Deemania since 56

HIbberd for Salem; the latter could come on from the bench.

We have seen some very pleasing recoveries from TMac over recent years and a spot at CHF in the saddening absence of the Melk might well prove to be (across the finals, re-injuries excluded) some mighty impressive last waltz reliabilities for his services to the Club over the years. Smith should be the sub and if the TMac dream does not turn out well, we have a bloke to fill that role.

Agree about Hibbo smothering Elliot - his possession count can be annoying as are his sudden bursts. I'd give Salem a rest and suggest Disco to take on that pozzie for intercepts, distribution.

NO!

6 Viney 5 Petracca 4 Fritsch 3 ANB 2 Brayshaw 1 Langdon

Disco was serviceable, we did miss Tomlinson back there. Great endurance and effort to win.

Deelightful conceptualisation, beezlebub. Elegantly posited and pleasingly possible. It is a small ground, so our runners and smalls are going to be vital - expecting Clarrie to have a better 'go' this week and his partnership with Tracca to carve a hole in the Swans' home ground advantage. Not too sure that I like the 'bench' set-up but its purpose is not lost as we rotate players as needed. Could be a very big day for Sparrow with his intensity up close and long shots, and for some excellent clearances from our new star ... Rivers. Whilst we are in a stable condition with the double-chance, it would still be great if we could stamp some winning authority on the Swans with that 'unfussed, professional hit job' mantra.

I was wondering why Bluey was overlooked; he was an outstanding footballer, great at the contest and a dynamic, fast breakout specialist. Thanks Dante, it is pleasing that someone else remembers ...

The Dees need Tomlinson in as he is getting quite adept in the backline and assists in the release of interceptors such as Lever and Salem - the former in the air/packs and the latter off the ground/around the packs.

Rain or showers? Surely the Dees wouldn't take to the field if unwashed? It's possible for the Filth, Geelong and Carlton but not the Dees, purveyors of the Palmolive.

Absolutely! Dead rubbers are nice to win; a fit and ready Gawn is an absolute joy for us all. A rest for big Max, please and toss in Grundy (supported by Tomlinson at times, perhaps) and big Max can rest easy without head and neck trauma from the pecking Swans. Our midfielders are good enough and cunning enough to rove the taps from the Swans ruckmen, anyway. We will be a fast-break, circular spectacular. If it doesn't work, it really won't matter yet Max will be rested and ready for what is to come.

Tommo is playing a little better than 'OK' and is a trusted 'fit' with the rest of the backline - plus another game responsibility and settlement into that role will continue to add to his confidence.

The chances of Fritta getting the 'right amount' of touch with Casey are minimal, I'd reckon. He does need to get into the bigtime asap, display his wares and frigging confuse the hell outta the Swans. We actually have a multi-pronged attack now and he is a vital part of that separation we are all looking for, reviving his kicking for goal practices and honing his skills for the finals. Fully agree, smurf; important call.

Keep him front and centre up forward. He brings terrific pressure on opponents, and we all know he can burst like no other in our team. The stage is his, he will produce in what is ahead. Whoever we play, he's a very tough match-up that leaves opponents flat-footed and trailing; in the meantime, he's scored and seeks out other opportunities to pressure our challengers. If he is regarded as 'good' in the midfield/centre, he's bloody phantastique (with style) near goal and its approaches.

Serviceable game put in, with some good links in a new environment.

...but they can't beat the Mighty Dees!

Liked his work today, as well. His 'defender' skills in the forward line are consistently handy. His goal kicking contributions are tough and moving towards 'reliable' with some great shots. With the emerging criticality of the finals rapidly approaching, he might be predictably in line for a chance to 'really shine' up forward.

Terrific win but the second chance is a priority asset as you mention. We will need it - just for injuries, most likely; perhaps, a drop in form over a gruelling finals season might cause a hiccup, regretfully. Good call, McQueen.

Lever pole-axed the Hawks. Hawks - many new, some unknown players - that showed in the first quarter. Melbourne, once they knew who was who, did not concede, worked out their patterns, went forward with style. Looking good for finals. Fritta, JVR, JSmith, Melk, Chandler and Kozzie - with 60% Tracca - what forward problem?

JJ, Kozzie and Chandler - a triad of potential - pace, courage, skills - for Gawn sake, let them settle and control up forward.

We do need the backline authority of HIbberd, he can take on all comers so it may have been a wise decision (in his sunset) to not have him in the side against the Hawks but instead, to train and recover from niggles so that he is fit as a Mallee bull for the finals run.

Bliss!

What I do expect for Max this coming weekend (200th) is a little bit of overdue umpire protection for the bashing and physical abuse he has endured over the years. It must stop, here and now. Congratulations, Max, we hold you in absolute awe.

If Clarrie was one of the 'pretty boys' who gain so much media attention, he most probably would have already won a Brownlow. Everything (or very close to it) that Clarrie attempts comes off with flying colours and that is what sets him above so many of the Brownlow winners in the past coupla years. Then, his consistency at playing at this level so frequently against any opponents can be factored into our praise for his efforts, just like it had with Tulip.