Deemania since 56

Gus is quality but down at the moment. I'd reckon he could turn the corner surprisingly soon - maybe the Port match - but in the second half, he tends to get into very valuable positions ahead of the ball and his run and carry into space is something to behold.

Like this concept. Very sensible, but he should rotate fairly often to rest Max, and develop his craft/aptitudes in various parts of the ground.

The major downfall of the ruck duels normally earning possession are the holding of Demon midfield players, and the screening/blocking of the tap result - leaving one opposition midfielders free to play the ball. They don't win every tap but two or three out of five or six centre bounces are enough to tick over the scoreboard continuously. So if Port shark/rove to Gawn as the first measure, we need to have Max hit out further to an incoming flanker to sprint into the midfield from the edge of the square (if not both) employ our own screeners with Max quickly moving after the tap directly at the tap direction - and with as much pace as he can apply fake holding barriers to get a free - but it will be interesting if the umpires even care to notice such holding (against the Dees) Our flanking of the midfield area is usually good to great. 'In possession' from the 'tap' is usually all we need to get away. However, there is little protection when this is done; just a little more shielding/screening may well work to our benefit - and enable our midfielders to get further into the forward line - at a faster rate - to effect some greater penetration or even some longish shots at goal - enabling them to score. That penetration should be the signal for the true forwards to lead to space in all directions, providing options for passing, handballing and a second or two to line up a kick for goal that is closer to the sticks. It implies a 'pronged' attack that leads outwards for the oppo backmen to chase down, if they can. Meanwhile, the midfielders should be re-gathering in zone and the forwards, re-scramble the space plays. Should the opposition defenders gain possession in our fwd line, Max and the midfielders will be there to assault the repelling interests.

Yep, on reflection, this is probably the best solution to better play across the ground. I'd also like to drop OMac if TMac comes in, playing TMac a CHB and Lever free as a utility intercept across the backline. Tomlinson is a must, out there on the wing, so let's hope May sees him and makes the opportunity real.

When we are looking, at contract time, at the talents that we have assembled in recent years, we often say that such talent is not consistent in its highly positive mode. Players are not as good, in other words, as it was initially expected to be and neither was the subsequent development of their skills and attributes. My stance is a little skewed, another way, from this initial criticism. My thoughts tend to centre on the development team and the overarching coaching. Hence, I must remember when considering players at the 50-game mark that these fellas are largely the product of Goodwin and his limited strategies, deployments and game plans. I am almost convinced that another head coach would have been more likely to produce that kind of development that the fans and members expect; Bayley is one of these players, as are Clarrie, Petracca, Gus, et al.

Even when strictly observing social distancing, queues, seats and gateways, there is adequate space for careful and aware people to attend the game - possibly up to 3000-5000, without compromising the covid-19 recommendations. It is a shame that these days there are so many thoughtless 'wanna-be types' who spoil it for others. Gil's decision, in this world of the fancies, assures safety and thus, preserves the safety from hazards and absolute compromise of the innocent. Sad times, affects us all, and the MFC has no real 'say' in it all. The AFL has made the decision. The messenger is the MFC and the Port Club so, in the interests of public safety and health, do not shoot the messenger. It is difficult, it is largely unfair. As a substitute, the game is well televised and broadcast, at least, and should be a ripper confrontation. 'Carna Dees!

Good summary. It was negative all the way through - and that is how I felt the game was progressing from early in the First Qtr. It was a good, partial fightback in the last qtr but the negatives (largely those above) had taken their toll or continued to rock and roll to our greater disadvantage. A clearer plan for the MFC was demonstrated by the 'Brions' - and to our advantage, in every line, we have better players.

Deary, deary, deary; it only took one week to prove what the naysayers know. Slow, scared, hopeless in a crowd.

Some very brave efforts (on both teams) but particularly for the MFC. A couple of notable errors in selections and application, sadly. Max was belted from pillar to post, illegally held in most rucking contests, and set up for a body slam or three at full pace from behind - so often it was unsportsmanlike. Had Vanders been there.......a new benchmark in unsportsmanship would instantly be transferred into a caring, clearing role, play on, we understand.... Stiff luck at critical moments, though - poise and control. Liked the better use of space, when there was some, and the role of most of the newbies. Sunset for Jonesy and the very brave Jet. Five minutes to midnight for OMac. As for the umpires, I guess all is AFL-OK, they are not held to account for their errors, blatant errors, anticipated winners, ensuring favouritism for what is becoming a new 'glamour' team and their effects on the game itself, including inconsistencies galore for variations of rules applications and bent umpiring appreciations across the game. Nearly, but not quite, this time. A few scores to settle in the next meeting.

That is a fine statement, and a great memory of a recent time when the chips were down. We should win this one with careful application. Run, run, run and use the spaces intelligently.

Agree, Clint. I also think that the penny has dropped for the players ... realising that it is a competitive year despite its crazy interruption and format - and realising that the jumper doesn't and won't fit unless you have earned it. Game day is critical to pay-cheque continuation.

Jonesy is gonna kick a surprising 4 goals and assist with another 3 (Kozzie and the Weed). Hannan will get his three and the Melk will feed two or three more to others - most probably Fritta. Tracc, well ... he's going to rip Brisbane apart whilst landing a best-effort 5 goals - don't say it ain't going to happen, just sit back and watch it happen. Ours, this game, by a healthy margin.

All good suggestions, all part of the game as it is known now - and most likely, as it has always been known. Sarcasm was attempted and consequently, if it didn't please you, then I apologise. Transparency is the greatest mantra; instead of putting down my first impressions on this particular umpiring decision (as briefly as possible), I was indirectly supporting the comments of another contributor within the realm of widespread angst concerning the MFC and its less than favourable outcomes with umpires - particularly when we play the 'glamour' teams. Still, I appreciate your comments as sub-elements of the problem to which I indirectly referred.

Too right! Wouldn't it be fun if - one day - the AFL required the green snot goblins to apologise for their game-affecting influences? It would need to apply to - and promote interpretations of - incorrect decisions as well, as occasionally used to occur on World of Sport (Sundays, Channel 7, years ago).

I'd think Brown would be an asset; however, there are two things I do not like about him, as follows: he fakes, attempts to fake, collapses on contact in front of umpires, rather than standing his ground to gather the ball; and he too infrequently goes to the barber shop, floppy, floppy, fuzzy-flop, flapper. He can kick them, but his possession rate is reducing.

The all-day runner, Tomlinson. If sighted by our defenders, he could open a reasonable gateway to the forwards, rather than our reliance on Gawn EVERY time.

Tend to agree; I'd also think that Salem could be rested this week - for him, there have been a few pedestrian efforts across the last couple of games (and all players in a competitive, almost full list, should be 100% mojo-equipped). That could provide a role for someone on the bench at half-back flank. Jetta possibly could be reviewed, as well but he did a fair job across the game last week - it was not just as decisive as we know The Jet to be on game day. My preferences for the bench / onfield rotations would therefore be: Jones, Jackson, Tomlinson (particularly for flank run and carry), and Neal-Bullen. Brayshaw would be my preferred slot for Salem on the HBF. Another reason for these selections, in my view, is that these players could provide multiple roles in various positions against varied opponents across the ground. Smith is also worthy of consideration .... However, whilst this is the nominated team on a Thursday night, the actual playing slots will vary somewhat.

Spaceman Tomlinson is my choice for AVB out on a wing; let's hope that across the game, May or Salem (whoever kicks out after an opposition point) actually sees him and avoids the '...kick it to Gawny, no matter what...' syndrome. Tomlinson and OMac could be an effective partnership in this regard, making considerable 'metres gained' in attempts to drive forward. OMac is one of the better kicks in the team and provides another defensive option in this regard. This gives Gawny some reduced effort and workload. Gawn needs support, as many have noted already. He is essential to ruck against Stephan Martin, and then marking around the ground in a variety of areas; Jackson could stay in the selections to provide relief for Gawn against the BL ruck No. 2, and there is a place for him in the side as a forward (marking and goal-scoring). If TMac is selected - he should be played at CHB - his days as a forward are nearly spent, preventing the development of the Weed, and now, perhaps that of Jackson.

I reckon AVB is the Team's 'big brother'. For any opposition, Vanders is a ballistic missile whose feathers one would not like to rustle. This sentiment also applies to opponents who may be playing well against the whole Demon team - Vanders will get 'ya and then you'll be sorry. Vanders is a tremendous confidence booster for our younger brigade. He goes in to support any team member in whatever way he can. I feel that Vanders does these jobs just as well as the smaller but equally lethal Ray Biffen used to do before his run of back injuries, and the positively bullet-proof game of Rod Grinter, and the rampaging Todd Viney. Very proud of Vanders as a Demon - and very respectful of his journey back into selection for the Team.

Thud!

Fully agree.

Possibly because their skills - and then their combined skills at the midfield assisted enormously by the skills of Gawn - enabled them to relax a little, to make up for the occasional error with high possession counts, including occasional brilliance in their respective contributions - leaving truly hard work behind, so frequently. We have all seen poor decisions being made by each of them, less than absolute effort being applied, statistics-building for the sake of reputations being upheld somewhat, not by reliability every contest, turning into capabilities half-completed as if '...it's going to look easy to do... (something that we have all seen). A little bit of salt needs to be expended by each of them and done so in a collective sense, as well - as these three midfielders are as good as any in the competition and capable of outstanding outcomes as we have all seen from time to time. A new exemplar has arisen from the mire of indifference - Petracca! He now refuses to give up - he hears the challenge of perpetual onfield effort and reason. He is a pillar of the whole team having seen the workrate of Gawn week in, week out. Let us hope his performance quality continues to shine now and in the future, while the others catch up to their rightful standards.

Thinking man's football - as good as Stan Alves' blind turns, almost. Amazing evasion, with great potential. (Grab him by the collar at training one night, Stanley, to teach him your magic with the baulk and blind turns. He has the footwork skills and the pace.)

AVB does good things to the psychological well-being of opponents and hits hard so they do not forget. The Hawks tried to 'skirt' him, avoiding contact as best they could. With game time, I'd expect AVB to be even more active and yet he made good ball collections across the game in the whole four quarters. Tomlinson is our space man; on the flanks, he finds space to receive, and apply run and carry plus disposal deep into the forward set-up. His positioning in this regard is very good. He was not 'seen' on many occasions in our game against the Suns - and many turnovers resulted - but with our latest forward line, there are astute runners and collectors moving to space instead of the static edifices of which we are all familiar. (I'd like to see the Weed stay close to goal when not competing for area marks, purely for his 'feed' value in that zone.) We did miss Hunt's pace and carry against the Hawks. Spargo, not yet at the level required for a small. Lockhart could be overlooked at selection for a while as he gathers more diverse skills and anticipation. It's all a field of options - but things are looking up for the Dees. Great game from Hannan against the Hawks; his contributions were timely, thoughtful and competent. He is such a good kick at goal! Conventionally and when executing those bananas, and when looking for a 'target' receiver.

King is special - absolutely a developing star. How did we allow it to happen? What were the circumstances?