Kev

Thomlinson may rotate through the backline and wing. Hunt, Baker and Vandenberg rotating with mids and wing. Preuss and Gawn rotating in ruck and forward line.

Don't like it. Too many changes lately. They bring in players that haven't had a run this year (Bedford and Baker). There are only 3 games of the home and away left. Why haven't they been picked in earlier games? How are they supposed to develop match fitness, cohesion and be given time to cement a spot, (short term fixes), setting them up to fail. Those that have had a run are not picked, Jetta, Bennel, Lockhart, Hannan. Selection committee really have no idea of developing a core and stable playing group. Freo go in unchanged. Four of the changes all to the bench. So not much enthusiasm for them. Hoping, Pickett, Hunt and Vanders make an impact. We need them hard, intelligent and motivated. Preuss and Hibberd should do their jobs. I do like that we have pace. A few lucky to still be there, Smith, ANB and Melky. Too many passengers this year. C'mon Dees finish off the home and away season with some momentum.

Hey Optimus. I would like to see a comparison with an exported legion. Played at MFC, and moved or was moved on to another club. I am not very good at surfing the net to find them. Some of my favourites are ; Greg Wells, Stan Alves, Ron Barasi, Greg Parke, Shane Woewodin, Jeff Farmer ,Scott Thompson, Darren Jolly

Especially when they had to travel. The trip across the creek to East Malvern shattered them.

The description was mine to describe what the trajectory, not the clubs. They were attempting to shape the ball by pinpointing to the receiver, over the opposition zoning infront and before the defenders behind . A few would do it, though many just did the slow, floating lob. They used a word to describe the pass, but I can't remember it. They practiced it numerous times, in drills and simulations. I could see the benefits when they got it right. Wrong and it was a turnover.

Our inconsistencies have been there forever. Up and down, nearly, not quite is what I see. Flat track bullies, then beat good teams, then back to losing to weaker teams that want it more, though have nothing to gain. The coaches have always needed to apply different skills to get the best out of the players , (including mental strength). I see our coaches as quite one dimensional. I believe they need a variety of approaches to preparation and game day. A dossier of A, B, C etcetera plans and approaches. This is what I would call the modern coach. @don't make me angry Other teams can do what they like, it is not my concern. Though I enjoy watching the stars from other teams perform.

Why a stupid thread? You may not agree with the premise but that does not make it stupid. Means you are biased to others opinions by calling it stupid. Inconsistency is a mark of not being able to prepare and apply yourself mentally to a task.

I agree with what @Gee N wrote. Hard coaches, not friends, discipline and not medals for everyone. The mateship/respect that Goody wants isn't working and probably feels fake because it is fabricated. They won't break through barriers for him. They hit the wall and bounce back. We need them harder, physically and mentally. Too many pats and smiles over small things from the coaches. Let them work some things out themselves. Push and want more from them. Be direct about not good enough and to get on with it. The yell, the look, the ignore, each player needs something different. Try different ways of reward, punishment and communication, but please, don't let the anxiety fester. The coaches seem to have created squads in squads. Those in favour and those not, splits everywhere, from salaries, to those getting games, from the experienced, to the young ones. Lack of cohesion, connection and not working for each other or the coach, leads me to my conclusion. Harden up coaches, be an example. The only coach I have seen get stroppy at training in the 3 years I had been watching was Rawlings and he has gone. You aren't their friends. Be professional, get the best out of them by anyway you can. I think the best mates, developing relationships thing is a fake, airey fairy fantasy, The chemistry of us people is an impossible recipe to conjure up. It usually develops naturally. In sporting groups, cohesion is possibly based on the respect for each other, not mateship. Though, I agree with them enjoying playing footy, losses don't help. The coaches should have as many strategies of management as they have different game plans (should be a handful of each). When it comes to MFC coaching staff, it appears there is one way of each. C'mon do your job.

What kind of disposals are they? If flat kicks, they don't get above the defender. The dinks are made for interceptors. At training last year they were emphasising the trajectory were the balls gains height with a concave flight and then drops quickly on the head of the player. They are not skilled enough to do it with pressure. Perhaps the coaches expectations are too high, and they don't train to their abilities.

As Freo travelled with them on the plane, I would assume they attended the match today. Would have learnt a lesson from Longmuir, on how to play us. Give them some confidence and some sledging material. Hope MFC are finished drinking from the bath. Time for a bounce back. Hang on, far too many passengers all year. So can our stars rise for the occasion. I don't know. +39 or - 39. Anything could happen it is the, MFC?

Need a goal kicking coach. I think Sydney went to North Qld after the Adelaide game as Papley said they trained Tuesday on Gazaly field, when Interviewed. Wow, what happened, no structures, no talk, no endeavour. Prime players missing easy goals (Jones, Petracca, Langdon). Forward line non-existent. Fell from Sydney playing in there back half. Goodwin's changes too late. Why Omac up front, why not Smith.

Such a sad first half. Won the toss and thought the wind will win it for us. Too many passengers. No talk or connection, playing for themselves. Why do we let a team get a run of goals? Cmon dees, bring the skills.

From the pre-game interview with Parley, I assume they flew from Adelaide to Cairns as they trained at Cazaly Tuesday. So, they have been on the road, with less flights across the desert From Tracc interview, seems we got there today.

Probably Harmes rotating with Smith and Wagner. Would have liked to see Jetta, but?

Sydney has been doing some travelling. Although hubbed in WA, last week was in Adelaide and now they fly to far north Qld. The Nullarbor flights do take a bit out of you. So three long flights in five days. Parsley (sorry Papley) didn't have a good game against Port. I hope he doesn't like to travel. Needs someone shoulder to shoulder with him. Blakey's intercepts, the sling and ball use of the half-back is more my worry. That is how we have been beaten by other teams. I want to see greater forward pressure, a desire to slow them down, impact the contest and cause turnovers on the wings Hoping we don't do bad turnovers and we are switched on. Kennedy, Parker and Reid are the ones who can hurt us (old fellas).

At the end of last weeks game, Goody was all smiles with Omac. Must have done the job that the coaches asked of him. I thought Lockhart looked sore a few games back. Perhaps carrying the niggles. I like Smith, if we get him right he can do the spectacular, hoping for consistency and no stupidity. Great that Max and Nathan are physically healthy. Viney to hit back hard after a bad one. Good that ANB comes straight back in. The scratch matches must have helped.

The AFL want an open, flowing game. The NRL do the stop and start. Open games are more enjoyable to watch as the creative skills look better than the arm wrestle. Small tweaks or rule interpretations are always done by the AFL. I feel the tweeks already done, are giving advantages to the "vultures". Time to better reward the play makers.

It shouldn't be holding the man, however the intention is to lock the ball down. This makes the scrimmage and encourages them to create stoppages and not a flowing game. Could penalise with diving on ball, (on player on ball and often they grab the ball as well as their teamate).

More room for the umpires to give a free within the rules. It will clear the scrimmage area, stop the "pile on" and not penalise the first to the ball. The defenders are getting an easy ride to lock the game down and others gaining from incorrect disposal.

They are having problems interpreting the tackle. So grey with so many different interpretations. Some are given leeway, others pinged straight away. I think it was Weid last night. Fumbling the ball till he gets it under control, the opposition lay him to the ground (right on his hammer), he realises he may get ping and attempts to clear the ball, but is tied up and free kick against. What is he meant to do? My pet hate is when the tackler drags the ball back in when they are ontop of the play maker. Why can't the tackler get pinged for dragging it back in? If they are both holding the ball how can the one that gets it first still be penalised? How can a tackler stay ontop of the ball getter when the ball goes clear. They can tie up our best players by holding them down. As the ball goes free, it must be up to the tackler to let go and to stop impeding the player. Given the restrictions now on the person going the ball, I'd be encouraging frees on holding the man after ball is released. Also, giving 50 and a free if the tackler doesn't release the player when the game goes forward. Why can the tackler be allowed to slow it down, make a stoppage or get the free kick? I reckon it gives too much advantage against the play makers. Don't like those who are allowed to stand over the ball to slow the play down when a free given against, they then interfere with the player trying to pick it up. Should be deemed in possession and a 50 given. If they want free flowing, fast football, then the defenders need to be penalised for slowing it down.

What a great first quarter. Kicking straight makes a difference and tells the Saints, they have to work hard for a win. Then we let in. Cmon dees stay switched on and desperate for the whole game. The Saints did not want it, except for a couple Steele, Hill, their full back. Nullified them well. Those turnovers, get our field kicking right and we are on. We don't use the angles well enough. Liked that we tried to control the tempo. Magnificent backline, reading the ball coming in, making a spread, hitting the mark. Great confidence and cohesion builder. Thought Tomlinson played his best game for us. Langdon just keeps going. Our stars stood up. Too many passengers again. We can win close games. Fitness levels are great. C'mon forward line start punching goals. Those crumbers need to get their hands on the ball . Weids looked to be double teamed most of the time. The other forwards have to lead the opposition away from him. Loved the exuberance of the club song. Thought it looked like a team going places. Don't drink the bath water. They can play with a little less pressure in Cairns with that win. Stay desperate, hungry and hard willed Dees.

No changes last week, against 6 this week. So much for stability going into the back end of the season. Hoping our structures don't suffer as we have been setting up well behind the ball. Last week was more about the 3rd quarter drop off and our lack of foward line pressure to stop the ball leaving easily. Tmac and Fritta both don't apply enough pressure. Hoping Spargo and Pickett can pick up some crumbs and a handful of goals. Melksham is in need of improvement and consistency. We still don't know our best 22. Harmes may be missing the support of Macca. Good for Josh to get a chance and the same for Brown. Max and his connection with our mids will make a difference. I think Omac usually beats his direct opponent. Could be his last chance to cement a spot for the year. Goodwin is playing his Psychology card, get desperate. They have to stay in the game for the 4 quarters and reply to every goal the saints get or at least, tie the game down. C'mon Dees, convert the inside 50's to goals and kick straight. Hoping they play with flair, creativity and skill. I think this will be our first game in a while with a packed crowd (if it is packed). The noise levels will get them going.

Some overt, though I am a bit hesitant to speak for the indigenous. As Stan says "I get it now, and it's I don't get it, I never will, I'll never understand what it's like to be black because I'm white". Institutional biases have played a part in the indigenous predicament. The invasion, the lack of recognition and rectification from the problems it caused to their community. The policy of stolen children, reservations and losing the land, the acts treating them like subordinates and wards of the state, stolen wages, inhumane living conditions, low wages, no wages. Policy of integration, stifling language, culture and genocide. No recognition of different nations but being part of the fauna! The decision for indigenous communities being made by departments and outsiders, the lack of autonomy and self-determination. The corruption, lack of services and opportunities, apologies, treaties and constitutional recognition. The institutions caused the poverty, the dislocation, the pain. As the ability to improve themselves becomes real then the backlash from some as the people start doing well or not the wanting change impacts through the vile and also the ignorant. Good seeing the institutions, including the MFC helping the acceptance. Though alot more is needed.

There is plenty of unwritten institutional racism and bigotry!

HATERS, BIGOTS AND MY WARM FUZZY THOUGHTS I am amazed at the distress some try to cause to others. All for the reaction/emotion it generates in others. Mean and hate seems very much an extroverts' thing. When, I respond some stand with me and I know the majority object to bigotry. The perpetrators will never change! Censorship doesn't work, majority having objections don't work, ignore is difficult, confronting doesn't work, law and consequences only drive them underground, perhaps we need “a clockwork orange”, scenario (joking). I don't have an answer. Though I can see how and why they act that way. Inability to have joy in their moments and the institutionally imposed stratification within our communities. They are blind to the effects of the hate, or they have social pathologies. Why can't we see the me in you? If I experience your bliss and your pain, then, I would not impose on the other more weight to carry. Though I often see you as me, (even Collingwood supporters). If not for the grace of “life”. How to get through to them? It is not about being good or bad, as that is just “I am better than you”. How do we help them realise bliss, so they are more in-tune with themselves and so less hostile to their brothers, sisters and other life. Show more love, kindness and peace, it may help and can't hurt.