Mel Bourne

Of course. In fact I’d rather play a stronger Pies to get a real sense of where we’re at (and in the event of a win, not have to tolerate their supporters’ excuses). I don’t believe there’s such a thing as an easy win in the current competition. Nor do I relish or celebrate injuries. Not even in the case of Mason Cox*. *I had to sum up a lot of adult-strength to type that sentence.

This was basically confirmed at the time. Goodwin was very clear that he was expected to play one more week at Casey, but Turner’s calf and Roo’s concussion against the Blues brought him in a week early.

Allow me to momentarily jump ahead one round of the pre-game thread. According to “Footy Feeds” on the AFL site, Pies will not have Cox, Mihocek, De Goey or Richard’s for King’s Birthday. Add these names to their already extensive list Ok, back to matters at hand…

Guessing you haven’t watched his highlight reels then. Worth a look.

Thing is though, McAdam actually knows how to do it. So perhaps we reallocate that entitlement? And this one...https://www.afl.com.au/video/994633/up-and-mcadam-in-huge-hanger?videoId=994633&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1691218330001

Yep, those kind of conditions don’t sound ideal for either a re-building Petty or a late-career BBB. Who else though?

No, we’re fourth on the ladder because we have a gun team astrologist.

McAdam is very much a work in progress. As well as learning a new system, he missed rounds 2–18 through injury last year, and had a far-from-ideal pre-season. Some folks here suggesting he “gets in the bin” or posting vomit emojis ought to be ashamed. He’s putting in the work. That’s all you can ask at this particular juncture. It’s about building a squad, and not every new player is going to fulfil some Karate Kid fantasy.

Is he? I have not found evidence to support this.

....and the Demons aren't?

Last year they mic’d up Bradshaw during a match (from memory, it was that horrid game against the Giants at Traeger Park). I was so impressed by his on-field leadership. Had no idea just how deep this side of his game went. It’s not recommended viewing right now. Too sad, and agreed, an all too clear indication of a loss that can’t be overstated enough. Very grateful for the fact he’s still a presence at the club, but man do I miss his presence where it’s needed most.

Cupboard was bare dude. Back your players. Rubbishing a first gamer is poor form.

These [censored] commentators: ”Collingwood football club, take a bow” You don’t take a [censored] bow when you’re the reigning premiers and have just narrowly beaten a team who’s 12th on the [censored] ladder.

Cats a bit off tonight, eh Scotty?

Yep, they’ve got the benches revolving through them.

Yep, the Suns are getting away with quite a lot this quarter.

The King brothers really are a matching set of witch hats.

@WalkingCivilWar it’s like you spent the time since the last training report in some geopolitical hotspot, interviewing senior cabinet ministers (but the spell was somewhat broken when you said “Spargypants”). Thanks for getting the scoops!

He’s listed as “test” for this week. We’ll see, I guess.

Of course. Likewise, would like to get a look at Verell. But I get the feeling it could be Schache, given his decent form at Casey before his injury.

BB the obvious choice in any other match, but wonder whether the time spent in transit would be something the club would rather avoid, given the low-risk the Eagles pose. With McGovern looking a likely out, the need for an extra tall is negated.

Bobby Hill is clearly hampered by an injury. Hoping it’s something that doesn’t let up for around three and a half weeks.

Not definite, but just gone to hospital with suspected internal injuries.

Yeah, I rarely have this kind of info, but a friend of the family knows him well. But we’ve learned from Max that these things can turn around in pretty spectacular fashion. We’ll see.