Deemania since 56

Something in what you say rings a bell in my thoughts: '...to give Oliver a hand out...' in conjunction with, perhaps, 'give a hand out to Trac and Gawn' (as these three a left to pick up the crumbs and create the plays with others so that our 'team' can fire). We seem to have lost a little control over working '...for one another...' and this is starting to have major ramifications on the progress of our game, and down the line, our forward and deep forward opportunities and related execution without turnovers. Gus does the most to help the trademark ball carriage and created plays. Langdon - coming back to form - is also critical to this mass of positivity; Salem - also returning to form one hopes - is going to be vital. Spargo and Kozzie must also be sought in nearly every forward-line entry either as pacemaker carriers or one-touch crumbers. We have the talent, the aptitude and the ability to return to our gladiatorial best - flogging the Filth - and providing downward pressure on the latent rises within top six positions on the ladder. Think, boys ... do, boys ... execute.

Yep, we are really missing reasonable rebound and eyes-up midfielders.

Now that the one-match ban has been awarded, let's hope that Steven is not ostracized by any sector of the Club beyond a recognition of wrong-doing - and enabling them both to rapidly move forward to a more harmonious team/environment. Same for the Melk, who is competing against a considerable talent array within the Club. Both players have been under immense strain and pressure across a considerably long journey, overcoming injuries and doing their best to meet the needs of the Club, the Team and the fans.

There you go, Hibbo, target No.1

That is a simple comparison between the Weed and BBB. It really indicates that both are not up to the great - yet experientially reasonable - hopes that the fans and the football department have for each of them. Sometimes they break-out for some games to the team's benefit, mostly they break-up at the individual (and team) performance levels across the majority of games for which they were chosen, in the roles that we all expected and hoped that they could fulfil. It truly is time to select two others, preferably young, budding and switched-on forward enthusiasts who see the advantages of leading for the ball, finding space and presenting to the team's advantage at every opportunity. There are several who might fill such a profile. There are others who have been played largely 'out-of-position' so far in their footballing careers at the MFC.

Jack's impact has improved, too. If ever there was a Demon capable and willing to create havoc with the Filth, it would be Jack. I wonder who his key targets will be?

Very true - and a reason to avoid going in the first place. I found that the GA seating area allocated by the Club/Ticketek to Members is frustratingly poor as a spectator area, and thus I won't be going to the 'G any more this year.

We have definitely seen what happens - confirmed many times across many years (for many footballers) and that has been dismal with few exceptions. Same old, same outcomes. Surely? He's now rather close to 10 years in the 'not going to improve' category so we cannot afford to keep him, invest further in his development, blindly turn the cheek in hope that something comes of him at the AFL level.

That is reality biting - very hard to accept but honestly, selecting and developing two or three mobile, consistent forwards shouldn't be that difficult.

Watch the Cotchin headbutt. Buddy was eyeing the ball behind him in its trajectory, head turned away as he approached Cotchin. The latter noticed this and delayed normal contact (bump, leap towards ball - at which time Franklin would have the pill marked, jostle for the best incoming pozzie). Cotchin sized-up Franklin's turned head - took the split second delay instead of bodily contact for Franklin to turn towards him and at that precise moment decided to headabutt, did headbutt - all because he was about to be beaten for the ball. Just like in a pub brawl, it is the coward who headbutts.

That would lead, most likely, to the end of the competition. Cotchin the Headbutter deserved it but not so gently. Buddy's response to receiving a sly headbutt was hot-head stuff and avoidable. I'd reckon the umps might have just paid him a free for the headbutt had he made a simple 'fake-agony protest and collapse' to the wilful, facial contact from Cotchin. It's a pity the match reviewers do not take into account what the Headbutter did, how he did it and question if that was just a once-off opportunity from Cotchin to seek advantage.

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.