The Chief

It’s amazing how your expectations of the team change. Wasn’t worried about losing last night at any point, whereas in prior years I would have spent the entire game waiting for the Swan’s to run over the top. Nothing lasts forever, so need to enjoy this moment.

I always enjoy your thread Joeboy, but think you’ve stuffed up this week. You’ve criticised 13 players, more than 50% of the team, yet we just beat a current top 4 team. That doesn’t add up.

Based on his exposed form and assuming no major change, if a club was stupid enough to offer a top 10 draft pick surely we’d have to take it.

Yeah, Joel Selwood

We’re a better team with that change, so can’t complain.

Look I hate it as much as anyone. I came from a single parent family, made my way through government schools (only one other Melbourne supporter in my age group) , but was able to have a career in professional services and it always amazed me how many lawyers, consultants and accountants were Melbourne supporters. So like it or not, I totally understand the label we’ve copped, because there is some truth to it

Fritta is doing the warm up

Chandler on the ground for the warm up

Huh?

The hype around Weideman’s possible return seems to ignore his past performances. At best he’s been average, more often poor. Hope the new Weed is an improvement on prior years

Might have been mentioned already, but I received a survey from the AFL about my attendance at Sunday’s game. Amongst other things it asks you to rate ‘interactive fan initiatives’, ‘music played in the stadium before the match and at breaks’ and ‘quality of home teams pre-match entertainment’. Could the AFL be aware that some of us hate this confected American rubbish?

The knocking of Petty on the game day thread was really ordinary. What did people expect for his 12th game? The poor bloke was clearly nervous, probably still gets flashbacks to that St.Kilda game. Thought he showed some promising signs in the second half. Others should reflect on how many games Weideman has been gifted to develop at AFL level, before knocking Petty in his 1st senior game since 2019.

Did wonder if Max letting Jackson do more of the ruck work around the ground yesterday, was because of the short break to this week’s Richmond game. Great that we’re in a position to even be able to think this is possible. No need for any concern with Jackson’s marking, he gets to contests, is comfortable with the physical tussling, just a matter of time until he starts clunking them.

Gee the negativity on here has gone to a new level. Calm down, long way to go, we maybe struggling, but they’re no better

Spot on. The other hyperbolic favourite is “this player is elite” at whatever performance measurement the gushing commentators can grasp at, often a measurement that’s not terribly relevant to a players ability to get ball/dispose of ball effectively. Particularly overdone in AFLW, where it seems every player is elite at something.

May broken eye socket

MCG has great drainage, if we get a break in the rain before the game it won’t be too heavy and there’s no mud or centre square wickets anymore

The Age’s match report points out it was “undermanned St.Kilda”. Their injury list: Ryan Byrnes - who is he? Brad Crouch - average midfielder James Frawley - passed his use by date Jarryn Geary - see above Dan Hannebery - lots of huff and puff, has no impact Rowan Marshall - yes they miss him Ben Paton - just 35 games Paddy Ryder - probably his last season

Putting aside the wasted shots at goal, thought our general field kicking was really good, big improvement on what has been a major weakness. Choco and his balls having an impact already? On the other hand, the Saints field kicking was rubbish. Haven’t looked at the stats, but their turnover numbers must have been horrendous. Not sure if it was an off night for them or if that was a true indication of their skill level. If the latter they’re a long way off being a serious contender. Also loved Oliver clearing the ball from the contest, can’t recall him giving one of his trademark 1 metre handballs that just build pressure on the receiver. Perhaps Yze’s influence showing? There was a moment, I think in the last, when Oliver won the ball in the centre and Trak was calling for a short handball, you could see Oliver look at that option and then elect to kick long into the forward line. With the 6, 6, 6 positioning that quick kick from the centre deep into the forward line puts enormous pressure on the defenders.

Max actually weighs 108kg v Hawkins 101kg

Watching Hawkins last night continue his dominance of stoppages by pushing his opponent out of the contest and taking possession in the ruck contest, wondering why Gawny doesn’t do more of this as a variation to taps that are proving way less than 50% chance of connecting. Following the rule change that allows ruckman to take possession at stoppages and be given the benefit of no prior opportunity, just seems an obvious tactic for someone of Gawns size to utilise.

Based on the limited game time against the Dogs, pretty confident he’ll get a game well within 2 years. Looks a likely replacement for Jetta. Not the done thing on here, but all the best to Sam Switkowski, great local talent who’s had a wretched run with injury, a quick and smart small forward, hope he snags a few tomorrow.

Hard to tell how serious Cats took last night’s game, but hoping the loss of Harry Taylor will expose a few holes in their backline. Number of Essendon marks in forward 50 that wouldn’t have happened in the past.

Yep, ready to go again. Team was The Chiefs coached the Chief. Thanks

I’m sure he’s a nice bloke and all, but gee this is great news.