tiers

Brendan McArtney's role is development coach. He helped create cats dynasty and then set up doggies for Bevo. He once told me it takes 5 years to develop a modern league footballer. The late Dean Bailey said it takes 70-80 games together to build a strong team. It fits the pattern of long slow but effective development. Given the youth and potential of our list and the development offered by the club, I am expecting a breakout in 2020. I will wait. Go dees.

Tracca's kicking is sometimes questionable, especially for goal, but it was his vision to spot Melksham and his ability to deliver a long, direct pass off one step that sets him apart. He makes good choices under pressure and can deliver over long distances. He also seems to be better balanced to kick from a standing start Harmes' pass to Kent was also a gem as was Kent's pass earlier in the match at the other end. Reminiscent of some of nibbler's short passes to advantage. It is the ability to make and execute good choices that sets elite players apart from just good players. Our numbers are growing. The real question is whether the change in game plan as a result of Jesse's absence caused them to look for alternatives. As Bay R said, long bombs on top of Jesse's head would have cost us the game like so many times this year eg. game 1 against cats where the opposition set up their slingshot and catch us out in defence. Go dees.

Nothing like 87. In 87 there were no expectations and we made the finals by winning the last 6 games in a row and relied on other results to favour our challenge. In the second half of the season, Northey had finally settled on a winning combination and set up. Who would ever have believed that Chiron and Koop were so capable. The back six in 87 are the equal of any defence of any club since then. Jackson had come from nowhere as a goal kicking rover. The best way to describe the change over the season is to reflect on the half back line. At the start of the season our best HB line comprised R White Icke Giles. By the end of the season it was, in its best iteration, Lovett Spalding Grinter. That was the transformation that Northey wrought. By comparison, 2018 has been a year of steady progression and improvement. As for the player comparison, no one, not even Clarry, should be compared to the incomparable and magnificent Robbie. He stands apart from all other players we have had the pleasure to watch in a universe of his own. RIP Robbie. Go dees.

No. Carlton's Ralph was a shooting star. Did nothing. Dean got injured and lost a career. Look at how he starred in the 87 finals. Could kick long but could also take a mark at CHF and could move at ground level..

Re: Hannan Comparing him to Yze and Healey is an outrageous call, even for one half of a game. Nothing like Dean who was a classic key forward in the days when key forwards were important. On the other hand, Mitch offers pace, skill, marking ability, football smarts and a nose for a goal and can be hard to match. Re: Frost If it is true that the players have been instructed to let him play to his strengths ie hard attack on the ball, solid marking and exciting pace and to avoid calling him to switch or attempt any other "cutesy" play, then it reminds me of 2006 Swannie LRT who was treated similarly by Roos. In the GF he played his role at CHB to frustrate his opponents and his teammates were there to back him up and win the ball. Finally some thoughtful and considered coaching. Frosty can be a real weapon and can demolish opponents with his strength and run. Let him alone in that role and let his teammates back him up.

The most successful teams need only one. Think of Paul Kell (swans), Voss, Hird, Gary jnr, Hodge. Garry would often go on the ball to fill the role for us. They need a combination of determination, leadership and skill and the ability to inject themselves into the game at a critical moment. Remember Voss monstering a filth player in the centre in one of the grand finals? Changed the game. So far, we have no-one at this level and I cannot see any young player stepping up at this stage. While most can demonstrate determination and skill, there is still a leadership deficit because they are so young and inexperienced as leaders. It takes time and maturity for leaders to evolve. Be patient. In the meantime, the emerging dispersed ability within our team can be a potent substitute and can overcome deficiencies in leadership. Let's develop the players so that they all influence games.

Our list is as good as anyone else but what we lack is 50-70 games TOGETHER as a unit to develop experience and understanding. FCOL it is Clarry's, Tracc's and Gus's third season (allowing for Tracca and Gus losing a year to injury). Hibbert and Melksham are in their second year in this unit, Lever has at least one full season to get to know his mates, Spargo is in his first year (and shows the goods to become a classy rover), Fritsch, Hunt and Frosty have played only a handful of games together as a back line unit and so non. Swans beat us with experience - knowing where to run and where to kick - their core group have been playing together as a unit for years. Think of how long it took the cats and toiges to gel into dominant teams. Can't wait for 2020.

We were spread out beyond breaking point on the wide ground. Our best attack is spreading opposition teams on the run from defence to attack. If we are denied this opportunity, were lose poise and momentum and have to score through chance and individual brilliance of our forwards. What still irritates me is that, although we were out thought and out played, we still had more inside 50s and more scoring shots and, but for a disfunctioning goal radar, could have, and probably should have, won as we lost by only 9 points. Our style of play is an enigma to me. I hope that there is a long term plan as I do not expect success until at least 2020 as the team gains experience with itself.

Hunt runs into the f50 and passes badly. Another wasted opportunity. It's time to implement a team/game plan - if free and balanced within 40-45, then shoot. No need to think, no need to be concerned about "hungry" accusations, no need for teammates to put doubt into your mind. JUST KICK THE BALL AT THE GOALS. Better to have had a shot than to squander/butcher another attacking move without even having a shot. As for set shots, disregard the 30 sec time clock. To maintain momentum, get settled and shoot. 30 sec delay can mess with minds. Coleman, Hudson, Lockett, Ablett didn't need 30 sec. Jesse is a special case. He has a tendency to veer right in the last few steps to kick across his body and curve the ball in. This is how he kicks naturally (so does Franklin) and should be encouraged. But he should start to swing out earlier in his run so it is less abrupt and destabilising.

At least twice this year we have lost games due to poor selection and planning in the backline. Against saints, a first gamer was selected (instead of Frost) and left one out on the last line twice in the last quarter allowing them two goals. Why was he selected? Why was he left alone without support? Who was not thinking? We lost by 2 points. Twice today swans got goals from kicks to unguarded defensive goals square and bounced through. Where was the goal keeper/backstop? Who was not thinking? We lost by 9 points. When both Clarry and Spargs had good shots under pressure, swans had a goal keeper to cut off the score and launch a counter attack. How hard is it for us to do the same. Why on earth did we draft Lewis if not to be the leader of the backline to guide and be an on ground general to ensure that we have a proper structure? Where is the coaching staff to coach simple defensive measures? Who is in charge? Two goals in each of the two games has now cost us two potential wins that would have secured a spot in the eight and maybe better. If we do make the finals I will look back on these six moments and think deeply about who was asleep at the wheel. Even if we fall in, I will be cursing. Go dees.

Two comments. No matter when the rankings were made, Hogan has to be within the top 100. Currently so should Gus. Whilst we may have the largest number of ranked players, our game plan and style are still ranked low. Get more games into the team and find a cunning rat style assistant (preferably an old style back pocket scragger like the Scotts, Sheeds, Clarko, Malty) to sit with Goody.

Don't need to follow other teams' tactics. Just need our forwards to read the opposition's spoils because they raely try to mark the ball but go the spoil that almost always go directly to their crumbers. Where are our crumbers?

To limit the effect of the interchange, each team must rotate a different player to sit on the bench for the whole of each quarter. Having only three interchange players per quarter might limit the overuse and abuse of the interchange. If the effect is not enough, the number on the bench for the quarter can be raised to two. At some point the crowding should ease. Further, introduce a rule that no player may be interchanged more than once each quarter. These rule changes should reduce the amount of congestion at packs as players will seek to conserve energy. It's easy to run to every contest if a player knows that a rest is coming. If these rule changes have the expected effect the afl can stop blighting our great game with the nonsensical alternatives considered by Shocking this week. For once, Bucks is right (written through clenched teeth).

While the runners are on the ground a team has 19 effective men on the ground filling space. I suggest that the afl should allow as many runners on the ground as the coaches decide but, for the time that each runner spends on the field, a player must leave the field and sit on the bench. Exceptions only for breaks due to goals and other interruptions. The coaches will try to find a way to game the system but, with the prospect of fewer than 18 players on the ground , they should give up and learn to pass messages through the interchange.

How long is it since we have had a blonde haired cheeky rover? Too long. Spargo plays like an old style rover in that he is quick, runs hard, makes good decisions and knows how to kick a goal. With natural improvement and the protection of the midfield that will allow him to prosper out of the heat in the middle he has great potential so long as we find a role for him.

No comparison with Bernie's situation. Bernie became a poor contributor, made too many mistakes and generally harmed the team. Nathan Jones is still making good contributions to the team with his hard running and long kicking, especially through the centre. He is rarely beaten and runs to good positions to offer options for the team. Given that he is no longer the core of the so called engine room (thanks to Clarry, Gus, James and Tracca), his output and influence might have been reduced but never his effort and will to win. It is also clear that the FD is still experimenting with his new role. It would be against his natural instinct to be wasted as a tagger as he is still too good a runner and link player. But perhaps, like many champions before him, he will find a role in the forward line.

The razer/Gus low five was an uplifting Footy Moment where our great game displayed its real values. Two participants recognising and acknowledging the lighter side of the game. There should be more.

After Robbie, for pure exposed God given talent (not durability), I say: David Schwarz (for all round skill and the ability to to remake and rebuild his game after injury and be a champion twice) Allen Jackovich and Liam Jurrah (equal as sublime forwards each in his own way) Clayton Oliver (enough said) The rest.

It is not fair to compare anyone with Robbie. He played in a much higher universe to mere mortals. Clarry and Bails will develop their own games that, we hope, will maximise their own unique talents and abilities. It's just that Clarry seems to be in a rush.

I did read in breakdown of free kicks given to all teams ....Melb received the most goals from frees in their forward 50...(courtesy ofHerald Sun) Thanks to Deestar9. We will have to find a new conspiracy theory.

Where we once had the stab pass we now have the Clarry Pass. Low, flat, hard, fast, direct, accurate onto the chest, over long distance and performed at full speed. Others (Salem) can pass the ball perfectly but none with as much authority and class. The kicks to Neal-Bullen, Garlett and Tracca as well to kick his goal were as attractive and effective as those from the past. To go with his ball winning ability, hand passing, tackling, running and field kicking, are there any other so far unrevealed sublime skills to come? What a joy to watch.

6. Gawn - dominant and dominating 5. Oliver - exquisite and unique skills and abilities. Best handballer is also best kick. 4. Brayshaw - never stops moving and attacking 3. OMac - never passed or beaten 2. Gawn - best tapwork for long time 1. Gawn - deserves more than 6

On Wednesday tiers wrote under Umpires Report: If we could only get maximum return from our inside 50s and not squander them as against Geelong, GC, St K, PA and Freo we would not need to add much to our backline and we would have three more wins. Dare to dream. Nice to know the hun reads this site. Acknowledgement would be nice.

If we could only get maximum return from our inside 50s and not squander them as against Geelong, GC, St K, PA and Freo we would not need to add much to our backline and we would have three more wins. Dare to dream.

No need to explain *. It's obvious.