tiers

JMac was a rookie. Robbo was drafted because he took a screamer. Let's hope Olies' talents are just evolving too.

What else but 22 games at the MCG on Saturday afternoons. I know we have not played well at the G recently but, after a few games, we should be able to find our mojo and start to dominate at home. Anything else is detrimental to our chances.

Got my package today. Scarf, ticket, stickers and 35 year pin. I have retained the annual scarf since they started. Could make a nice quilt although 2021 will always remain single and brought out only for special occasions. GO DEES

There is no certainty that four or more umpires will make fewer mistakes. Until the rules and the interpretations are simplified and made more "user friendly" no amount of umpires will solve the problem. For example, prior opportunity should mean what it says - a single, once only, one off prior opportunity to dispose of the ball. For fairness, the tackle should be sufficiently strong to [censored] the player with the ball. Simple rule, interpretation and application. However, it is true that umpires on the field often pick up infringements that are only seen in slow motion replays because of their proximity to the action. On the other hand, they often miss infringements that are only seen in slow motion replays. Four umpires will not remove this anomaly. Although it is rare for the players to not "get it" after a free kick is paid although they might object. I hope that there will be a time when the AFL stops trying to "micro manage" the game. Our great game of footy is great enough.

They can play bridge. Same as umpiring. Educated guesses.

Except for the spring and autumn carnivals when the real group 1 horses race. The rest of the year and for all non-metropolitan races I agree.

Fritta's role is to kick goals. I believe that his eyes and mind are always on a goal kicking opportunity. That he once ignored Tracc in a better position is not a failure. He was just doing his job. It falls to his team mates to support him in this role by shepherding, leading oppos away, loud voices etc. Six goals in a premiership buys a lot of indulgence..

It would all stop if the players were prepared to take a pay cut for the amount that gambling promotion delivers to the AFL. I am not holding my breath.

Using the real estate analogy, it's not how he starts but how he finishes. So long as he comes good for the finals (as in 2021) we will be OK. If not, then we have the opportunity to find and develop alternatives who are likely to be need for 2024.

Five (or even fifty five) so called hand picked experts will still not get it right. Only the umpires are at the "coal face" and can know who is trying hard and influencing the game. From over then fence who can tell? And in any event, where can the AFL find 45 so called experts every week. Each one vulnerable to outside influences. Cannot, should not ever happen. The only real solution is to ban or restrict betting on the Brownlow. I know that illegal betting will go on but it then becomes a police issue as having legal betting doesn't seem to stop the crooks. Too much betting on footy. Can only corrupt the game.

Can take a mark, can kick goals, has a second effort and has a footy brain. We live in hope for his success.

I hope you are right but he still hasn't played a senior game.

Too much hit and miss. Requires all of them to fire at the same time. Do you reckon giving away Hunter and Schache for next to nothing might impact on their window? I do.

Ed Langdon changed our game plan. His constant up and down running to support the midfield as well as his preparedness to back the back line and then run forward and present as a target in the forward line sets him apart from any other player. Pity he can only play one side. So we have recruited Hunter in the hope that he will emulate Ed's play on the other side. One Ed Langdon is great, two would be out of this world. GO DEES

As Tim Lamb says, it's his versatility that is attractive. Is taller than Weid, can play forward or back and has proven that he is a goal kicker in the VFL. Could also be cover for the injury depleted BBB. Sadly, Weid never did. With some intense coaching and training, could do well and surprise.

It has always been the best position that the 23 who played on GF day deserve to be acknowledged and this should, inter alia, include being on the team photo forever, being on the ground at the end and receiving a premiership medallion. It has always been the best position that those who didn't play but contributed to the team's success, be it players who either played in the 22 in at least one match or trained with the squad, on field support such as coaches, runners, physios, doctors, trainers, water providers etc, should also receive some form of recognition as contributors to the teams success. This could take the form of a ring, special certificate, inclusion in official photo of the club or some other momento. Personally, I like a ring that can be worn with pride and fellowship.

Trapper's sublime skill (never seen in another player) was to be able to kick to a position on the field that would drag the player to the ball. That he did not fulfill his promise was due more to the inability of the coaches and his team mates to recognise and play to his strengths. As for talent - no one comes close to Robbie. But Trapper is in the next group.

So Schache is at least a proven goal kicker - neither Weid nor Brown matched this number. Cross fingers.

We have often commented on how May and Lever provide in game on field leadership to the backline. Who might provide similar on field leadership to the forward line? Tell players when and where to lead, create space with blocking, direct passes from upfield and possibly many more. Just stating that a player has to "compete more, show more heart" doesn't solve the problem if he does not know how. All the skills in the world cannot replace a footy brain. It's time we anointed someone for this role. Maybe a more forward line oriented Maxie? In the GF I noticed a number of times that ANB was giving instructions to team mates. Is he the one? Who else can be considered?

What seems to have been missed in these discussion is the admission by Bassat and co (is he really the CEO of Seek the employment people?) that they had not provided the best environment that they could for Ratten to be able to excel eg. poor drafting, poor trading, poor back office, poor everything else. What a joke they are. Even worse than we were. At least we tried, albeit without wit or wherewithal. How was he expected to perform well if the club could not perform first? Send the sainters to Tasmania until they show they are worthy of our respect. Better still, exile them to Tasmania forever. They give Victorian clubs a bad name.

Both toiges and catties are old teams with plenty due to either retire or hit the wall in the next couple of years. They are trying to poach and warehouse replacements for old tired bodies. But the new ins are not as good as those going out. Our "ins" are not selected to replace old tired warriors but are selected to enhance our current list that apart from maybe Hibbo and Milkshake will be playing on for some time.

Yes. The key is injuries that hurt us badly in 2022. Even when stricken at the end of the year we were still able to lead in most games but could not persist and prevail. Even a 50% improvement in injuries will put us at the top of the heap. As for changes - Schache at least played some games (and was selected in their top 22 for the GF) whereas Weid played very few and was never in the top 22; if Hunter plays to his potential it will free up Angus for other roles (midfield or HB); Grundy is a better ruckman than dogga, 10cm taller, can take marks in the forward line and will have his mind on impressing the coach, not going home. All systems go. GO DEES

I have read recent speculation about the imminent introduction of a five man interchange bench. If this come to pass, then the Maxie and Brodie combination could be greatly enhanced. Imagine a fully rested ruckman at nearly all contests and less interference to our key forwards by Maxie flying for marks in the forward line when resting. For once the AFL might get it right.

1. 1964 grand final 2. 1987 qual final against NM 118 point smashing after missing finals for 23 years. 3. 1998 v lolly blues when Ox kicked 5 goals in a quarter in comeback from 3 knee recos. 4. 2008 v freo comeback and Aussie's celebration 5. Any game with Robbie.

I used to rely on chronology and alphabetical order - Brad was appointed before Chris. Now it will be reverse chronology. Messes with my mind.