Deemania since 56

We must be concerned for Max's longer-term welfare after football. He receives more thuggery to the head than any other player in the League. The impression gained from the AFL in this regard is '...so what? He's so good, he deserves to be pummelled to keep the game even...'

Wonderful Captain's responsibility. The man has incredible leadership and foci.

The poor form of Casey against Carlton was a revelation, to some extent, and not one from which a great deal of reliance can be extracted for the AFL team. For the AFL team the losses of Petty, Fritta and stability - including further complications in our backline - heralds impending 'game plan' handicaps against teams that have 'worked us out' so change, however subtle, is required once again. Tomlinson could be useful to this purpose as a cog in the gear chain. A couple of years ago, he was played on the wing opposite to Langers, using pace, finding space, attacking aerially, feeding the ball forward to midfield advances when opportunities (limited) presented or into the half-forwards and bringing the ball to the ground. The kick-outs from full back were one-sided all of the time, by-passing Tomlinson, and the true midfield where opposition teams luxuriated in the predictability of such 'set' intents were consistently under the coverage pump. These days, we make better use of the central corridor. Hopefully, that has increased the role of (Tomlinson's) the outer wing. Bearing in mind that Tomlinson's fitness is excellent, his height and mobility are valuable and his 'space finding' is most probably still very good, we could have an avenue of the double-edged sword in forward progress of the ball to our advantage - at the same time - still using Langers in his roles on the opposite side of the ground, far, wide and longitudinal. Our midfield, Clarrie, Tracca on occasion, Sparrow, a defensive forward-moving Rivers, and our elite smalls including Chandler moving forward and across into the forward line (our best current shot at goal), will always take some beating. The real benefit in my mind is that this may be a time to also release Lever fully into his intercept role - nearly always successful - by adding the 'available' Grundy to the backline mix to work in partnership under instruction from/with May, Hibbo and McVie/Salem, thus adding the needed height factor to the backline and in turn, providing Lever the release to play his best contribution to the annihilation of opposition forward pushes. Lever's intercepts are one of our greatest assets yet at the moment, he has no reliable passing targets - just a mix of opportunities and good luck. Tomlinson may well play a part in this process from the wing as a key, on-his-own target, additionally releasing Langers on the opposite wing to penetrate further forward more often, more dangerously and negated far less often. These are just thoughts, containing process gaps and obvious hurdles, but these may well assist to overcome some ball passage barriers that we are currently experiencing. It might also have some valuable 'mobile-releasing' functions for Gus, Spargo, ANB, JJ, Chandler and the unbeatable Kozzie.

Umpiring has never been worse.

Perfect choice! You'll feel inwardly strengthened for the game.

Risky travel so stay alert. I guess the disgusting aromas will keep you intuitive - but simultaneously, green around the gills. When the train doors opens at the station, you'll feel like your in heaven. Just like the last 60 seconds of the 4th quarter, to come.

My niggling sixth sense keeps telling me that after the win against Blue Goo tonight, we will rage in the finals to our sheer delight and this will be achieved by something up-the-sleeve that we so far have not considered ... as if we had a secret weapon or change under construction that is going to rip predictable opposition strategies to pieces. Hence, flying under the radar is potentially a wonderful thing.

... and we'll get some more, if it keeps up!

Agree with you MX. I also thin that the Melk will rise again, against the Blue Baggers, becoming mobile again looking for space and trick shot opportunities. It is his greatest, sunsetting career chance prior to finals (and a berth therein) so Kozzie and Chandler need to action some feeding to him to keep the scoreboard ticking over. I'd reckon (not overly optimistically) that we will knock the Carlscum man-for-man and teamwise across the board by at least 20 points.

Not sure if Fritta is going to be ready - it would be great if he is OK to resume - but winning the Premiership is also a matter of conditioned readiness and gameplan(s) - not H & A ideals. We have the talent, that is for sure; do we have the recipe for such success?

Yes, he is a part-time rucking alternative but can also be damaging up forward. That has diverse appeal, to me. Plus, he is agile, committed for the ball, relatively quick and evasive - thinking 'mobile forward' and 'dodger' - so, with great midfield feeders, he could be quite utilitarian for us.

That seems like the most intelligent solution, I feel. Known performers - each of them - given a freshening and some innovative mobility responsibilities. Clarry and Co. need some targets ...

I'd reckon that getting Smith to lead out from the forward line to opportunity is just a small tweak. He's mobile, fast and could be cunning in this role.

Yes, the Blues look ripe for the picking.

It was a good win, overcoming a challenge, sustaining a fight back, controlling a winning position and effort. Well done, boys.

Truly? That is good news!

Carna Dees, from the first bounce-down to the final siren ... down the corridor with support, support and accuracy.

Gulp! Lest we forget ...

Perhaps, MFC supporters have a multi-generational genetic advantage?

Talisker is my clan whiskey and from loyalty to the fine folk of Skye, is difficult to sidestep when buying a bottle of scotch.

With filtered ice and a drop of water, all whiskies are ripper, in their own ways.

Really agree about Cunnington - seems to star against the Dees, each time we play, then goes noticeably quiet when challenging other teams. We need to lock him down with a fit, muscle man.

Duursma - smokey No.1 - talent to learn, versatility to apply to several roles, good footballing blood.

Agreed, he is a talent almost ready to settle into a more dynamic midfield role - from which Tracca will be re-allocated to the forward line (most of the time). I rue the moment that Bedford left as he was potentially potent and would not like to see JJ move elsewhere now that he is tasting his role in a series of successful games, and adjusting to his role, accordingly. FFS, he is a cog in what many observers see as the best midfield going. He's not a Clarrie, he's not a Tracca but he is better, by far, than what most other teams are fronting and maintaining. He's a learner and already is becoming a regular.

Yes, Hibbo needs a run and exerts great backline authority; given our fwd line strengths (now someone has woken up to our advice across this whole season) JSmith can relieve Hibbo from the bench later in the game. I have an image of McVie, Bowser and Joel creating another backline fortification to that of May, Lever and Hibbo/Salem. A utility of Sparrow and Rivers supporting from the midfield into the defensive areas for clearances and sheer, mobile grunt.