Mel Bourne

Can’t see the video...hmmm

I really wouldn’t worry. I’ve run the last twelve rounds’ stats through an aggregator, and it seems we are on schedule to win 147 of the next 150 matches.

Doneski

Interesting. Fritsch had some ankle trouble in the last match too, so wondered if it was him.

Do you mean in general, or based on recent form? Because I’m unsure how you could not “rate” a player who has come 2nd in the Coleman on two occasions, despite playing for an under-performing team. I found those two seasons of his very impressive, because it wasn’t like the Kangas were spending a heap of time in their forward 50, but he was making the absolute most of it when they did. Plus I have a lot of time for classical, full-forward straight-kicking in an age where it doesn’t seem high on a lot of players’ priority lists.

Interesting, because Lockhart debuted for us in the forward line. His first goal for the club (against Geelong) was a blinder, as were goals against the Bombers and Hawks in subsequent rounds. Then the decision was made to train him as a defender. I wonder if there was a similar approach with him as the one you’re suggesting with Bowey. Also as an aside, not suggesting for a second the kid isn’t hugely talented, but how do you arrive at calling somebody who hasn’t played a game at AFL level “elite”?

I really don’t get that. His form at Casey after (returning from injury) has been very good. He’s played great games at AFL level in the past, and he’s also a very good kick ??‍♂️

Why Bowey and not Lockhart?

Langdon in for Hunt, who’s shoulder will obviously benefit from a week’s rest Salem is still hampered by “general soreness”. Get him out, get him right In his place comes Lockhart, who was the leading possession-getter in the last game Casey were allowed to play. While it’s the case that we can’t give our reserves match-play, then get them playing in the real thing.

Jesus, what a terrible idea.

Long-time defender and quietly smug in the best possible way about what he’s become (and becoming). Keep at it Chuck

I imagine Ben Brown is putting in some serious work right now to get himself right, now that a GF appearance is a very real possibility. It’s going to be tough for him or any of us to see how he’s travelling though, given no Casey games for the time being. Personally, I really hope he does get himself right. When he’s on, he’s a far better player than Weideman, and has the receipts to prove it.

1 Petracca 2 tMac 3 Harmes 4 Oliver 5 Spargo 6 Rivers Just realised I forgot to put Max in. Sorry Max! You definitely belong in there somewhere, probs near the top. Ah well.

Ha! Perhaps. But we caaaaan play 4 HUGE quarters if we want to. Mostly I’m just excited about the 4th. Knowing we have such formidable tanks makes so much difference to my blood pressure readings at the 3/4 time break.

If no Hunt, give Lockhart a run.

Yep. Thread closed. Except it’s not. Proceed...

I’m just so stoked with tonight’s win. Can you believe this is OUR TEAM? Oh man. I’m hammered. Hammered on the taste of success (and Japanese whisky) that is.

That last quarter was a jewel in Darren Burgess’s crown. It was going to come down to fitness, and it feels so great knowing we can play four HUGE quarters.

Welcome back to the 1sts, Ben Brown.

SCRAP WHAT I SAID

We were all very right to get excited by Kozzie - and still are - but in the last few matches a little reality has started to kick in. He’s a kid who’s still finding his way (and boy, won’t he). But I’ve noticed I don’t get the same rush of anticipation when he gets near the ball. Just hoping he does something good with it.

Can’t blame the umpires for this. We’re just not playing with the same intensity as them. And boy does having no Langdon make a difference.

Yeah I’d also be worried if we fielded one of those wacky inflatable guys you see out the front of car wash centres.

Just a week or two? Surely just one, right?

That’s a fair call. Many players who ultimately become crucial to their team’s success edge their way there through grit n’ grind, but I think it’s fair to say that all the “stars” of AFL invariably had that one match that made people sit up and take notice, and followed on from there. So maybe Weid won’t be a star, but he needs to put the work in to become crucial.