Deemania since 56

Sniper in the Ponsford?

Ain't that the truth! Not so sure how it can be done as it is a big call - but relentless endeavour and force of will are going to be critical. The players talk of Goodwin as a father figure, a caring figure. There is a bandwagon to get onto this round. Resurrection must start somewhere and I guess, it will be at the selection table this week. Speed and ruthless attack.

Sounds like a hamburger.

Classic example of the value of Christian to theFilth's interests. Different team, different result. All is happy. Poor guy, Cox, didn't have a correct baptism to Aussie rules. Now, who does he play for? XXXXXXXXX - your kidding?

It means that we have enough heads to put on the ground - just - and yet, these will most probably be the wrong heads and few of these heads will be what the fans pay dollars at the turnstiles to go to see. Hence, overall, the anonymity of it all. As for the match result, we are 'trying' but do not expect a great return.

Not all youth is callow. There is a place for an exponent of worth.

Many years ago, Mate. Many, many years ago. Probably before colour TV, too.

This is the double-edge sword that we used to play with, as a team, back in the days when men were men and footy was part of that process. Kick out from a point (behind, my Rs) with a torp and convey into the fwd line (anywhere) with a drop punt and/or stab pass.

I dunno about that, at the precise moment of being sandwiched but two defenders, what was supposed to be a drop punt went horribly wrong for me that day on the Swan Hill oval, and turned into the lowest, wobbliest, horrible-looking farnarkling torpedo over a distance of about 25 metres, However, it hit the chest of the Full Fwd in the goalsquare and was converted to a goal with a simple body twist I put that one down as something to practice in the future - but never did. We won, so I guess that was all that mattered.

G'day Mr Vagg. I do not recall Danny doing the drop kick at all - he had a long torp and then went into his shell, kicking drop punts. It is most probably not the case, but are you confusing Danny with Tassy? Tassy did the drop every kick-in, well past the centre circle and usually, into the arms of Denis Clark or Hassa.

Some great observations, JJC, particularly the bit about 'torps ... no turnovers...' and for decades, we watched the best footballers seldom mess up a torpedo. What is more, for high-leaping players the ball stuck in two hands of choice very well. The torp does travel when required; the drop punt - over shorter distances - is more accurate, of course. However, my own favourite (being a leftie) was the stab pass - unbeatable in all conditions for all purposes under 50m - the stab did take a little practice but with that, was also terribly reliable in the hands of those so weaned. Bill Barrott was the best I ever saw at that one.

In football, that is correct.

Well, what an education! Thank you.

It is a time-proven reality that the latitude continues to override what otherwise might be common sense. Perhaps it is a sign of core loyalty, the desperation of hopes and dreams, and somewhat accountable by recruiting moves where '...we did as well as we could in the selection of players...' That is football. We must simply continue to develop players, depth, longer-term readiness and learn, somehow, to accept levels of disappointment. I guess. Footy is a lottery in terms of outcomes.

Partiality and tokenism - of course, in hindsight, the umpire was wrong for this scenario.

Hibberd and Nev are always required to double-dip in their roles, covering too many flawed roles, too much ground under protection and too many opponents as the blessed one disappears into a mist of frowning, neo-Gothic splendour. This is far beyond support, this is carrying.

I guess you are just warming to the concepts of a pathetic backline emergency?

Pre-ordained outcome. Cheats and low-life.

Both are playing three defenders, each. 1. Jetta's role is to beat his own opponent (and a few of them further up the flanks) whilst amending the mistakes caused by OMac in the coverage of OMac's opponent. He then backs up against HIbberd's opponent if Hibberd is more proximal to OMac's opponent and Hibberd is caught leaving his opponent to so do. (Three opponents for Jetta due to error management and in clearance roles, sometimes more.) 2. Hibberd's role is to beat his own opponent and to create running clearance contests against a whole opposition defence, at times. Essentially, he can do this. He also is required to back up against Jetta's opponent - leaving his own temporarily - if Jetta is already engaged in leaving his direct opponent to back up the gaping cavity in defence left by OMac. (At least three opponents for HIbberd. Sometimes more in the clearance role.) Fair dinkum, just watch ....

Are you sure that is not already happening, this year? Ever since OMac got to the hat in secret and put glue on his named piece of paper.

That is exactly correct and has been reflected, many times, in recent years. When we were sharp and winning, we were surrounded by accolades of praise and when building up to that point, again there were more positive comments. Play poorly, deserve the crilticisms.

Very true, but I believe we understand at this point how we have failed and certain non-performers still get a guernsey week in, week out so the issue is still one of depth.

Honestly believe that the MFC are currently too far out fitness-wise to impact a running Essendrug team and too slow across a game to turn outcomes around (again, at the present moment). Added to those considerations, is the shortage of key players due to injuries and recoveries from injuries, leaving us a depleted line-up for at least the next few weeks. Umpiring. This too will work against the MFC as our opponents this week are a major AFL favourite - how else could they 'get away' with their recent history? A resurgent Essendon in tight matches (even if for only on week) will have pre-ordained umpiring instructions - their fan base that attends matches is worth far more money to the AFL than that of the MFC. The only hope is that our 3rd-best team at selection will have a mind-shift to come out raging and keen to appease the season so far - yet that is somewhat unlikely. If OMac plays, we can kiss at least 6-7 goals goodbye as leakages to their forwards.

Very good mantra for Petracca to follow - he CAN do it.

That is the key to Petracca's improvement and consistency - take him aside and show him the faults, toughen him up, make him seriously want the ball so that he can use it to the team's benefit, insist on peak fitness at all times, wipe the smile off his face by telling him he is not a very convincing show pony. As he walked off the field against the Cats, he had fake tears in his eyes - seemed to be more worried about his lack of commitment and image than he was about the team result that he may well have ameliorated to some significant degree. Not working hard enough, Christian, or often enough. You are currently far short of the Dusty Martin profile that you attempt unsuccessfully to emulate. Get real - footy is not blindly generous, for long.