tiers

The last touch proposed rule will be a significant blight and stain on our great game. We already have stupid rules like 50 for on the mark infringements (either stepping on the wrong blade of grass of not having a measuring tape to determine over the mark in the stand position or "insufficient intent" for a sloppy kick that bounces the wrong way). This rule will destroy the nexus between winning penalties from the contest only, not from some stupid interpretation of crazy rules. With now four field umpires on the ground, why do we need this. Scrap it and any other nonsensical idea. There was a time when our great game was officiated to reward the contest. Let's go back.

I recall that there was one year in the 80s where Robbie was leading in the Brownlow count but he missed the last 6 games of the year having broken his finger tackling an opponent who wore a lace up jumper that was fashionable for a time. Otherwise Robbie would have romped in.

Of all the players who ever played VFL/AFL for the dees (since the late 50s) only Robbie could do what no other player in the world (not just Melbourne) could do. In a world and class of his own. He will always be number one on my list. Following I would classify (in no special order) Gawn, Barassi, Schwarz, Jackovich, Oliver, Jurrah as those who were (or are) superior to all others. But Robbie rules.

I have been a demon footy tragic since Dicko was starring on the wing (RIP). Stupid, crazy and misguided tribunal decisions that affect Dees such as this week's May incident and the brutish manner in which Angus's career was stopped have caused me to lose much of my interest and affection for the great game (but never for the dees). Talk about adding a Tassie team after adding the northern teams this century might just tip me over the edge. How much garbage can a footy tragic withstand?

On any given day we can be competitive but we lack the killer skills - the ability to score heavily when on top and the ability to score clutch goals when needed. Until these return, we will remain so-so and no more.

Observations from yesterday against the kangas. I watch from high ion the stands near the wing. The longer they take to line up a kick for goal from a mark or free kick is almost directly proportional to the chances that they will miss. The 30 second wait is a pox on our great game. Watching Maxie, Tracca and Viney stuff up the ball from a ruck contest early in 2Q that we won was laughable. Trying too hard to be cute. Too many of our direct passes are intercepted and too many passes to free players in space end up being contested because the pass is too long or not to the player's advantage. (Langford's pass to Melksham is a notable exception but then HL is exceptional). Not enough players lead to the ball - standing still and waving is not a lead. Ed Langdon is wingman of rare quality who runs up and down all day - why are we wasting his talent by playing him away from the wing? By the way, so is Windsor but he is wasted in the backline. (I know there is a guy named Langford, but surely our coaches can work out a way to include all three). Am I correct that the Robert Flower Wing sign is now part of the illuminated advertising on the face of the member's? If yes, then it is only right for Robbie who lit up the whole ground when playing.

FWIW Caleb Windsor is a wingman of the highest order - he can run, kick, win the ball, crash through tackles and, like Eddie, runs up and down the field to win possessions and assist in the backline and forward line. Playing him in the backline reminds me of Robbie's time under RDB. How to ruin a champion. Let's not ruin another talent.

FWIW. We are losing games this year even with more inside 50s and more scoring shots. We can argue till the cows come home about whether it is the backs, mids, forwards or on baller who are culpable, but the fact remains that this has been going on for years and years and we have a coach and coaching panel who cannot fix it. Time for a change. Head coach, assistant coaches or boot studder. It does not matter - there must be serious change. If Goody can't show us he can fix it, then he might have to go. Sad but true.

FWIW there was in the 70s a forward at toiges who did not prosper and was traded to the swannies. He still did not prosper until he was switched from FF to the ruck. He ended up winning the brownlow. His name was Graeme (Graham?) Teasdale. Why not try?

If only we could get Jesse back as well. If only.

Maxie has said that it is done and dusted. I believe him. He is my captain and I support him unconditionally. So should we all.

No no no never. Getting free kicks from an accident is grossly unfair and detracts from the beauty and spirit of the game. Change boundary throw ins so that there is an even, competitive contest that is not ugly. No wrestling.

The boundary throw-ins are a disgrace. The ball is tossed higher than they need be which diminishes the distance traveled and takes too long. How often are the ruckmen required to run in tio reach the ball above ground level? Its ugly and destroys the spectacle and purpose of boundary ruck work. Toss the ball lower, further and quicker and change the rules to encourage ruckmen to avoid the ugly wrestle and return to the days when the ruckmen ran in and competed in the air.

One thing that stood out yesterday against the swanettes was the return of Eddie Langdon's running game. He seemed to be everywhere on both sides of the ground. I have always thought that his running game was a big part of our 2021 success. Go Eddie go. GO DEES.

Taking 30 seconds to set up for a shot at goal is ruining goal kicking. Watch the old replays - guys like Wade, Hudson, Lockett, Ablett, Jesaulenko who all kicked 100 goals in a season did not need a long lead time. Get on with the game and stop looking at the screen for seconds remaining. Practice quicker set up time and forget about the clock. Kicking for goal will improve, just you see.