kev martin

Drills seemed to be focusing on, shimmy, quick direction changes and handballing. Match sims (opponents being the coaches), was about backline structure and working the intercept, then using short kicks to spread, create overlap and to get the ball deep to the forwards. I thought Jackson will be used more as a forward given the line squads. Forwards working on getting front and centre. Good atmosphere, felt like plenty of seriousness mixed with joviality. Their voice was loud and determined. BBB didn't have strapping on and did not participate in the long runs. He practiced plenty of goal kicking with supervision. An old coach, Macca visited them, long talks with Goody and a few of the players were happy to see him. The informal goal kicking had too many trying the miracle kick, (inside out banana) from the boundary. I guess they had 'fun'.

Kossie is with them. As is, Tomlinson, Laurie, JVR and Harmes.

Looks like a captains run at Gosch's. They have two food/coffee trucks and the people are mingling, as we wait for the players to arrive.

The tribunal won't deter those prepared to cause head injury. Players will have to take matters into their own arms. Ah Chee and all future and past head cases, should now prepare a civil case against Carlton (all clubs) and the AFL for sanctioning actions that damage the brain. We all know the associated trauma from head hits, and they are saying there are circumstances where it is ok. Going to cost them big bucks in the future. All those in positions of influence in the AFL who also say this is in the contest could be liable for inciting/encouraging harm to others. The Pandora's box remains ajar.

It is not right. Cripps was making a captains statement by running through Ah Chee. No protection for a player getting to the ball first.

I believe we lose desperation and give the oppo some momentum that we have trouble turning around, when we go into the 3rd quarter The oppo also puts some tweeks into their game and we sit on our laurels. We need to stay hungry and unpredictable. Lets play the 3rd quarter for what it is known, the premiership quarter. Time to hammer, bring the bang in the third.

The work they did was more about running the cobwebs out, and not for pushing the body.

I agree, the drill was completed at there own pace and without any supervision. Would love it to be done with an expert giving immediate feedback to them. They need it. You can see them looking around for assistance when they do howlers. Oliver couldn't hit the barn door this morning, same with Bowey till he adjusted, then went on to try and kick the miracles (reverse bananas from the boundry), Sparrow also needed some resets till he got it going.

Very upbeat, it was a beautiful day out there. All were talking in there small groups as they did laps. When I applauded a few as they went around, I could see them say (body language wise), we don't deserve that!

11.30 am start. Plenty in runners, so expecting some running. Sparg's, Viney and Kossi (with his knee taped) have light duties. No BBB, Rehab has, Tmac, Rosman and Moniz-wakefield. Same as last Monday, on for 30 minutes, mainly running with a casual kick for goal, then back to the sheds. I think Kossi will be good, though was favouring his taped leg. The rehab group is still working hard.

Best thing we have going for us is our belief. Our smiling, anger, discomfort with loss and errors, shows that they believe they should win every game. There will be no complacency from now on. The pointy end and we will roll on. Games won't be easy, but I believe the cream will rise. We have the plan, ability to carry it out, the cohesion and will. Go Dees

Good test for us to play the 3rd and 4th quarters well.

Carlton can be hot or cold, from one week to the next They can play fast, down the corridor style and have the balance to kick goals and defend. The fast, take us on footy has been our Achilles heal this year. We thought we could control the Pie when they came at us. We need to be ready for their best. Against Brisbane, they can't get their hands on it.

That's it.

Fisher is a momentum killer. Misses important goals, and it goes coast to coast.

Those commentators! Cripps left the ground, bumbs from behind/side, hits the head, didn’t get near the ball, Che subbed out. Mathews says going for the ball all should be fine, the rest follow. Where is the 'duty of care.' At least 2 weeks.

I believe the second half fadeouts are more about their heads, then skills. In finals I can't see them taking the foot of the pedal.

The optimists take indignation at the half empty. The pessimist expect the worst so their sensitive souls do not crack, and can tell us "I told you so". The realist see all is possible. Me, we have a great chance of getting the cup. We control much of the game. The other has to play well to knock us off. We are finals bound, and that is when we do it for the 4 quarters. Go Dees.

Not adjudicated consistently for both teams, and line frees given infront of the goal. Seems like if it pops out when tackled it becomes HTB. A split second, or minimal movement isn't prior. Prior has to be enough time to dispose of the ball, not attempt to dispose of ball. The attempt to dispose comes after the tackle, when no prior. The taller, lankier, slower players are being discriminated against as ball getters. Lifting the eyes shouldn't be judged as prior. Can't all be Clarry, who is super quick. Again, prior must be enough time to get a correct disposal away, a reasonable amount of time. I don't like the getting pinged when unable to dispose, due to tackler holding an arm so cannot handball, and pushing down on the body so can't get the leg out for a kick. We don't seem to get much reward for our tackling.

I have confidence when it is a centre bounce. We can score or control the opposition. In the second half last night, I felt uncomfortable when we had the ball in general play. When we have a kick-in, we are happy to get a stoppage near the wing, the same seems to be when slinging off the half-back area. (Worried a turn over is coming). I feel it then becomes a 50/50 proposition at the created stoppage. Our angles, lack of switches, and inability to find space are telling. The contested game stats look big when we constantly put the ball into packs. Missing outside run, good decision makers and getting any overlap.

Long bombs, need to change it up and do some stab-like kicks. Too many handballs to players under pressure, need to use handballs to make space and/or break lines. A few too many times we went for the same ball, getting in the way of each other way and leaving an easy out for the pie. Need to really work on teamwork and helping each other. Stop the selfish acts. Some players need to stay in the game, and others need take it on when it is their time. We have had some terrible second halves this year. Hoping this is our last one. Do they get ahead of themselves? We become the dope that is roped. We need to move the ball with better angle and have a pressure game for the 4 quarters and across the entire field.

Love the difference in approaches. Maggie's all gee up. Dees with strategy. Go Dees

Rain appears to be easing.

It is raining now!

Still no rain, just some stray drops. Grey skies, Certainly no downpours. Hoping for the same as we head into the evening.