Gawndy the Great

We have been a bit off since the Richmond game. I’m not sure whether this is on purpose but it may explain the slow starts. Our game appears to respond to the oppositions intensity and we eventually break them down. I think we will look similar against the Crows (slow start then overcome them by 5-6 goals) but hope that we are switched on from the first bounce against the Dogs and Lions.

Chandler and Weid need another week or two at least if they are going to learn the system. Stafford needs to work with the forwards to work out leading patterns and general cohesion. It is a potent forward line, however i am not convinced that our inside 50 delivery is suitable for this setup (ala West Coast Eagles who successfully have the 3 headed dragon). Here is a left field idea - why dont we trial Weideman as a key post in the backline? Not saying we do this right now, but in terms of list longevity we have to find a solution to the LG, TMac, BBB conundrum and May isn't getting any younger. TMac is proving too dangerous to be moved to the wing/backline. Could be a Darcy Moore type revelation?

Yep centre clearance work was fine should have said general play stoppages.

Was at the game. Mate saw Trac spew his guts out before the game started. Not sure if nerves or something else. midfield definitely need to lift - too predictable at stoppages and we never seem to get a clean clearance. The midfield is great defensively but cannot hurt teams enough with poor kicking inside 50 - today field kicking was supposedly pretty efficient. We also don’t use the corridor enough - kicking it wide is boring and predictable.

38K

Couldn’t afford Bont but doubt he would even consider leaving the doggies. I’d say from the list above that Merrett is the obvious target. Whitfield j Kelly whilst would be great don’t strike me as someone willing to take a pay cut to come to us for some success. our list balance is reasonably good. I’d like to see some recruitment of a young KP backman to succeed May in a few years. Maybe target Weitering, Maynard or Sicily.

David Teague just walked past me during school pickup this afternoon. Snuck in a sneaky "Go Dees" and the smirk on his face changed into a look of worry and sorrow. He knows what's coming this weekend. Dees by 6 goals.

I think this was a strategic leak to the press to prepare the fans for his omission from the squad.

Bring in the Weid - give him a solid run of games to prove his worth. If he fails .... how many more chances do you give him ?

This is such a great explanation of the MFCSS - hit the nail on the head!

Why wasn’t LJ on last week?

Trac appears to be available as he overcomes his corky.

When you are 8-0 and have 2 rising star nominations in the first 8 weeks. #lifeisgood

Maxy is due for an absolute blinder.

Given Weitering's form - he will likely negate which ever forward he takes. Need to make him accountable or at least have a 2nd and 3rd tall option to counterpunch. Could this be reason enough to have our own '3 headed monster' in the forward line (TMac - BBB - Weid) ?

Reported Harry McKay out of contract at the Blues. What would he command $ wise? Could we let Weid go and bring in McKay? Wouldn't that be marvelous?

STAND!

That will happen from to week to week as the defensive matchups will change. The beauty of our forward line is that you shut down one or two players and another 1-2 pop up.

Just watched the replay as I couldn’t do the live game but was following on the live thread. If you take the live thread as any indication you would have thought we had an absolute shocker but was surprised at how well we held it together. I think this was a solid team effort in difficult conditions against a team that set up well tactically. Thought Oliver, Harmes, Tmac and Jordon and Salem were best.

I tend to agree. We had an exceptional forward in Hogan prove to us in his first 10 games that he would command his spot in the 22. I get that forwards need time to develop but Weids trajectory suggests that he is more likely to be an average player. We should still hold onto him but definitely be scouting the junior leagues for up and coming KP forwards in the next 1-2 years. Listening to Peter Sumich yesterday, he suggested that LJ might just be that player so we definitely have contingency if we were to lose him.

Even if they do jump on a plane early and come into Melbourne, the Vic Govt can issue retrospective advice for individuals that have arrived from Sydney. Given the high profile of the Swannies and the WA precedent, my gut feel is that there is a very likely chance this game will go ahead without any crowds.

I think we need to try both TMac and Petty options before we commit to a longer term solution. Also having TMac as a pure winger is being overlooked. This would allow both Weid and Petty in the team and is what TMac actually trained for. Only problem is what this will do for rotations and in particular Angus Brayshaw, whom was quite ordinary in the middle on the weekend.

Now being reported that the deal is worth well over $1mil per year as was reported by @goodwindees. Where did the narrative that he wanted to leave some $$$ for his team mates come from, because earning that much cash is not going to help retain your LG, Kozzies, Rivers and other emerging stars in a few years time. Unless there is some clever front/backloading being done here, i cant see how this was a team focused decision. Dont get me wrong, i am wrapped he has signed for 7 and he is well worth what he is getting paid - just questioning the narrative.

I keep forgetting that we have Majak in the ranks. I do recall him playing some solid footy in D50 for the kanga's. I know he's been running around the ruck in the magoos, but is he a left field choice for Tomo? His tank will be the biggest challenge and i do get we have to blood Petty somewhat given the age of May, but i think its worth some consideration.

Burgo confirmed he had the operation today. Hopefully he will be ready for a full pre-season and back on the park for Round 1 2022 to defend our premiership :)