Red But Mostly Blue

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

I know there were arguments to be made in relation to his experience/forward footy craft big body in the 50 being of value to us etc, but seriously, I don't think I could have gotten over that punchable face being in our colours. A good day, all is well in the universe.

How awkward Seee yyyaaaaaaaaaa (Going to be even weirder when they realise none will be forthcoming) (Still sooking over Petty, obviously)

True, but hopefully by then we have won 1 or 2 more premierships, and in the intervening period have resolved the issue of finding 1 or 2 more KPFs (and replace/plan to replace May/Gawn as the case may be). Then he can go back to SA (can't stop em going home) a triple premiership medal winner. Not bad!

Not at his best the last couple of years, but we'll always have Harmes to Fritta. Always. With a bit of a refresh/more game time, hopefully he can get back to his best footy. Will be great to see him do well, aside from against us obviously. Although I don't mind if he keeps up those direct i50 passes to Fritta.

I hope we're also looking at trading/drafting some new psychologists to get our guys' heads right in big games. I know I'll be torched by some, but torch away. Truth is, we've gone out 2 x straight sets and the last 2 in particular were embarrassing wastes. Yes we had injuries (like other teams), but the horrible misses tell me we either genuinely can't kick for goal (which I don't believe), or we crumble under the pressure of the MCG cauldron - which is understandable. It's a lot. It's loud and intense. But we're not inexperienced. We're recent premiers with nearly the whole team still there. The Pies did not wilt, they kicked the goals they needed to, when they needed to. An interesting stat - would love to see if the Pies' total winning margins is the lowest ever for a premier - 7pts, 1 pt and 4pts. Shows how close everything it, but also, in line with my comment, shows that they handled the pressure. Anyway, in all seriousness, I hope we're looking for a mental edge and obviously a new forward coach, as we do actually need help there, as well. Can't hurt to increase the goal efficiency/accuracy. I know this is also impacted by sloppy kicks in the midfield. Something Yze's replacement should address. Quickly.