Deemania since 56

Smithy's role as a defensive forward (and as a taller, mobile, attacking forward) has really magnified; I see TMac coming in for a dual role other than his own - freeing Smith for leads against the Filth defenders (and those of Fritta if he plays) and firming the pack against Filth hindrances for JVR. Going to be a rip-snorter of a game, me thinks. Smalls are going to have to be non-static for the whole game, exploiting the opportunities.

With the multiple support structures around him, Petracca is going to explode - unstoppable - mobile - tough - pacey - great vision - deadly sharp-shooter - determined - ahead of the pack. His last few games seem to have been a series of specific and cameo rehearsals for what he is going to do in the finals. Clarrie will also lift, now back into the team.

McVee - the silent executioner. He will probably stay under the radar earning widespread awe and acclaim from the footballing community.

It does seem precautionary. However, that foot is going to be a big target for Filth attention and deliberate injury.

Can understand that, he gained possession and found spaces - and impressed with score involvements and a series of improving feeds in rather quick-time. If the Fritta cannot play, I'd also consider JSmith to be worked at leading and duplicating Fritta's game style; he has the speed, height, the hands, the kicking accuracy and the mobility/agility - and finds forward space within range in order to be a surprise target for the midfielders/half forwards. Chandler and Kozzie could provide more of their best games and linking with Laurie about that deep forward prong zone in both receipt of the ball and despatch.

It really cannot be under-estimated, Sydney is a tough team, to win and wear them down (that is what enabled us to play our game) and with the Dees players' resolve greatly improving across the game was very professional, skilled and represented tremendous, space-restricted ability to play team football. It has been a tough, competitive season for most teams yet we rise above at this critical time of the year - our infrastructure onfield is going to really upset opposition tacticians; it feels and looks like a golden year is about to be achieved.

Might just have been the 'deliberately' overlooked one-step-at-a-time big man deployment - no loud, public laudits - just working on the little things at Casey and keeping fit, aerobic and experimental. He could be used as a rather sneaky, back-up decoy to help Max, the other forwards, and settle a few playing marques against his old team and its entourage. We do know that he has done this before to other teams playing against the Filth and we have seen his mobility increase and candid impacts improve consequentially. It hasn't happened yet for the Dees, but it could be the selection coup of the season across the finals. From the bench, worth a try ... big, bad and mean.

There are some good points there - and Grundy should be able to display some personal pride in his form against the former club. I suspect skinny, meatless Cox will avoid attempting to maim Grundy, but Max is going to be his target with the knee and boot-stub. Get Cox angry, or humiliate him, and he goes to water, becoming totally ineffective. Grundy will know this; Grundy should have a tactic or two to invoke this. Max will play his game and will still be a target all around the ground. We must keep Maxie on two feet - no falling over - support and protection must be rendered. Max will take us to a win in the GF if we can do this, taking no prisoners elsewhere on the ground - we must ensure that he remains injury-free.

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!