Neil Crompton

Jimmy, I’d much rather believe that loading was the primary cause of our period of pain between rounds 11 and 19 than to believe that our players were not good enough, or too inconsistent, or that they had drunk too much of their bathwater, or whatever other cause you can think off. Believing doesn’t make it fact, but it sure as [censored] means I’ll go into the next 6-8 weeks with more confidence that we will do well. Not believing , based on the last 9 games, means I have NFI which Melbourne side will turn up each week. That’s too stressful for me. Of course if we lose to the pies, I might just become a loading atheist like you.

Wrong thread D. You know where to put this!

Perhaps long flights are a positive rather than a negative(?)

I’d like to see 2 key forwards for Collingwood, and particularly for the finals. So for me it’s BB (if fit) and JVR. I also think Chandler really deserves to be picked, so I’d like him to get a game. Weid out is an easy one. ANB’s offensive game has been shocking for a number of weeks now and probably deserves a stint in the 2’s. Replacing him with Chandler gives us a more skilful offensive player, and really loses little on the defensive side. Who goes out for JVR? That’s a tough call, but I assume it’s either Melksham or, I don’t know. With Gus in the middle, Harmes becomes superfluous to our needs, and would now be competing with Sparrow to get a run. I don’t think that will happen this week. 3 changes to a winning side? Not sure it will happen, but I think it would improve us.

Until last night I had been one of Sam’s very few supporters, valiantly holding onto hope that he at last would bloom into a gun forward. Unfortunately, after last nights performance, it pains me to say that I can longer con myself into believing he deserves a place in our team. Sorry Sam, you’ve lost me.

Congrats @binman, luv your work. (Seems you are not toast after all). Perhaps you could apply for an analysis role on Fox. You’d eat them all. (of course if we lose next week….)

See Gus warming up in the centre square - fingers crossed.

binman, two things: -I’ve never understood the point in getting upset at what outsiders say. Definitely not a lot you can do about it, apart from what you have done - venting with your mates. Hope it has helped. - I actually don’t mind the us and them situation, ‘cause when we prove these jerks wrong, it will be just so satisfying.

I’ll be [censored] if Joel Smith doesn’t play as a forward.

If Jacko did sign on for 2 years, it would at least give us 2 years to find and blood a replacement and it would give Freo 2 years to come up with suitable trades and/or picks.

Also expecting a big statement tonight from the boys - or @binmanis toast!

I luv it when we are made to feel special - there is no one else like us.

Goodwindees, I’m trying to align the above post from you with your earlier post that said “it is all about the $’s for Gus” and that he was not interested in taking unders like other teammates had done - he was all about Gus and not so much the Club. Now you are saying that you are “firmly of the opinion that it was a win/win negotiation”. Forgive me if I am not properly understanding what you have written, but one post very much seems at odds with the second. Could you please explain?

I’d suggest that his 2021 form, partic the finals, showed he was an ideal fit for the wing position. I’d also suggest his 2022 form has shown he is also an ideal fit for our half back role. And, given I think he is a much better player than he was in 2018, I’d also suggest that he would nail a mid position if he was given the opportunity. Not too shabby for a “plugger” I’d say.

Have you dyed your hair WCW - I thought you were a redhead.

You must feel a little calmer now (less jaded even?)

It wasn’t just the media DD.

Haha One things for sure, after all his positioning on loading, Friday night’s game will either greatly enhance or alternatively, possibly destroy the credibility of one @binman. We all hope (but not yet fully believe) it will be the former, but secretly dread it could well be the latter. Just in case the worst happens, if I was @binman, I’d be getting together with Luci to explore her “other factors” that might help explain this disaster, and help start to resurrect his reputation.

Haha Don’t be such a killjoy. It’s just bit of fun; and it has its own separate topic so as not to infect the “real” footy topics. You know you don’t have to open this topic, don’t you?

Hopefully a two-tall forward policy this week - Weid and JVR Chandler because he has definitely earned it. Lever, of course.

It’s still a great time to be a Melbourne supporter Jaded NM - just a bit of additional noise to keep us (the supporters) on our toes.

You stun me with this comment about Gus, goodwindees. Without personally knowing him, I would have said the opposite (in fact I have in a previous post). If you are right then I would be very disappointed in Gus, but I must say I don’t want to believe it. You may very well know differently g, but certainly the vast majority of the posters on here, including myself, don’t know Gus nor his motives, nor the reasons for the contract delay. But some of these posters, without having any knowledge, are essentially “hanging”Gus for being greedy, or not having a team first attitude, or degrading his performances. This is what disappoints me the most.

I prefer to worry about this year first WCW. Both Gus and Jacko are ours for the rest of the season, nothing will change that. If the boys need more time, so be it (no matter how frustrating). As long as their first priority is winning a premiership this year, I don’t care how long they take.

Where is the fun in that Sue? Half the enjoyment of DL is working out who’s having a lend and who’s not. It’s called thinking for yourself. But as a general rule, until the Club confirms it, it ain’t yet real.

That’s probably why he is going home.