kev martin

I was watching training at the time when Watts was singled out as not training well. I couldn't see it. He appeared to be the best kick and was instrumental in setting up plays during simulations. My guess, something off field or behind closed doors affected his standing at the club.

Not entirely Smith. It was Rivers decision to handball to where he thought a player would be. Could have lifted his eyes and had a look for someone who wanted it, perhaps, hold onto it and take the tackle. Rivers seemed rushed and made a poor decision, though Smith didn't help him.

Yes you are right, just looking at the replay now, the second of Brisbane's. Smith turned his back on the play making it difficult for Rivers. Was caught watching the man and not helping Rivers, who expected Smith to be running for him. Apologies for jumping the gun and going of my first look.

We had the ball, then River's fumbles the ball with his disposal, ending up in Cameron's lap. Tough to stop when he has a step on his opponent. Got Cameron going.

I agree, Smith seems to be more of a see ball go after it. A back needs to make the judgement of, cover the man and space first, and then go get the ball. They are educating him but realy should train to his strengths and nature. Would like to see him further up field next season.

I don't get the scapegoating of Smith. Some of Cameron's goals came from others mistakes (Rivers nervousness), a bit of luck (handball over the head), and a nearly, with a touch on the ball that wasn't quite enough. There were also other defenders in the areas and with our zoning roles can't expect shoulder to shoulder defense. It has been shown throughout the season that a player has to have quite a few "off" days to get omitted. He should be getting "match fit" now, especially with the week of Burgess's fitness regime, will be better next time. His ability to jell with the others is the worry. Has he got more time? The cohesion can only be improving with more games. Hunty will be lucky to break into the side, only because we seem to value continuity. Though we have missed his run off the backflanks and his energy. Big decision as to whether to drop Smith for Hunt. I can see Smith making a good flexible medical sub.

Game being ruined by umpires poor decisions. In a grinding, wrestling game there are soft frees everywhere. Let them play. Though amazed at the number of throws that aren't called. The players seem to appeal everything, reminds me of cricket.

Feeling a bit wired and flustered. One game to go (maybe two), and a two week wait to play. Usually watching the finals as a kind of neutral supporter with a small lean to the underdog. Wow, in the box seat! Winning games when we are favourites, can't remember when we did that on a regular basis. Such a great year, like a 'coming of age" story. Such a great week, all Australians, a rising star, a captain, a coaches award, then this win. Go Dees!

Greene was riled up over the free that was turned over because he fended-off into the neck of an opponent. It will be paramount to the MRO what the umpire says about the incident. It appears Greene walked at the shoulder of the umpire. The umpire moved in synchronisation so as to avoid contact. Did not seem a malicious act, more of a brain fade. Not a good look.

Oliver for me as BOG. Those kicks into the 50 were beautiful, as were his hands when collecting the ball and his run and support around the field made a difference.

Great game, held off their attempted comeback. Oliver gets very little protection from the umpires. The lions came out in the third to ruffle us, didn't work. We play either GWS or Cats, after they bash each other up, enjoy the break Dees and set for the big games. Tmac is a worry. Can't get rolling since being out. Frontrunners all game. Hibbo was geeing Bowey up pregame, good work. We have a pressure game, Lions we're always scrambling. Good coaching, ready to play, then got challenged and overran them. Fitter, stronger, smarter. Thought we kept lots of their players out the game. We still have to take our opportunities at scoring goals, when they are there.

Many of the Lions players are down on output. The time the Lions looked best was when they are forcing and surging the ball forward. That takes plenty of energy, and they aren't getting easy ball movement. Our fitness will set us well. They are playing a game we are forcing them into, which suits our style. Sparrow doing plenty of link work. Oliver, wow, disposal are impacting big time. River a bit nervous. We are marking everywhere. Forwards working well. Great pressure footy, made it too hard for them. Expect them to come out with changes to style and with fire. Go Dees!

Don't do it. Clear heads, deal better with reality.

I think it will depend on the umpires report about the incident. It didn’t appear malicious, more a brain fade.

He is a tough, courageous player. If they don't damage him, he will play better with that bit of physical motivation. One of those players that are best left alone, unless it is to suck him into a stupid act.

For sure. I haven't mentioned another under the radar player, Bowey. Finals after, what, 4-5 games. What a story, reliability, efficiency, selfless, supportive. Keep that cool head, give us an out and hit up those mids. Would love him to get a goal. Go Dees!

Norm Smith and Barassi, are our own gods we should do a sacrifice to and the curse is lifted.

I am not too concerned. A couple may get overwhelmed, become fumbly and make errors (could be the experienced players as well), but I think with the balance (old and new heads) of our team they should be fine. It may also help our youngsters, as there are no preconceived ideas and may free them up. Some could stand up as being made for finals. Hoping that is Pickett, Rivers, Petty, Sparrow and Jackson. Am I hoping for too much?

We have a few players made for finals. Tracc and Oliver for sure, May, Lever and Viney will give everything, I think Sparrow (power) and Langdon (endurance) will have good games. Can see BBB bringing the ball down for our front and centre, smalls. Jackson has been given some positive feedback with the rising star award, that should fire him up. Gawn has shown great leadership, he won't give up and could perform some inspirational acts. We have some players who bring pressure to every game, they also maintain their roles. Our defensive structures are the best and only a few teams have broken us down for anymore than a quarter. We have belief and the group has bought into the Goody culture. From the small amount of finals we have played under Goody, I believe his finals games are when he is at his best, and bringing the best out of the team. Hoping Tmac can turn his game around. Will Pickett play his best game? Expecting us to hit them early, then play a bit more conservative and dour. Bring the heat Dees

Kozzie seems to have a go at any of the opposition who have the ball and are near him. Has got great closing speed.

Would like to see her play as a captain and assistant coach, possibly looking after the forward line. With a lead up to being the head coach of MFC AFLW when she finishes playing.

Sparrow has shown he can dispose of the ball well. His inconsistencies in the delivery of the ball, must be about anxiety, feeling rushed and or being inexperienced. You can see fast development happening as he gets more games and becomes more instinctual. I am with you, believing we will be impressed by him.

The young ones won't know much about the struggles to get into a final, and being in one (though there will be guidance, such as; absorb the experience, be in the moment, play your normal game, do the simple things well), though after last week's effort they will have belief. I imagine they will play with plenty of energy and confidence, as will the rest.

Daniel Rich, I can see Sparrow having a go at him.

Great for our young players to get a go at it. Give them hell, Jackson, River, Bowey, Pickett, Petty, Sparrow. Spargs. Surprised about Smith, thought he may have been a bit underdone. Hoping he is match fit after only a few games. Tracc has been setting himself for the finals, (guessing). I expect a dominant performance. May will be in the same boat Langdon and Salem could be the difference. C'mon big game players, step it up. Go Dees.