Deemania since 56

With the correct encouragement/practices, he might (and is likely to) overcome the 'yips' with goal shooting, and it is agreed, he is a prolific connector and team player on the flanks; not as good as Windsor on the wings, but highly serviceable in the role.

Particularly in the early stages of the game, Howes really does need to stay in perpetually close contact and coverage of his opponent. He has a tendency to create a flankish gap, straying just that little bit too far from his attacking opponent when attempting to 'space-make' in the possible progressions of Demon possessions. Man on man, he is quite effective, a good spoiler and has the mobility to break to our advantage.

yep

Kozzie is like that on the football field, too ... he has a head full of tricks and footy magic, not giving the opposition an inch of predicting what he is going to do to them with that non-declaring exterior. Then, on cue, he does it! He'd be an impossible player to man-up upon. Onyer, Kozzie.

With what he says, it makes it incredibly worse than anything else the inexperienced media collective may offer.

Now we're talking, a little protection for Max is overdue. The umpires certainly ignore that need.

You betcha ....

Yes, KC, ironing out using lots of starch (verbal spray-type) is warranted when opportunity knocks; Hafey was once overheard: '...and if you are within range - shoot for goal...'

Tick, particularly with Kozzie out for 3 weeks, Spargo still not ready, Chin yet to fire in assaulting the sticks at present.

With loudspeakers.

An obvious sign that for several years now, the coaching and development squads have been getting it wrong, consistently, preferring a 'hope springs eternal' solution to forward line weaknesses.

HtH would be a great pre-game addition, blaring across the entire MCG and into the half-time space-saver just prior to our notorious third quarter onslaughts, and much better than Port's effort of a thematic that is wearing a little thin after many seasons of implementation - it would tear them apart!

If that is the case, I'd like to recommend a little suburb known as Jolimont ... parklands, afternoon shade, nice downhill walk to the 'G, all the mod cons and not a Collingwood supporter in sight.

Blud oath!

The midline doesn't seem to suit Disco, I reckon...due most probably to his height not duplicating that of more successful forwards and so, he has considerable need to move his body to the fall of the ball as it comes in, at varying speeds. I think that his best work is on the flanks from deep in the fwd line to the wing; he does have accelerating pace, is capably agile, directionally on the run and on a timed lead (a real strength of his), can take a few 'beauties' with the strong mits. Did I mention that he has a great eye to set up some fine goals?

Bowey kicks for a clearance - at least 50% of the time - without foresight, without looking for a target, nor hitting a target - as he once did in his earlier days with the Dees. Heads up applies to backmen as well, Bowser, without declaring intent too obviously. You can return to superb delivery skills if it pleases you as that would please many a Demons fan awaiting an expectant result.

Knockout question, EH. The preferred option still appears to be the long bomb and kicking to a contest - all low percentage in terms of gain, separation, providing the opportunities .... etc.

Really not on his man - where he belongs - right across the first half of the game. When employing closer checking, his game improved from whence he could create spaces to utilise the ball.

Sparrow really did play some nice things, toughened up a bit, gritted his teeth, caused some damage and some angst. He showed mongrel and it suited him.

Then go for TMac at CHB; Turner is better leading up the flanks - hence, I'd put the Muscled Brute into CHF, rotating with JVR at/into FFwd.

Green is one of our big assets; he's a thinker, a communicator, writes well and hits the nails with tact and yet, decisiveness; operates in his realm with measure and intent. Just like he did as a great footballer with the team.

Might just find some ' dazzle' with these two ... would be great to see, in the season dress rehearsal.

Fairy Nuff.

It's really difficult to imagine a fit TMac being left out of this game.

I think we are all a little challenged by these matters, at this stage of the season, with these players who 'might' and those that 'can'. I agree with your early assessment of Johnson, for those very good reasons that you put forward.