The Chief

Spargo in the first quarter, Punt Rd end of the Warne stand forward pocket was a good example. Sized up the goal, decided shot was too difficult, looked for a good option, couldn’t see one, balked and hit up BBB, who nailed the goal.

Just adding to the comments on Chandler’s game, doubt it was shown on the TV coverage, but for his goal around the middle of the third quarter, he was in the backline when we gained possession and then he sprinted from half back down the Warne Stand side to half forward Punt Rd end but his lead got ignored, so he continued to sprint to the half forward spot on the Members side to take that mark resulting in his goal. Tremendous effort, got the reward and if he keeps doing those sort of things, he’ll be getting plenty of games this year.

That umpire should be dropped for the biggest over reaction to Coniglio rightfully asking why the hell Mckay wasn’t pinged for incorrect disposal. Did the umpire perhaps feel, here’s an opportunity to show how important he is? Punters don’t pay to watch umpires make dumb decisions like that because of a fragile ego.

Yep

Had the pleasure of sitting next to Oliver at the MFC season launch function, with Ooze sitting on the other side of Oliver. He commented on the significant step up required in fitness, but said he’d already cut his 2km time, by I think it was 20 seconds, pre and post Christmas. We had a great chat about footy and non footy stuff and he was more than happy to answer questions from everyone else at the table. Not sure if Ooze is naturally close to all the new draftees, but he clearly has a very close bond with Oliver, based on their interactions that night. I’m watching his VFL season with added interest, really hope he can make it.

Think it was 59k for last year’s opening GF replay, though that was a Wednesday. Might struggle to get over 50k tonight.

The Control crew will all be jamming into Max’s Sunbeam Tiger and heading pre-game to the Prince Patrick for obligatory parmas & pots. Agent 13 will be lurking around somewhere, most likely in one of their fridges. Then over to the G, seating in the Redlegs members, level 2 Warnie stand, sans cone-of-silence.

The Casey/reserves game last Friday showed that Hibbo is still an AFL standard defender (injuries permitting) and should be playing in the 1sts, particularly given his versatility as a defender and his elite ability to consistently beat his opponents. However McVee looks to be ready to start his AFL career and we need to continually blood young players to avoid a complete collapse when our current stars come to an end. It’s also beneficial to give young players a run of games in the 1sts, let’s say at least 4, so we don’t put too much pressure on them to hold their initial promotion and help build their confidence. If you agree with all that, then someone has to make way to get both Hibbo and McVee in the side now. Who of our current regular 1sts players gets dropped? And is that player who makes way likely to be looking down the barrel of their 1sts playing career ending soon at the MFC?

Think a 10 goal win is what most of us would have hoped/expected. Trac break tackles with ease, Hunter showing what a draft steal that was, Rivers and Kozzy getting decent midfield time and McVee’s cool defending were some of the highlights for me.

Sam Switkowski got 2 weeks for his chicken wing on Ginnivan earlier this season. On seeing this latest decision, Sam might think he’ll be getting an apology from the MRO.

The general approach of all teams over decades is to provide as little info on players injuries when ever possible, particularly during finals. The truth usually comes out only when the player is ruled out for the season or the team’s season is over. Bit surprising that we voluntarily told everyone about the hairline leg fracture so quickly, when we could have just stuck to the corky story, unless of course his season is in fact over.

On our way to the Pullman Hotel, the old Hilton, for a few nerve settlers. Still miss the old MCG hotel, shoulder to shoulder, in the bar with the crowd spilling, or more accurately falling out, onto Wellington Pde. Rarely saw a scuffle there no matter the game, just a lot of [censored] talking.

Watching in the Bridport Pub front bar with Mrs Chief. There’s a signed Jay Lockhart jumper on the wall, so maybe some support here.

Huh? Channel 7 game.

So you think we will never play a debutante against the Pies ever? Hope we’re not as mentally soft as that.

Sparrow was excellent. For a young age, his ability to fend off tacklers/break tackles and still make effective disposals seems to be overlooked by many. He’s improving before our eyes and will slot into Viney’s role when needed.

As Gus’s platinum player sponsor, we here at Control are delighted our man has decided to commit for the rest of his playing days.

Just looked flat for most of today. While 22c isn’t hot, the change from Melbourne weather may have contributed? Massive contrast to Geelong’s pressure and tackling last week and again last night to our lack of energy around the ball. That said, Port were playing for their season, and their effort was pretty ordinary With no Ollie, Wines should have dined out, but hardly noticed him. Salem getting a game on reputation at the moment, his kicking is totally unreliable. Either misses the target or chips it too high. Need to desperately find a better option from kick ins. The kick to Max is just too predictable. Percentage of possession wins after a kick in would be an interesting stat.

Can’t believe not a word from Foxtel commentators on what was probably the worst umpiring performances this season. Really happy for Mitch Brown to bag 2 goals, tried hard in the ruck, but way undersized.. Has been a great team man for Melbourne and deserved a bit of reward.

The Control crew have made our way over to Perth. Its a nice sunny morning here with a few clouds around, good day to dish out some sweet revenge.

No question we have a major problem with the quality of umpiring, which feeds through to lack of decision making consistency and that in turn drives players, coaches and fans nuts. The AFL seems to be in denial about this and the focus on stopping players from disputing decisions seems to be tackling the problem from the wrong end. If the AFL instead focussed on addressing umpiring quality, better umpiring should by default lead to more respect for umpires and less disputed decisions. Watching Eddie last night spew out his plethora of solutions is a consequence of the AFL seeming to have no plan on how to address the issue of umpiring quality. There’s been rumours of Eddie being interested in an AFL Commission spot and even the AFL CEO role. Last night’s diatribe felt like Eddie was positioning himself for a more formal tilt at one of those positions.

Not a word given about Mitch Brown getting hit off the ball. Hasn’t been sighted since.

There was a moment in the second quarter when Weid lost another marking contest and then couldn’t be bothered to raise his arms on the mark. Looked very poor and just sums up his lazy approach to the game in general, zero intensity. Should have shipped him off to the Pies when Eddie was there. .

Schultz just abuses ump decision and……nothing

Round about way of saying ‘wooden spooners’?