tiers

Let's face it. In 2024 and 2025 neither Trac nor Clarrie were dominant in our wins as, for example, Maxie or Cozzie. I believe that Tracca is still recovering from his injury (even if only mentally) and Clarrie is disillusioned because this year they treated him disrespectfully like a spare parts player and tagger instead of the outstanding champion he has been. Trying to get him to conform to team plans might only stifle his game. Time to play off his strengths and let him run free. He is that good. They have lost their respective mojos. While I don't want to see them go out of loyalty, if it allows others to step up and perhaps develop into leading players, then so be it. If they end up staying, I will not be upset but will welcome them. GO DEES

A path to rationalising the interchange and sub rule. Maximum four on the bench with one player each quarter nominated as the sub ie cannot be part of the rotation. If a player is to be subbed out, it must be at a break (QT, HT,3QT). Reduce the number of interchange to, say, no more than 10 per quarter and no player can be interchanged more than once per quarter. That'll slow them down. Further, any player that is subbed out in a match is automatically precluded from playing in the next match (not week in case of a bye) so that strategic subs are seriously reduced if not eliminated. Remember that the cagiest and sneakiest participants in our great game are the coaches who will find a way to stretch and game any new rule. To make it tougher, any player subbed in must play in the next match. That'll mess with their minds. And given that there must also be four different subs (one per quarter) the 4D chess becomes even more complex. Why not? I commend this new approach.

If only he could bounce the ball with his left hand. It is so like Robbie that I nearly weep. Robbie was better than any other player I have seen since the 50s by several orders of magnitude. GOAT does not do him justice.

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.