Deemania since 56

Variation is what we need up forward, right now. Considerable change is necessary to end the repeating slumps through which we pass. BB, Daw, AVB, JSmith need to be in. Two newbies of the roving type with good foot skills must come in for Spargo and Pickett, immediately. Tracca must be allocated at least 50% time in the forward line. Selectors must justify their role and record.

Hunt's charges into the forward line in the last quarter explified his enthusiasm for a target - solely carrying the weight (and subsequent consequences) of a static forward structure, and he must be congratulated (at least) on the territory that he singularly gained in at least three of these forays. It is as if our forwards (other than Fritta) have limited desire to complete the plays or to make ground to receive with evasion, space and innovation. These are the consequences of playing forwards who are too comfortable with their responsibilities thus affecting their effectiveness and impact. Whilst our midfielders do take far too many wayward long bombs or unsighted clearances ahead, it is not entirely their fault. The forwards initiate zero plays with movement and clever positioning, thus providing zero targets for effective midfield clearances.

Viney added very little other than slowing the game and its flow down whenever he earned a free. His kicking is equivalent to most disappointing - he seems unable to achieve the correct length for a receiver to run into or the control for the receiver not to have to backtrack from whence he came instead of watching the ball sail well over his head. Spargo and Kozzie should have been 'managed' this game. GWS has a lifelong history of mobile and agile medium-height players leaving our two 'roving' types well out of the play, all game. We needed some courageous and taller scouts around the packs, perhaps those with a little muscle bulk and a capacity to step lively. We needed BB into FFwd attracting confronted opposition backmen to release the Fritta, TMac and an improved smaller brigade selection for the snaps. Even Daw may well have contributed to this capacity and might have marked well and kicked truly. Vanders was available and should have been utilised across HF to HB - he not only sorts opposition players, he creates plays in our favour. Still we played with determination in the last half but it was not enough.

All we need is a fit AVB between half-forward and half-back, rejoining the team as his presence does make us a better team; but importantly, we need a player of his type to assist clear a few pathways for his teammates and to de-stabilise some big personal opinions amongst the opposition, such as Bumford.

We have to kick straight with goals, the earllier, the better - and maintain such a performance. Tags must abound.

Shaming their ruckman is not good form and possibly, is a wasted effort as his supporters cannot read. Let Spargo do it as his direct opponent in the ruck, instead.

Agreed, but our forward line needs to have a fully (or at least partially) freed Fritta and TMac, and one or two attacking, pacey smalls. To my way of thinking, BB with standard support might have just occupied enough key defenders to achieve this layer of mobility. However, there may be a 'trick' to the anti-GWS backline roles for Jackson and Gawn down forward.

Golly, I wish Vanders had an opportunity to line up on Mumbum.

Fritsch should be good for us against GWS, provided the team looks for him on leads out from the deeper forward areas and thus, being chased by a likely defender that will open space and decrease opposition focus for/on BBB. Melksham endured the unexpected last week; he would be handy, as well with his more serious game skills. That leaves a few to step up, scout, rove, crumb and allow TMac to do his thing - on delay, to zones, peripheral forward movement.

We are Demon fanatics because of players such as Sean Wight and the underpinning character that he displayed.

We are playing well - and still within ourselves - but it is highly enjoyable and I am sure the players feel that way, as well. As the temperatures rise nearing the finals series (of which we are almost a confirmed challenger), it is most likely that our congested player selection scenario will have largely been sorted and with this, the Dees are going to get hot, hotter and angry. Who cares what others say (I am sure that others - particularly the media - are thinking about just how promising we will look nearing the finals). The media has a role to promote all teams in the competition to maintain high public attention for one reason or the other. Bandwagon teams attracted by the forces of gravity will abound in the coming weeks. We must face it in this time period to come; we are not going to fall off. Carna Dees!

Magnificent example (but I am talking about footballing skills). Yeata was one of the best ...

We had some good players, some brilliant. So did the Essendrug few. I was personally quite impressed with Brayshaw's game, the thinking and variation of achieving the best outcome from his 'getting' of the ball. He has lost the panic in his football, as well; this enables him to pick his best targets, not just support nearest to him. A vital cog for our team game. Onyer, Gus.

He repeatedly does this as well as anyone - up, down and around the ground, picking up a goal or two along the way.

Vanders adds something special ... thud.

Kozzie is becoming predictable to the opposition - still highly skilled, an electric surprise machine, potentially lethal - but could watch the next match to take onboard those 'team footy' fundamentals.

A key and vital consideration to the ascending staircase of goals that we need.

Interesting - who can disrupt the trip-wire of innovation, good effect onfield and classy foot skills - particularly for our forwards.

A little time at Casey, to re-hone skills and applications. Nothing more ...

Right now, Kozzy and Spargo would benefit with a rest to watch how Jones' techniques work so well for so long. He may not have that pace these days but he plays hard, has unique evasion and is now kicking at targets, not bombing or holding up play for awarded frees.

Kozzy needs a rest for a week, whilst Spargo contributes, he needs a rest as well. I am thinking Jones and Bowie as feeders to the forwards. Probably not a popular choice but worth a try if our forwards respond to what those two can do in range.

Jordan is doing ripper week to week, and that form is improving, week to week. Got a lively asset, there!

6. May 5. Lever 4. Langdon 4. Gus 5. Trac 6. Oliver

BB is the next shift for us. Fritta struggled, again, in a lead role. Without BB, he is stifled by a decent defender each week. TMac has a role already and is achieving most of the things we need of him but Fritta, he is not having the clear run that he deserves. BB will assist in that regard, drawing the better defenders, enabling the Fritt to roam about for marks and subsequent shots. Petty could be a part-time solution up forward, as well - and he can kick 'em.