Deemania since 56

I am aware that I seldom have much faith in OMac and this has been the case for several years now. That has been a very long learning period, in my opinion, despite his tender age as a KPD. Physicality and area control, alongside speed and engagement in the tougher stuff are the reasons for my hesitation with him. However, I must concede and do concede that in the match against WCoast he was useful most of the time; he put in his best effort and result, proving to be effective in that game and determined. Albeit praiseworthy with a pinch of scepticism, I still retain hope that he does become a dependable KPD as you state, RbG, and I, too, have higher expectations than what has been displayed so far this year - it ruffles my tolerance of waiting, waiting, waiting for this to occur when what we need is something far more reliable and attacking.

The thinking-man's post. Fully agree. Manning-up on Preuss as a deep forward across a game is an opposition nightmare - reducing the emphasis and focus on TMac, plus providing for TMac to be a more mobile, space-seeking forward surrounded by some smalls for support. We have expected too much from too few for the season, so far. There are those that can help out responsibly and affect the scoreboard through teamed applications.

It was needed and did not occur. Provides some confidence in our younger brigade and their futures.

The incident and its roll-out are typical of the freedom from umpiring rules and restraints that are exploited by the Eagles. At the end of the day, one has to admire Gawn, yet again, for what he puts up with week by week, severe or less severe, and how he manages his rage, retribution and sense of fair play. The man is already a Demon legend for the very best of reasons and will continue to be so until his body says 'no more, sorry'. Goodwin, bring in Preuss as a relief and backstop to be there if anyone from an opposition team wishes to carry on with endangering the career of a footballing champion and his mojo.

Core issues in the Gawn-Preuss combo ... and it may well be an awesome duo, both carrying out a couple of roles other than just ruckwork.

We could be leaving Mumford on the ground next game as a wasted jumper for his team. We will beat him, tire him and run around him thus keeping him out of the game. We already know that he will have Gawn as a target, to injure, and this is the reason why Preuss needs to be used as a forward and relief ruckman during the game. We should also knock him rotten at any opportunity outside of direct plays. That bag of lard could be in for his last game.

It would be a very big step but surely it is necessary as an instant review. It would reduce error and this incidence of crowd pleasing, and bias.

With correct technique, there ain't no 'yips'. Something needs to be worked on continuously, often, completely, universally, critically, immediately. And then, review it all so that the next starting base is better informed across the board. Kicking goals, not points or OOBs is not hard from 50m - 1m.

Not a poor summation, at all. Well done DZ.

Quote of the Year! Excellent.

He snot Klevver enuff, like, to disgyze ennyfink.

Fritta is a forward, for the bloody three hundreth time. Lead to space, Mark and Goal.

A contribution from Tracca in the centre is well overdue in a sustained manner. It will require of him increased total fitness and endurance but should increase his footballing acumen, his ability to see ball/get ball/use ball effectively - and it will require of him an improved kicking/passing response from the foot x2. I guess that means 'both feet' with good ball drops, not too high. He has a tendency to turn sideways, partially or fully, to kick rather glamorous hooking benders - both at goal and in passing. This is an elaboration of his playing style that does little for the quality of his accuracy and teamwork after what is now a few years in the big time. A basketballer with fancy hands doing a transfer onfield to fancy feet. Right-angled approaches to targets is also an error in his case that could be addressed. Tracca still remains one of our better exponents of bullocking pick-ups and opponent evasion/steamrolling. These are very useful in the midfield. He is evasive, he does have his head up and he does look for team support in what he does. A strong candidate for a midfield role, in my opinion, just needing some footballing guidance.

The truth (standard of unbiased umpiring) will set you free. :-)

Top comments, Macca.

The brown paper bag syndrome in the umpires' rooms after the game may arise - or has it - for WC?

The run with the umpires is improved against i/state teams that we play at the 'G . I think that it is made possible by a more discerning fan base and more even support for all forms of footy competition at the level - even though it is smaller - which prompts media attention at the national level of the AFL. In comparison, this type of 'coverage' or even game analysis does not always occur when we play interstate. The Alice and Darwin games are good for us in this regard but not on the 'home' territory of the Crows, PortA, WC, Freo, Brizzy, GCS, GWS and Syd. Certainly, albeit only 'out of town', at Geelong. At these games, we are - regardless of form - minor players. The Filth do alright, though, so why can't the Dees?

Something in my bones tells me that the next time Jetta (WC) plays against the Dees, someone will leave him with a calling card imprinted on his head and a fabulous little holiday in a recuperative ward somewhere. Vardy may well be a day patient at the same house of care (rumar sakit, in Bahasa).

That was the best I could do, just found it a fun comment from you. It demanded a reply but my skills in this regard are limited. Still smiling at the realisation. Have a good day.

What the XXXXXXXXX do you mean, XXXXXXXXX? XXXXXXXXX difficult XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX to understand. Anyway, XXXXXXXX words are supposed to be interpretive of what some XXXXXX is XXXXXXXX raving on about.

It is difficult to quantify and identify our 'rugged' players, currently. However, just general observation tells us that it is missing. Even Viney has softened, somewhat, but for good reasons - he became a teamwork liability utilising rugged play and was often caught with the ball. That was not progress, at all, but it was inspirational at times. Back to our game against the Eagles: we have three players with concussion (Salem, TSmith, ANB this week) a sign of the Eagles winning strategies (?) - and nearly a fourth (Gawn) after overriding continued bodily interferences and impacts against the rules in the tandem Eagles ruck efforts. He received a deliberate blow from Jetta who was celebrated for his big mark, leaving him (Gawn) on the ground, dazed and in pain; this leg-foot-body blow was step-ladderish and dangerously, wilfully executed. It is amazing that not one free kick and caution emanated from the two umpires onfield who '...saw nothing... once again in the ruck duels. We needed Preuss to assist Gawn and to shelter to some extent those badly laid out. Jones also copped a beauty, likewise Lockhart and Hunt. We are expected to believe (when it suits the AFL) that 'Such is footy, full of hard knocks'. Time for a few shirtfronts to check the validity of the rules....

Damn correct. Identifiable roles for Preuss and Trac, perhaps. May, most certainly on return. There is a very fond series of memories about how effective - albeit unconventional - that Rodney Grinter was when needed and his run-on into the game as if nothing had happened. Uplifting for the Team. In his healthier days - about three years of tough stuff - Ray Biffen would also sort out a few transgressions as part of his game plan. It stomped out nearly all offences against Demon players. He had to wear a back brace as a result of his unquestionable sense of loyalty and commitment to the Team. Neitz would do it, at times, as well but subtlety was his forte and few transgressed in this regard once 'spoken to...' We need a few father figures right now.

Yep, something amiss in the way that incident panned out, isn't there? Free kick, sling to ground for full body weight contact on Smith's head, given goal at a critical moment and ground position rather than an appropriate (and level playing field) bounce, resultant public criticism and outrage of the overt and deliberate aggression to cause injury, subsequent suspension. Four points and a loss of a player in the game. Totally unjustifiable umpiring.

By necessity for the Eagles, it was an intended act at some point of the quarter. McGovern was controlled by an unknown Demon newbie - we cannot have that - and the umpires agreed?

Ironic, so his sacrifice (suspension) as far as the Eagles are concerned, was worth it. He got a Demon player out of the match, effectively, as well. They got the four points as a result of the critical incident.