improved - and clearly all these are ongoing works in progress, these are merely illustrative time frames. What I am interested in now is about the last point - and the delivery and 'positive risk' to now seemingly to deliberately choose to NOT kick to pockets and play the percentages of minimising options for the defence should they obtain the ball with choices of lanes to get out of the D50. To my surprise, this to me was exemplified by Charlie Spargo's goal on the run from 40... it was a surprise to me because, not that the bloke cant kick far (he can), it's presumably being because he has historically being told to hit someone up.... that feels like a significant shift in philosophy. I wonder if this is less about a reaction to how we went last year, but this was ALWAYS going to occur once a range of our young 'starlets' (Pickett, Spargo, Chandler/Bedford(😔) eg) worked their way deeper into the system, and their capacity grew. I can't help but think that this has been an evolution which directly corresponds to where the list is at in maturity (ie: capacity to execute specific tasks/roles, and stamina over the length of both game, and season, rather than a response to being risk averse for the sake of being risk averse into the forward line. I dont know if we will ever get an answer, but (any coaches out there) there would surely be a version of a forensic '5 year plan, looking at what skills need to be developed, and what can occur each time we/the players 'level up', and what do we refine next. Not only from a skill acquisition perspective, but from a tactical perspective taking into account the players increased capacity to hold up to to the demands and rigor of the game. Cheerio, and Go Dees.

I really appreciate that analysis, that's a good lens to look at a players output and inclusivity.

Is that Unicorn a bit of a cheeky slap to Jackson? Pretty sure the Dees Marketing Dept. correspondence had a couple of 'Jackson is a Unicorn' banter over the last few years. Not sure they have called Grundy one previously... hmmmmm

I actually think it could 😇

sounds just like any muppett on here whinging about Tom. CHATGPT response... Subject: Disappointed with Tom MacDonald's Performance in Melbourne's Win Against the Western Bulldogs Dear fellow footy fans, I am writing this forum post to express my disappointment with Tom MacDonald's performance in Melbourne's recent win against the Western Bulldogs on March 18th, 2023. As a die-hard Melbourne supporter, I was ecstatic when we came out on top against one of the toughest teams in the league. However, I couldn't help but feel upset with MacDonald's lackluster form throughout the game. Tom MacDonald is known for his prowess in the forward line, but during the game, he seemed to be struggling to find his footing. He missed several easy marks and failed to convert a few crucial goals. In fact, he only managed to score one goal in the entire game, which was far below his usual standards. As a fan, it's frustrating to watch a player who is capable of so much more deliver such an underwhelming performance. I understand that every player has off days, but MacDonald's lack of form was particularly disappointing given the significance of the game. Melbourne had a chance to cement their position as one of the top teams in the league, and MacDonald's inability to perform at his best may have cost us the opportunity to do so. Of course, I don't mean to undermine the efforts of the rest of the team, who played exceptionally well throughout the game. The likes of Gawn, Oliver, and Petracca delivered some impressive performances, which ultimately helped us secure the win. However, as a supporter, I can't help but feel upset at MacDonald's form, especially considering his potential to be a game-changer. In conclusion, while I am thrilled with Melbourne's win against the Western Bulldogs, I can't help but feel disappointed with Tom MacDonald's performance. I hope that he can bounce back in the next game and deliver the type of form that we know he is capable of. Thanks for reading,

From Chat GPT "A possible alternative to using "girls" when yelling support to a women's football team would be to use "women," "ladies," or "players." Using any of these terms shows respect for the players' gender and emphasizes their athletic ability and skill, rather than focusing on their gender." 🤣

This thread isn’t a place for considered statements methinks…

Ripping album - a couple of current Demon nod's there Sparky's Dream Discolite

I've missed this thread. It'll be interesting to see what the 2023 iteration will look like for the team as a whole as the season unfolds. #goodtopicforconjecture 😇 Calling @binman 📞 Go Dees and good luck to Laurie and McVee.

It's hard to fathom that it's 'evidence' of anything. Still, it gets people talking I suppose...

I suspect there was a tacit understanding (or not even tacit) within the club the Jackson was leaving. And from the clubs perspective, that's cool - because they're actually quite good at understanding that peoples situations change, and from a commercial perspective - Jackson was always going to get a good return... just like any person who is recruited from interstate and then chooses to go home, that is always a possibilty - but you still get the best available because you will a) get a good return typically and b) career coaches and players are not bound by supporters attachment to the colours of their team. After all, it's just a job, for our viewing pleasure.

My mother tells the story of being a trainee teacher in Portland and discussing the life and death of Ronald Ryan with a class. One student chooses to excuse herself from the room for the remainder of the class. Turns out she was the daughter of Ronald under a different name...

I opened this thread hoping for a treatise on the death of football vernacular since the 1980's - namely 'tiggy touch wood' for an undeserved free kick.

Happy birthday Simon, are you still the right guy? 😏

Thanks for acknowledging Troy. x

Presume I am not the only one that sees the surname Satan and figures he will be a great fit...

Because forums are about opinions without evidence...

Western Bulldogs Hierarchy Stiff. "Now Mitch, we know you [censored] that handball on the 50 in the Grand Final that would have broken the Dee's hearts... and you are a professional footballer, and you shouldn't make those mistakes in high pressure situations. Anyway we were going to de-list you. But before we do, I happened to be trawling on the internet. I have a guilty pleasure... Mariah Carey... remember back in the early 90's and she released an Xmas CD - it was my fave.... anyway I stumbled across 'My Heart Will Go On'...let me tell you - I can belt it out... anyway, there was this video clip of YOU Mitch, YOU, running down the wing against the Cats as that premiership gumby Blicavs fell over... and you smashed that goal... that must have been incredible. Anyway, I didn't know that about you, clearly our intel is lacking.... and that my friend is a long long boring segue to get to the main thrust of this monologue., Sigh...our intel is still lacking... Got any hot tips for blokes that could play on our wing?"

I think the nuance is around being physically tired, sore, niggles vs impact injuries...

For the love of god... 😂

what's a mom?

You can see there is a difference in that statement though I appreciate that many other people find them super important - including one of my personal favourites and the influence on his career and life Paul Weller, however me personally, The Beatles are tepid, middling and uninteresting ... and I've tried. Blackbird is bloody cool though... Prefer Nick Drake... but maybe cause I'm miserable :)

What about their Album though?