Yze_13

I actually think the tentativeness in the first three quarters was the players not wanting to make a costly mistake and put Goody under more pressure. That to me speaks that they’re playing for him, and want him to do well. The last quarter speaks for itself really - our game plan in full flight against limited opposition. For me, Oliver’s decision making, Jackson’s athleticism and May’s aggressiveness the highlights (and Viney’s first right foot goal ever - prove me wrong). We did what we should have done against the bottom team - a 9 goal win. The cadence of it is not so relevant. I thought we were the dominant team most of the night. Challenge is now to maintain the effort and pressure against better opposition.

The simple fact is that they cannot afford to sack him, and they won't even contemplate it when (objectively) there's been one really poor performance in 2021 - against the top side coming off a 4 day break. (Richmond was poor too).

I tend to think, given the current circumstances, there won't be much list turnover (or coach turnover) at year end. Some players will retire and some will be delisted but I think the side will be largely the same. We don't have anyone tradeable who would command a first round pick anyway. I think the club is likely to give Goody one more "corona-free" crack with this list in 2021 and if he can't move it forward, then he'll be moved on with a year to go.

First really poor performance this year. I can excuse the West Coast game given the circumstances but that was a spiritless effort. Almost looked as though they were going through the motions with an eye on the congested fixture. The team selection was baffling. You cannot play Weideman, Jackson, Tom McDonald (and Fritsch, Hannan and Melksham who play tall) in the same side. Way too top heavy. Just ridiculous. They looked and played slow. There was no pressure when the ball hit the ground. I concede two talls + Fritsch, Hannan + Melksham is workable (just) - so make a decision. Either play Tom McDonald or Jackson - not both. The lack of speed of the outside mids was also telling. Jones can't break clear to set up play and neither can Brayshaw. Sparrow for all of his endeavour (which was great) is slow too. There needs to be an urgent recalibration - Adelaide would be licking their lips watching that. Really disappointed.

Agree. What did Hipwood and McStay do? Nothing.

There won’t be any.

Announcement said he was missing the flight for “personal reasons”. Anyone have any insight?

What a cracker. When Harley got the call and when Kozzie was helped through the crab walk - goosebumps. Brilliant episode. Well done.

The only meaningful conclusion to draw from that half is that if Weideman has to ruck for an extended period we will struggle.

They were flat as pancakes for the 1994 prelim. Went over on Wednesday and only had one proper training session between landing and game day. Meant they were sluggish and lethargic (against a very good side, let it be said). Some of the players were at such a loose end over what to do they went to the movies for the whole day (back to back to back)!

Closest since is Neita’s 9 vs Richmond in (I think) 2004

From any source other than Tom Browne?

I’m sure this is covered elsewhere but I would be immediately engaging the relevant person to convince Jack Martin to accept a one year deal with us for 2020. If that means delisting Stretch or JKH, so be it. No one could reasonably argue that Martin isn’t a significant upgrade on either of those two.

All relevant to the Langdon trade just announced. Pick 22, 79 and a future second round selection will head to the Dockers, while pick 26 and a future fourth round selection head to Melbourne along with Langdon.

One of the best posts I’ve ever read on this site.

Of course I’ll renew - will buy the 5 premium memberships that I do every year. I’m even thinking about joining coterie. It’s odd, but I wouldn’t enjoy the good times anywhere near as much without knowing I’d suffered through the bad times. I’m a firm believer in the concept that the Club owes you nothing. You make a choice to support it or not. But if you love it, it’s not really ever a conscious choice.

Exactly right. Ask Rod Grinter, Jeff Farmer or Russell Robertson if they feel disconnected. And to suggest Glen Bartlett has the biggest ego of the AFL presidents is absolute nonsense when you think about the field.

Yeah, peaking too early.

Hard to say without understanding the context, but I’d be a lot more confident if I knew that all 22 players were coming off a full pre-season and could run out the last 10 minutes at full pace.

Round 1 2020 can’t come quickly enough. A full preseason with a new head of fitness, a bottom 6 draw, an injury free list with a top 5 pick...

When we lost after the siren at KP last year, I saw a 6 year old kid in an Oliver jumper crying. His mother looked embarrassed. I felt like crouching down and saying “Get used to this feeling....”

I thought Tim Smith was okay too.

Anyone who has watched Melbourne consistently could see what was going to happen after quarter time. Where was our plan B? Why did we not back ourselves to win at the stoppage and as a result let them have players behind the ball? It’s almost as though we were playing for an honourable loss, knowing we would get smashed on the spread (which we did in the last quarter anyway). It was like a performance in the early days of Roos - defensively okay but you knew the outcome before the ball was bounced. There are some truths to be told about the preseason and exactly what shape the players came back in.

Nothing new in any of this. Ironic isn’t it - if Jordan McMahon doesn’t somehow smash one through from 55m after the siren none of this ever matters - a real sliding doors moment. I hope this has the effect that I think it will with the current club - use it to galvanise, band together and come out roaring from the bounce tomorrow night.

We were 2-3 last year, including a ten goal loss against an experienced team, and didn’t have too many issues making a preliminary final with a core one year younger than it is now.