Deemania since 56

The key is 'stepping stones to goal' being overlooked for the low percentage magnificent long delivery to static forwards too far behind opportunities to bother getting to space early. We must have at least two mobile forwards - CDF. Brown is not the answer and Smith, Chandler, JJ, Sparrow and Kozzie are the answer - running parallel at appreciable speed to the forward entry 'long bomber' - and supporting the next link in the chain, and this will adjust the scoring probability immensely. Who is preventing this from occurring? It's Goodwin, time and again - and ANB et al are contained to establish a ball-up (allegedly maintaining 'possession' - fat chance). We have ailing rucks, limited creative play basics and almost no attacking supports.

It is well overdue - but there is no time like the present.

Bedford's game - and games to come. We knew he had it early with pace and grunt. Someone didn't play him to develop game-winning awarenesses and abilities. His raw skills were scrap-heaped through under-use without development. He seemed to pick these skills up mighty fast from the simplest of (new) efforts and opportunities. Someone seems to have got a special message through to him with relative ease, in contrast to the MFC system. He can also line the sticks up and put the ball through with evasive ease and yet, he played backline mauler against us - and dominated, stopping some of our best with relative ease and real surprise. Makes you want to puke.

Perhaps better than those already given the opportunity.

Ouch! Reality bites ... unless the alleged 'learnings' snap into place - but of course, these cannot be illuminated nor specified. The learnings only provide an awkward excuse ...

Not a silly idea, at all. It would be great if we could utilise an improved, consistent Tomlinson to pre-support the midfielders. That is, given a game against the Saints, if he could demonstrate continuing form (as we all hope). Leaving such a role to Salem alone is not justified; we are supposed to be a team of integrated, co-ordinated team players. Goodwin has ineffective concepts of line-to-line deployments and support, it appears. There is little in the way of present progressions - leaving the responsibilities to individuals - particularly when the best co-ord team in the League - Tracca and Clarry - js separated for the short term and Hibberd is injured.

Get Verrel ready, too.

One cannot be too critical of Petracca - he does so much that no other player can offer - and he can do it right across a game. Regarding his goal kicking, he does 'over-use' fancy grips and drops of the ball that have affected his goaling approach and accuracy. Some are phenomenal. Most are catastrophic, at present. He is also required/expected to/depended upon (to) make good the shortfalls and unreliable efforts of almost every midfielder and forward in the whole team approach to going forward and scoring goals - particularly in the absence of his comrade in arms, Clayton Oliver. Frustrating management and implementation of his absolute class and skills - jumbled and disjointed. He initiates and springs eternal in nearly every forward push as a matter of 'instruction' from those ignoring similar skills in those players available for selection in the hope that he will hit every target and every potential opportunity across the team. It just ain't fair; and yet, none of us can imagine a better powerhouse - we just wish he was better utilised.

That is generous! When we win, it's because some of our key players , possibly 6 of them, play THEIR WAY and turn the tide.

Yep, strongly agree - mediocrity is spreading across increasing numbers, weekly.

I actually think Hunter is well off being 'reliable' with his kicking. He just gets it to boot, is slow compared to most of his competitors and hence, usually kicks the ball just in the 'nick of time' and consequently does so inaccurately.

That is very true. Had the same thought and as the game progressed, it came to be without question.

The Cats have intuitive rule breaking rights - we all know that constant holding, scragging and other means of player handicapping are their privileged operational entitlement. Making space, hard running & return, heads-up execution are the keys to countering that which the umpires overlook. A very bored Chocko was sitting in the dug-out hoping to impart a word or two with the 'benching' rest breaks for our players - right across the game - or so it appeared. His contribution was continuously met with GoodWin's back and minimal player interaction. I doubt whether having this coach at ground level is worthwhile ... he seems to misinterpret a wider and more complete view of the progress of the game and certainly, applies few changes, remedies and recommendations in that capacity.

Staged, at that but effective.

Viney 6 Hibberd 5 Salem 4 Lever 3 Smith 2 Rivers 1

Great game - given a chance to shine and seized it well. At least he is on the bench. Very handy for clearances/spoils. Overall, the team looks strong, adaptable and able. How will Badloss configure the onfield? Who will nullify Close, a significant feeder and gatherer?

Rohan had his yearly performance last week. He's nothing that a steadfast, attentive, pack-entering Lever cannot manage with a punch to clearance and a kneeful reminder or two of whispering pain coming from behind.

Largely spot on, AF. I'd reckon JSmith has the 'go' to surprise ... would like to see him again up forward with just that little bit more game experience behind him, and daring. He's a very good contributor already with forward defence, now for some 'lone ranger' with Tonto (Fritta) both finding spaces.

The Swan in Perth is a good joint, you can go there, watch the game and still have change in your pocket - free of the guilt for supporting the Catty Puts in their rip-off endeavours. :-)

Critical information to analyse; footy is becoming a game of pure guesswork under advised 'leadership' from whom we expect consistency above all. Well commented, monoccular.

Nut crushers were on the agenda as well, I heard. Got the idea from Cox.

We can see that Tracca is a gentleman. Apologised most likely for no reason, other than goodwill - then moved on and away.

We must keep our entitlements and father/son preferences to ourselves; otherwise, the AFL, The Filth, the Catty Puts and Whoreform will attempt to intercede. I understand Jeff's pride in his son; do we understand the pride we should have in Jeff to point his son in the right direction?

Now that the answers have been declared and winners announced (congratulations, as I had no idea), I can remember several of these goals - particularly Stinger's goal and his display of elation. It was a marque of a champion to come in the near future. My question relates to the Captain of such a team. Frank Davis was one of our best in lean times and also, one of our great leaders, working from the back pocket across the whole backline setting examples and imagery for all of our players. In terms of footballing stature, Davis was a squirt but by jiminy he could play against all sizes, all physiques, all comers. I'd consider him to be in the top six of Demon captains without doubt.

It could well be that he is subdued in comparison to 'normal' games due to his fitness status after such a lengthy sufferance with hospital food and the regularity, and intensity, of his exercise requirements. However, if selected, he could play one or two of his invincible cameo roles from the centre and not stray too far into the field or battleground depths of the game. If that is the case, the team members around him could make great contributions to his role/skills execution as the game progresses. The catty puts are weakest in the centre/midfield - astounding as that sounds - possibly leaving Clarrie another trophy of conquest, whilst injured/deemed unfit.