Neil Crompton

I thought Gus was really, really good again tonight. I think he has really found his spot. Despite Lever and Salem still to come back into the side, It will take a brave coach to move Gus away from the backline.

Hasn’t Bedford played every game at Casey this year despite being medi sub?

I am hoping that the selectors use either Gus or JJ to fill Vineys role, and not Dunstan. Both deserve that chance on form alone well before Dunstan IMO.

If the selected 18 is fixed, then I don’t believe TMac will play in the forward line - as per Goodies press conference today where he stated he would not play 3 talls on the forward line. I think TMac will play as the 7th backman. If the selected 18 is not fixed then I think TMac will be dropped and Tomlinson will come in as the 7th back.

I give Gus credit for having some intelligence. WTF then would he give some hint of a WA future on some obscure podcast? Simply, it doesn’t make sense to me, and not sure why some posters would even consider this scenario a possibility, given the setting and the audience.

Thanks to Luci for including this one. My absolute favourite positive comment: Actually, I think the underdog has won every one of our games this year. We might be a chance.

Sports turf is an incredible science these days. And the best stadiums use a combination of natural and synthetic grass (for stability and hardiness) and it comes in a thick profile which results in the turf being ready for play almost immediately. The redevelopment of the MCG and the new Optus stadium used a proprietary pre-grown product called Eclipse Stabilized Turf. Not sure if our construction budget allows for this type of product - but would be great if it did, as we would be able to train on the oval pretty soon after it is laid. Mazer’s pics don’t seem to indicate that there is allowance for a thick profile turf to be installed on top of the current levels, but I don’t know enough about it to say definitely either way. I guess we will know soon enough.

If (and I say if) the rumours are true that Gus is wanting more mid time, and if Trac is rested, and if we pick Dunstan to replace him, how do you think Gus would be feeling? I’d suggest he’d be pretty peeved which may not help his contract negotiations. You could argue that we should do what’s best for the team - yet Gus has been really performing at AFL level (possibly the best form of his career to date) while Dunstan has not been a standout in the VFL. With the option of both of Petty and Smith being available this week, that could free Gus to play in the mid, without weakening the backline. I believe Gus deserves first crack at the mid spot, if it’s available, and certainly well before Dunstan.

If Trac was to get a rest, then I’d put Gus into the mid mix and bring Smith into the backline. Dunstan doesn’t impress me on performances so Far.

I’m confident the selectors will bring Smith back in this week if he is available. I’m not confident as to who will make way for him.

Maybe he didn’t want to face Gawny this week.

Picket Fence was raving about Bowey for weeks, saving he was ready for AFL, and he was correct. At this stage no one is raving that any of our current VFL players are ready for AFL yet. I think there is some future potential, but in my opinion, no one now ready to replace our main guys.

It might be just me but after watching the Casey games, I cannot yet get too excited about our talent at Casey. Given the strength of our seniors, I don’t see anyone currently knocking down the door to get in. The difference in standards between AFL and VFL is huge, and to me, unless you are dominating at VFL you are unlikely to make in the AFL. No one is dominating that I can see.

Where they finished last year has little to do with this year FB, IMO. when/if we beat Geelong and Brisbane then I’ll feel more comfortable boasting that we are the best side.

So far this year we have beaten teams placed 11, 14, 17 and 18. I think it is way too early to be making those sort of comments. (although I hope you are right)

So disappointed for the ladies, especially for Daisy. Unfortunately until our ball handling and kicking skills improve dramatically, we are likely to remain without a premiership.

If it wasn't for Max, I'd think Gus would make an excellent captain - and I'm sure that leadership qualities are what other clubs see in him, in addition to his football ability. He is a "must keep" man IMO.

Daz, there is a good reason the selectors chose Sam over M.Brown, so we should respect that, and wish Sam well. (Mind you, I also have NFI why Mitch wasn't selected after last weeks performance - but what would we know?)

Best wishes to Sam - he has his chance, and I hope he is able to find his mojo again. I think if he concentrates on constantly leading to space - rather than trying for the big pack marks - he should do well, as we now have the players ahead of him capable of hitting him lace out. Once he gets his confidence, the pack marks will likely follow.

Hopefully the new MFC base is firmly in place - just awaiting Government announcement - or if not, could this new appointment for Kate be some form of a conflict of interest for her in also leading MFC's push for our new home?

I think that opposition coaches, over the last 2 or 3 years, have put so much effort into nullifying Max’s dominant ruck craft, that we rarely see his “silver service” taps to our mids any more - that once was so commonplace. Max has changed the way the game is now played, and despite this change, Max is still the premier ruckman, and has still won AA honours during this period. As such, I have no worries about Max playing some quieter games, and while SD’s observations may be accurate reflections of what he saw, I’m not concerned about Max at all.

Don't come back yet D.

its a slow news day D.

Tomlinson having a mare.

IMG_0076.MOV My grandson was born the week after the GF. Membership purchased in November, and the membership pack only arrived this week. Training for the 2040 draft well under way.