Deemania since 56

To learn more tricks or aptitudes when he shirks a contest on most occasions? He's had his chance, is too easily removed from the action by opponents (operating in 'gentle' mode lest they give away an obvious free kick before goal), does not have the strength to stand his ground effectively or to block an opponent. Back to Casey - long time.

He was supposed to be supported (for much of the match) by Weideman - some chance! The Weed ensured he stayed out of the action, leaving BBB in most circumstances with two defenders to overcome. Sometimes, three; then one smaller opponent would get under his knees with a lateral body push just after BBB left the ground in a leap, casting BBB outside of the exact marking zone. This is not an excuse for BBB, it is just an observation that he should have anticipated and leading-up, he could have avoided. Thanks just the same, Weed. Not many teammates are going to seek your assistance and scant teaming from now on...

What's the guff on him as a player this season? Has he had a chance to impress at any level? The reason that I ask is he seems off the radar in 2022, despite some very big claims about him in 2021 - has anyone been watching over in WA?

I'd like to add: looks a little like an 'early' Sean Wight.

You'd reckon. Depends on who is available (and who is selected). Certainly, that was a great performance - solid, talented, good hands, creates opportunities once a mark is taken. Great pick-up - let's encourage the coaches to '...get him right for senior football'.

Seven years alongside notably well-pronged forwards and greatly improved ball transfers into the hot zone with noted supports from both smalls and mobile 'bigs'. It ain't a confidence thing at all, it is a skill deficiency.

No Weed. I'd prefer to see Joel Smith in there, up forward (if available). If Majak can play, he's thoroughly worth a try, as well on two fronts: Height, Marking, Physical Presence, Lining up the big sticks for a goal, and Rucking duties to the smalls (that would include protection for them from the Swans' defenders.

These issues are real, no doubt about it. For me, the major issue is dealing - or attempting to deal - with Ticketek. It seems long gone are the days when, as a member, you could very conveniently phone the Club (as an interstater) to book and credit card your payment with the assistance of some friendly Club employee meeting all your needs (and more). The alternative was just as easy: pay cash / card at the entry gate with a genuine MFC seating area of a very good standard. Personalised service is always preferred in this household - we have enough issues driving 900 kms to get to the MCG home ground, working out accommodation needs, preparing for the return journey and feeling satisfied with the low-budget commitments. It recently took me nine days to get a Ticketek ticket/mobile phone icon just to watch one particular match - and the seats, shelter and facilities at the ground level area of the Southern Stand of the 'G left much to be desired.

It is now well-past the stage where the Weed might 'seem' to '...not have it...'; he capably displayed that on far too many opportunities in the longer-term and recent past.

There's no doubt Cotchin deserved it, and milked the 'picked-on' impression, but he did head-butt Franklin with dirty and exploitative intent - and Buddy was stiff to fall for the outcome via the snot-goblin. However, in this time of attrition, the Demons will be advantaged with the fullback in doubt (should concussion protocols apply) and Buddy not being on the field; this surely will affect the Swans' onfield confidences, as well, in both creative and set-plays where Buddy is/can be so effective. Just another example of the impact of rule adjustments and interpretations impacting games in the modern era. (ie: who knows what is going to be applied by the umpires in their impacting inability to best assess the situation at hand.) Do we have to take all umpire decisions to the level of appeals? Carna Dees!

Yes.

Both of our key forwards in Brown and Weideman seem very happy to trot rather than seek out more positive opportunities at reasonable pace. Yes, they can both kick - but neither of them can mark with consistency in a huddle and thus, don't get the kicks they should as players - and certainly, as well-paid employees. Both actually seem a little too 'gentle' for what is collectively anticipated from them. Drop 'em both and import some 'spirited' go-getters. Majak Daw alone would give us a more 'serviceable' forward line and be very useful in the ruck exchanges.

Rather unconvincing all game and many players down on-the-day; playing walking wounded, there was some spirit but little left in the tank and yes, LNev, it seems to have been coming, with too great a loss of some of our key drivers - particularly Salem, Harmes, Hibberd with May very unlucky to not be able to see the game out - and, of course, the brave circumstances of Petty across the game. Big need from us, big opportunity # 200 for him. Produced nothing - stayed out of danger - did not support with vigour. Does not deserve a jumper. Rather see Daw in the forward pocket, changing ruck duties and creating unpleasant moments for opposition defenders. Gawn is bashed and weary - but one wouldn't know it the way he pushes on like a true sportsman.

What does that mean, CF - I need to update my abbreviated computer awarenesses?

Delightful conversation. HIs class almost outshines his talent onfield.

Advise without the essential, pre-ordained consent of '...She who must be obeyed...'? That is a demonstration of independent bravado and foolhardy self-assuredness, qualities that we should all have in our overly compliant possession. Jolly well done, Rumpole! Pass me the carafe of red, my man, and I will toast your good health.

It is the randomisation of fact at play through the umpires' intents.

'...Jordan and the likes...' are going to be the keys to the match for the Mighty Dees, right across the ground. We still have the 'grunt' and the reliability of the 'grunt men' spaced well in each zone. Outside of these reliable enforcers, other than those who will be match-winners anyway (such as Trac, Ollie, Gawn, Jackson and Viney), it is now big-time for Lever and his consistency, for Spargo, Kozzie, Jordan, Rivers, Sparrow and ANB to produce the 4-quarter goods; Gus will do many great things, and the deep forwards had better be mobile finding space in which to play better games and leading their opponents with extending space in that search. We should flick the switch early, often and with courage. Our previously-Christened 'permanent medical sub' has a very great opportunity to shine, as well, getting familiar with the tricks before goal that he has already trialled in a couple of games so far. It is going to be a big test for all. It will be a novel match for us, adapting to the losses in personnel that we presume we can ill-afford to omit. Freo will be reduced to the status of that famous African tribe - We're the Far Car We? Dees by 25 pts and if it clicks, 50 pts.

Nicely posited assessment. You are dead right! The addition and re-activation of Salem's skills into this side is going to be make the Dees this year's premiers. Having a record of 10-0 is highly commendable in today's footy; and Salem will assist us to be twice as potent.

Also disappointing that Harmes ain't there at the home ground. We need his intercepts and buoyant energy - plus his unexpected forward scoring and feeds.

Who else other than Cochin can we recall using this technique?

TMac will have to retire, soon. Same with the Melk. Gawny is getting on in years, Hibberd is, as well. Even May and BB are pushing a great deal out of their Weet Bix. The font of human kindness and cash does actually have a starting date in the near future; at that moment, we could be offering Jackson more than the Eagles ever would. He's a home-boy and the MFC has provided him with security and far more than just a roof over his head. He won't be tempted, elsewhere.

That would be the way to go! As for Gus, he is just about our best playmaker, wherever he is on the ground. He adapts to circumstances in a minute or two, starts to dominate by acute interpretation and reading of the game, goes for it by covering distances and selecting the 'right' feed to the 'right' player in the 'right' position. Too valuable to let slip away from our team. He's proven himself over and over again. A great Clubman, too.

Efficient ... GCS can also be enriched by what the NT offers in terms of talented footballers, who will gain a good deal from training at the AFL level. There are some really talented footy exponents up there to augment the GCS team (who most probably have to re-name themselves but keep the jumper) as we all could acknowledge.