Mel Bourne

I’m more inclined to accept “likelihood” over “fact”. I sure hope that those players don’t see it as “fact” anyway. Max in his post-game remarks went to great pains to point out the pressure that every player is under to hold their spot in this team, while we currently have genuine quality in our depth. Could be just words, but I’d like to think he meant it. It’s ultimately a very good thing.

We can do without him for a round. He needs to feel a little heat, and letting him play off the leash for this long with little payoff sends the wrong message. He also needs to spend a weekend kicking set shots with Choc. He is so off in that department, and it's not fixing itself in situ.

I think Koz needs to properly understand that he's playing for his spot every week, and that the early excitement he generated amongst fans and pundits does not equate to a guaranteed selection week in, week out. And next week it's a rest, for my liking. Not sure who comes in - whether it's a small forward or tall - but if it's Melksham we can live in hope that his recent demotion sent a message that has been understood.

His set shots are sitting at 7.10 at the moment. 50/50 would be preferable. Most pleased with the win, but it's a concern that our under-performers tonight all occupied the forward line. Kozzie aside, Fritsch, TMac and ANB were all flat as pancakes. Makes you wonder how we even got up. Very curious about next week's selections now.

Yeah look, I’ll ease up for one. Really don’t like the pile-ons, and found the Spargo one pretty unbearable (not to mention misguided). It’s just frustration, but it’s not like he wouldn’t be trying his guts out to get himself right. I remember a sunny day in ‘18, watching our last H&A match against GWS from the pocket in the Southern Stand. Sam had a set shot right in front of me from about 50m. He effortlessly slotted it with a beautiful motion, and I remember thinking that he really could be our next champion player. Just gotta find that guy again!

I see your point, and I should have said his “contribution to the club this season”. Question for you though; do you think he has a future at the club as a week in/week out key forward? Because your own expectations of what he’s to become don’t exactly fit that bill.

Mate, you’ve just said if we stick with Weid hopefully one day he’ll become “average”. I think that actually nestles you in with some of his biggest detractors, more than you obviously realise.

You can’t expect the discussion to be “reasonable” when we are effectively down a player every week. That is an honest evaluation of SW’s input to the club’s performances so far. Just a blurry void where a player ought to be standing, and right in front of the goals no less.

All in all, it was nice catching up with 2019 team today. Don’t need to see them again for a while though

I think Kozzy is really off at the moment. Has been for a few rounds, barring occasional moments of brilliance (with carry their usual redemptive qualities). That play where he ran too far was obviously indicative of a kid still finding his composure in the game, but man, it was hard to watch. Really selfish football. His set shot is really suss too. We know he’ll only improve from here and it’s extremely exciting, but sometimes I get the feeling his head is a bit in front of his mind, out there.

I don’t think the people standing up for Weid deserve to be howled down, but the ones who supported him AND howled down those that haven’t need to do a little navel-gazing now.

Fitness isn’t an issue against the Pies, nor I feel, any other team in the comp right now. Fitness isn’t the issue at hand though.

Thanks! My god. The pressure of a country-footballer who’s team is down by 130 points.

Never handball in the backline!

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