Red But Mostly Blue

Lame. Not the boost we wanted to instil some confidence in 2025 but I guess we’ll just have to do with reassurances in the offseason that we’ll fix everything that need fixing and go again next year.

Until then, it’s just a game…it’s just a game… it’s just a game… it’s just a game… it’s just a game… it’s just a game…

(I say as I rock myself to sleep after being belted by the pies, again).

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GAMEDAY: Rd 24 vs Collingwood

lol billings 🤷‍♂️

GAMEDAY: Rd 24 vs Collingwood

Lame way to end our season.

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GAMEDAY: Rd 24 vs Collingwood

Here we go, last time for the boys to run out this year. It’s not been the year that we all wanted, but we can end on a high and bury the pies.

They say dress for the job you want, not the one you have - so let’s play like the team we want to be next year.

GO DEES ❤️💙

PREGAME: Rd 24 vs Collingwood

15 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

If you think I’m gonna suggest this for Friday’s banner… you’d be dead right! 😅

Unfortunately the club would never allow it, but it’s fun imagining it.

Anyways the banner has enough going on already. Goodbye to Nibs and congrats for Riv’s 100th and whatever else the club sees fit (hopefully no advert just for this week).

LOL

That's already a lot going on for the banner! Can't wait to see it :-)

Gonna miss Nibbler :-( But fam always comes first. Hope he gets picked up for a really good #pick for us haha, but importantly plays a blinder every game, even against us (as long as his team still loses lol).

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PREGAME: Rd 24 vs Collingwood

Grab some fries, smoke the Pies

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Christian Petracca

After 83 pages, I hereby declare Trac is not going anywhere.

I can't point you to anything definitive, BUT I make this conclusion based on:

- Original story was started by gutter rat tom morris.

- There's still no categorical substance to this story. Silence/lack of definitive response from Trac is not necessary, and does not, of itself, prove the story. Sorry, tom.

- No other viable team has the trade capital. Deal just can't get done.

- On a human level, I can see Trac might have some issues. He could have died. I would think such an event makes people think and see things differently. Maybe not always perfectly. Who knows? Either way, it's quite possible it was not handled the best perhaps from everyone. These guys play footy for a living. They are not comms/relationship experts or psychologists/counsellors etc. They're fallible. They make mistakes. I am sure mistakes have been made across the ground. Trac said his piece yesterday and I trust that this will be the building blocks upon which they will build a better version of all players for next year. Trac's road to recovery/full health (physical and mental) will be a long one. Who better to assist than his band of brothers, many of whom with he won a flag. He will need their support to return to his best next year, and I am sure everyone will learn from this.

- There is no outside supporting evidence of didly squat.

Anyhoo, now that it's settled, I propose we call this thread... Christian Petracca tears it up for the Dees in 2025

Greg Stafford departs Melbourne

Whether you were happy with Staff or not, and hand on heart, I think it was probably time for him to move on - and that's ok - that's not a dig - sometimes you just need change and that can be said for both parties. Our forward line/approach needs a fresh set of eyes and it's time (perhaps a little late...but again, just me) so it's a good decision and I wish him the best. To those potting the guy, it's easy to do so from the couch, but the reality is that we won a flag with him there, and very little was said about that. It should be acknowledged. Thank you.

All the best, Staff!

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Trade Targets

#BringBackMac

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RIP Sam Landsberger

August 20, 2024Aug 20 ·

Edited August 20, 2024Aug 20 by Red But Mostly Blue

Terrible, gut-wrenching news. Condolences to Sam's loved ones. So young, carrying out the everyday task of traveling to work - which always brings these things too close to home :-(

A reminder that this is, after all, just a game. The (overlong) hoo-ha in the Tracc thread, our disappointing year, the 2000 GF, Tom Scully (*shudder*), the Neeld era, etc. - doesn't truly mean anything of substance (as much as some of that still burns). We cheer at games, united by a sense of adventure, shared adrenaline and hope for a taste of glory, we hug our loves ones, and every moment is at the whim and grace of the universe. Nothing is promised beyond now.

Going to hug my better half + little ones now (I returned to my laptop to finish some work - which, also, doesn't truly matter).

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TRAINING: Monday 19th August 2024

August 20, 2024Aug 20

19 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

It probably does sound as though they don’t get any training done but of course they do. I chit-chat with them before and/or after the session. Also sometimes when they’re in the tent which is really only meant to be for players but I get to go in because I ran it by both Richo and Goody ages ago and they said it’s fine. I never stay in there for long anyways. And of course, walking back to AAMI usually with Clarrie is my fave time.

Gotta add: the players and coaches are so grateful for the DA. They all know I’m in the cheer squad and they regularly tell me how much they respect and appreciate us. I think this is why they always make me feel welcome. Even their loved ones are grateful. At a session recently a woman came over and said hello. I didn’t know who she was and asked her name. She said she’s Kath, Tmac’s mum. I introduced myself and she said, “Oh I know who you are” and proceeded to praise the DA. 🥰

Awww that's sweet.

I am sure they are, you and the rest of the DA invest a lot of time each week. Treasures - all of you. Thank you :-)

(I was a member of the cheer squad some moons ago. When my littlest one (18m) is a little older and I start bringing him to games - I will very much look to bring him and my eldest (5yo) into the cheer squad to take part as well. Great times with lovely people, for the best club in the world).

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Christian Petracca

August 15, 2024Aug 15 ·

Edited August 15, 2024Aug 15 by Red But Mostly Blue

Can we please just have a normal end to 2024/offseason and 2025 preseason so we can focus on good footy?

We were in the wilderness forever. A burnt out shell of our former glory days. Then we built a seriously good side, won a flag, worked our way back into discussions and relevance again, and rebuilding a reputation... only to now find ourselves sliding down the ladder and heading back into murky territory.

A lot of this stuff is still mostly/likely rumour and like every other side, there will be stuff that needs to be resolved. But the other teams aren't being spoken about. It's us. Again.

Our leadership group needs to band together and put this [censored] to bed and commit to continuing our path to a new legacy of glory in the modern era. We can either be like Geelong and Sydney, and maintain success at the top - or drop off like the Bombers etc.

Whatever the basis for all of this, I'd love to see the Club stand up at the end of the year and commit to us + one another to continue what we have been building. We are coming from a long way back, so there's still a lot to do. One flag will not erase a million years of drubbings. We can still return to where we belong, or we can return to irrelevance and wait another million years for success and respect.

It's our choice.

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Farewell Alex Neal-Bullen

August 14, 2024Aug 14

We have now lost two leaders this year, which is a big hit.

I wish ANB the best. A true clubman. Played his heart out every game. Unfairly a whipping boy for many years. Always had a dip and did the 1%ers. Played his role and helped us to win a flag. He will be missed.

But, this situation now provides an opportunity. Who will stand up amongst our group to fill these leadership positions?

Who will be hurting in the guts that last year it got away (for some valid, and some not valid) reasons? Who is gutted that this year has been a disappointment?

Who will stand up and take us into 2025 to win a flag?

Season 2024 Over for Clayton Oliver

August 14, 2024Aug 14 ·

Edited August 14, 2024Aug 14 by Red But Mostly Blue
typo

Great news. Clarry has been hampered all year, and persevered despite an unideal preseason.

I have never questioned his commitment or ability to return to his god-tier status on the field. And I maintain that.

The problem with Clarry is everyone will judge him based on his lofty heights. It's not fair. He was good this year, and sure, maybe not what we have come to expect for various reasons. He is not alone in this respect! Our success in 2025 will require Clarry to return to his usual form. Provided we make the necessary adjustments to our midfield and overall game plan (which was a mess this year) - because it's NOT all on him as much as people want to pot him for not winning us games, that's not how it works - I am certain he will return to the Clarry we know and love. He looks happier and healthier, and with a few tweaks to his body and our game plan - boom, watch out 2025.

Rest up, Clarry - you did your best this year considering all circumstances, look forward to seeing you firing in 2025. I also look forward to those asking for him to be traded/sold down the river to own their mistake next year.

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Christian Petracca

August 14, 2024Aug 14 ·

Edited August 14, 2024Aug 14 by Red But Mostly Blue

I reallllyyyy don't want to spend another offseason talking about whether Trac will stay/or not, and then whether he is truly committed, or seeing out a contract, or part of it, and as a result the ensuing scrutiny of our culture. We started 2024 with a spotlight on our culture - to the point where all our losses, or 'quiet games' from Clarry, or soft response games, were put down to poor culture. We have a very limited window to capitalise on Maxy/May - it's probably just 2025. ANB leaving does not help our chances, and other teams care catching/caught up/gone past us. We are going to have to make nothing but great decisions before the first bounce in 2025 to have a chance.

We need to convince the big names being talked about/on our shopping list (Houston, Callaghan etc) that we have our business together, and they will see success with us - and not be constantly harassed by the media for poor culture. It's a reality to say if those players have to decide between us (window closing, admittedly with some good junior talent - but not premiership winning, right now, junior talent), and the Hawks who are on the UP (frustratingly), with junior talent, and not a basket case, or Geelong (of course), they cannot be faulted for choosing other teams. We can't afford that. We have holes in the team that will need to be filled with plug and play stars. So if we are to be a chance next year, all of this [censored] has to stop NOW. I don't believe Morris, but it is quite possible Trac (and others, who knows?) has concerns that need to be sorted out - and it is evident, from our results and position this year, that things did not go to plan. Clearly some things were not sorted out in the 23-24 offseason (excluding the loss of Gus, of course - a big loss, and Trac later in the year).

So, SORT THEM OUT NOW. Over to you, Roffey, Goody and Co. We have one chance here. We back you in, but I think there needs to be some ownership, accountability and forward thinking.

GET US EXCITED!!

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Farewell Alex Neal-Bullen

August 13, 2024Aug 13 ·

Edited August 13, 2024Aug 13 by Red But Mostly Blue

Pretty bummed about this. Nibbler is a leader of the club and always has a dip. Has improved over the years with plenty still to give, but understand his reason, as a father of little ones myself.

But I gotta say, this, together with the Trac malarkey today (not that I believe it - although his silence is a little worrying, he doesn’t have to say anything of course but geez it would help), doesn’t give me great confidence right now, as I worry we’ll spend another offseason batting away trade rumours/ defending our culture, when we should be finding players who will plug the holes we have, and solving the issues we have so we can give our last year or two to win a flag with Maxxy and May etc a real crack. The distractions don’t help.

Anyway, Nibbler will be missed - wish him all the best, hope we do right by him as he has been good for the club, but it is another hole to plug, just not sure who can do it. A very important offseason ahead. Get players/get right for 2025.

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POSTGAME: Rd 22 vs Port Adelaide

August 10, 2024Aug 10

Just now, No10 said:

… except it was Mac Andrew

Yeah that’s still a sore point.

BUT

Bombers. Being beaten after the siren and almost certainly no finals. Small price to pay I guess for a winning moment 🤣

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POSTGAME: Rd 22 vs Port Adelaide

August 10, 2024Aug 10

We lacked polish, which we have to fix. Got to quit with those hospital hand passes and giving oppo so much space.

On the upside, Mac Andrew just kicked the winning goal after the siren against the Bombers, who now look almost certain to miss finals. And that is most certainly a win for good footy folk.

There’s always that!! ❤️🤣

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POSTGAME: Rd 22 vs Port Adelaide

August 10, 2024Aug 10

Great effort from the boys. Heart was there, just need to work on skills, which let us down in pivotal moments.

2 more games, let’s give us something to work towards in 2025.

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Goodwin is the MAN!

August 7, 2024Aug 7

13 hours ago, layzie said:

Can you imagine a world without lawyers?

hahahaha I can!!

I think lawyers are generally terrible and pointless, which is why I have been working so hard over the last 5-10 years to distance myself from it all and forge a new career 🤣

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Goodwin is the MAN!

August 7, 2024Aug 7

16 hours ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

Are you planning on going straight anytime soon @Red But Mostly Blue?

LOL - funny story. When I was in law school, in the first class they asked who was not planning on being a practising lawyer, and two people put their hands up. I thought at the time, why would you put yourself through this for, then?? After spending some time in the industry, I understood. I've spent a decade slowly working my way further and further away from it all - I'm nearly out!! haha :-)

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Goodwin is the MAN!

August 6, 2024Aug 6

1 hour ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

I’d love to see the Giants win their first premiership. To see Jesse and Toby (Snooze) as premiership players would be heartwarming. There’s a lot to like about GWS. Their comms. dept. is the best in the league and their fans are the most tolerable. Their cheer squad members are great. In particular, their banner crew. Funny, friendly people, here’s an example:

This is our banner crew for the recent Essendon match…

And this is our banner crew for the Giants game, unaware we were being mass-photobombed by their entire banner crew…

They even yelled out, “GO DEES” with us as the pics were being taken 🤣

PS: Ricky Lever hopes the Giants win it because they’re far away enough that we don’t have to endlessly hear about it, and I reckon he speaks for many of us. 😁

Agree with all GWS points. The fans have joined because they actually love the sport and have bought in, and are wholly decent. Would be nice to see Jesse (although I wish he was still with us, but happy he seems content) and Snooze (lol) (also wish he could have stayed, but understand) lift the cup. Rick knows what's up and the socials are GREAT!

haha love the pics, that's the right kind of spirit - thanks for sharing WCW :-)

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Goodwin is the MAN!