Red But Mostly Blue

What a great way to start the week, with the debutants listed - and the goat, Clarry to play! The media won't retract a damn thing, nor will the numpties on socials apologise (with their 'inside' info re his health and progress) - so I am overjoyed that Clarry has obviously been doing the right things to get his body and mind on the right track. Now it's a matter of every day, every week, just continuing the process and letting his footy do the talking. Would be amazing to see him just demolish, and take out a Brownlow. But one week at a time :-) I know we're missing some stocks here and there, some permanent (Gus - which will create a good opportunity and Salo moving up certainly helps that), some temporary, mostly up forward, but we have some exciting kids - Windsor looks like he knows how to kick' em. Max looks genuinely possessed out there. With all the noise and media beat-ups I wasn't sure whether those ghouls would damper by usual excitement for the first (lol, opening) round - but they haven't. I am so pumped. The Swans up there is a solid first up challenge. They'll play some good footy this year. With their outs, and ours I think we're fairly evenly matched. There was a lot to like from, admittedly, a praccy against the Blues, but I'm pumped to see Windsor on the big stage, a bit more of Howes (who I wasn't convinced about, yet - but the boys look to regard him very highly and that's enough for me), Jibba, and Trac, Jack, Lever, May, Salo on the day, Fritter finding his goalkicking feet, the kids, and our boy Clarrie lighting it up!! Let's go!!!

Agree. If we're going to win the flag this year, the 1%ers will make the difference - and player buy-in/messages with moments like this are monumental. Don't get me wrong, if Clarry is good to go according to those whose job it is to make such a call and have been monitoring him in accordance with the promises/expectations made - then HELL YES. But if he isn't for whatever reason at all, for our sake and Clarry's ongoing health and journey back to his best self and footy, then I am happy with that. We just want the goat back when it's right.

Lots of talk about Clarry being ready, and showing all the right signs, physically and mentally in the last 2 games. He may have, and it's certainly positive more than anything for his continued well-being (he's one of my favs and I would love to see him out on the park but at the end of the day I just want him fit, healthy and happy - his best footy will follow this naturally - the guy is a natural born gun), and I have no doubt his presence will life the boys. BUT - there is some argument for him not being there against the Swans. Firstly, those on the inside may not think he is quite there yet. He has missed some footy. This should not come as a surprise. It could be fitness. It could just be that intangible 'not quite ready'. I don't think that's a negative. He's working to rejoining the group as a permanent fixture for a run at the flag this year. We need him. But if it takes a little more time, so be it. Only those on the inside, and Clarry, will know if that's the right first game. I almost think him not being there might almost be a blessing, so there isn't any unnecessary burdensome scrutiny on his recovery/quality of his return . If he came back Rd 1, or even the next, there would be less scrutiny - everyone has taken their time to make sure it's the right time and Clarry can get on with destroying oppo. Anyway, I believe our depth is still good - we need to move a few magnets. Salem was one of them. We'll be OK, and once Clarry rejoins we'll be even better.

Agree with this. Schache looked decent against the Blues. Ruck can only improve, and if he finds some confidence and form, with 1-2 goals a game would be very handy and more than we probably contemplated. Bonus. That said, Brown would be a huge win to have as cover until Petty and McAdam join the group. If we play him, honestly I would prefer we just plonk him forward and instruct NOT TO RUN beyond the arc - just take out a defender and bring the ball to ground. That alone, plus his quality kicks will probably yield sufficient return. Ultimately, we will need either/both giving us at least 2-3 goals to make sure we navigate a really tricky first month or so, when we are likely to miss at least Petty, and perhaps McAdam for a while.

Great post. BIG YES FROM ME. ANB is a pivotal part of this team and its success.

Really good takeaways from tonight: - Boys look focused - Kids v handy. Windsor awesome. Kolt good. Brown too. - Sparrow! ! That’s exactly the sort of game we need from him. Few goals, big on confidence. Could be one of a few who have breakout years. - Viney Max good. - Took more chances than usual. Looked confident. Even Scache got involved! Imagine us with Petty McAdam and in time Melk back. Very dangerous. Especially with some better delivery. And Oliver, in good time, when ready. I think we can cover him until timing is perfect. Overall bullied the blues, and stuck to our structures very well. Lots to like, bring on the swans!

haha yeah my bad, typo. But I kind of like the old 'me career', although unintended.

The end of Angus' long (AMAZING) letter: "And so, concludes me career. I have no regrets and a lot of love. My heart will ALWAYS beat true for the red and the blue. Go Dees." What an elite top shelf gentleman and athlete. Will be missed. Hope the guys can put aside the drama and unideal prep for the season and do it for him. A flag this year would be tough (without him, as just one of the reasons), but would be so sweet. Highly recommend the read. A letter from Gus (melbournefc.com.au)

I'm all for unity and will back the boys in, but with all that has happened (and now Gus) - this is truly the ultimate test for us and our culture (the best in 40 years as Pert has said). We'll either come out a basket case (which you could understand), or the leaders will take charge, set the agenda straight (we have to make amends for the last 2 years and make use of this limited premiership window) and the juniors take the opportunity to stand up and go to the next level. Looking forward to seeing us breathing fire from the first bounce - this is where we remind everyone that we are focused.

Absolutely shattered. With this, we have lost one of those spirit of the club sort of players. You always know what you're getting with Gus, wherever he was asked to play. Uncompromised work ethic, super consistent and reliable. And a gentleman to boot. It's so sad his last game was the one that ultimately brought this about, but he leaves an impressive legacy, the 3Q in the GF, and is a premiership hero. Not going to lie, the offseason drama, now this - we have a strong list and certainly some depth - and this creates an opportunity for somebody to step up - but gee with everything, the boys are either majorly distracted (which I worry about), or they use everything ton inspire/drive them to success and righting the wrongs of the last 2 years and making use of this list before it's gone. We'll soon see which of the two it is...

I've had a few coffees and was feeling nice. Ask me again later today, though...

I've taken the time to rate Ralph. D-

Well said A lot of the frustration has been levelled at the crows for their relentless pursuit of Harry. But that's only because he's likely made some moves and given them something to work with, and as you say appears to have used the media to further his own interest, and done very little to repay the demon faithful, and the club, which has invested heavily in him, as well.

Ah that’s the worst one! Did disguised as a footballer! We’ve been had before lol

Ah well there you go. Not too bummed we got Fullerton then, who will at least have some upside in the ruck. Haha damn straight! Is he available!? 🤣

Really? Damn did he go downhill or something? I remember him having a decent patch.

Koschitzke just went to the tigers for 49. Did we show any interest in him? That’s so cheap for someone like that, which might have been useful.

Well, we do need people who can do that. If we can get this guy back to something close to his best on the cheap. Win. If not, he's good value depth for Casey, to replace losses there. But I would rather him close to best in the 1s, as we sorely need those skills, particularly going forward.

Very true, it's actually kind of 'reasonable' (noting the alarm in paying half a mil per year to someone who has been patchy for the last 5+ years). But if it were to come to pass, I would trust the FD that they think he has a home, and can bring him back to potential or very close to it.

The Zero Hangar article linked a few times here suggests $500k. Which is not too bad, and likely reflects form. If they took something off that, may make it more interesting.

It's probably already been posted, but this is a good article on Jack - why he hasn't been chased harder during the trade period, and also does a deep drive into his performance to date. https://www.zerohanger.com/why-arent-clubs-chasing-jack-billings-stkilda-saints-afl-trade-period-144137/ In the article, it's mentioned that he's clearly talented, but seems to have regressed and has definitely failed to live up to the hype. Lots of the chat here reminded me of one of our most famous 'never-met-potential' Jacks. BUT - it is also mentioned that he has been a little unlucky with injuries, 3 coaches and a lack of certainty about club direction, where he plays. So he would benefit from clearer positioning/role and some luck with injuries etc. He's on approx $500k, contracted for the next 2 years. I guess the question is do we need another small/medium half forward??? Who goes out?

Loll Ralphy... WHO could we have gone for that we didn't already go for ???!!

It'll be a pretty [censored] F2 after we win the flag, so I am OK with that.

I'm no mathematician, but I am pretty sure that Petty "100%" being with us next year leaves no additional % to argue the chances of a trade. Good. The debate for the trade was wild. Cornes, go home.

We have been patient with JVR, really taken the time to develop him... ... He plays a solid 28 goal debut year, and there's the possibility we trade him for a MAYBE (midfield) star and a KPF who kicked LESS goals this year than a kid on debut???? JVR will increase his output next year. Hell, we may even start to kick to leading forwards in 2024. Lower the eyes etc. Could be 40-50 goals if we don't keep bombing it on his head. Silly trade thought. NO THANK YOU