BDA

Last nights game was a disappointment. Hopefully Freo and Carlton is better. I'm interested to see how both these teams perform now that expectation levels are starting to rise

Is Van Rooyen far off a game? Probably too early and needs more time to develop. Tmac isn't getting any younger and the Weid hasn't nailed down a spot so there's an obvious pathway to the senior team for him if he's good enough.

Do the Western Sydney locals play Aussie Rules? There doesn't appear to be any grassroots support and without that there is no point in having an AFL team. Same with Gold Coast. I reckon the AFL would be better off putting money into the local footy community in Western Sydney to create a base. Grow the game that way rather than having an AFL team with no supporters As an expansion team the Giants have been pretty good. They've played a decent brand, been mostly hard at it and were close for a couple of years. Their senior players are letting them down at the moment. Kelly needs to be cut loose and Coniglio has regressed badly. Greene is a fantastic player but has big discipline issues. They need to improve their list to challenge again but they are not a lost cause. They have built up a good rivalry with the Swans as well. Cameron has been a good coach but has outstayed his welcome. They need a new coach with a fresh approach. Will make a difference. And a trivial/not trivial point. They need to change their colors. That orange strip looks terrible

Tom green is a beast. I’d take him. Their best player after the angelic Toby.

GWS are going to fold like a cheap suit

Higgins loves himself

St Kilda have lifted this quarter. Pressure gauge well up

rubbish free kick. what dissent

So i take it the whole "those named in the starting 18 will play" rule is just a myth after all

How many 50's will the terrible Toby give away tonight? He's a slow learner so i reckon 5 or so.

Good luck to Luke Dunstan TMac was fantastic for us last year but can;t have any complaints about his omission. Hopefully he can find some form in the VFL and be ready to return should the Weid underwhelm (not an outside possibility)

The young ruckman, Flynn, that played for GWS last week was very good. Played better than Preuss ever has. If it was my choice i'd play Flynn again

Should be a good game tonight. I reckon the return of Toby will ignite the Giants and bring St Kilda back down to earth. The sainters have been getting a bit ahead of themselves

Unfortunate name. Pass

Although named in the 18 together, i can't see TMac, BB and the Weid all playing. They've played together once, against Carlton last year i think it was. It was not considered a success by the brains trust and was not tried again My guess is: BB for TMac (50/50 call. could well be the Weid) Dunstan for Viney. I though it was for this exact scenario that Dunstan was brought in. Like for like replacement Smith for Lever

What I dearly hope to see some day In: Sanity Out: BS health and safety protocols

TMac or the Weid. I reckon we need a poll on this vital question

I’ve subscribed to this YouTuber. Reckon he’ll get great mileage out of essington this year

Too many cooks in the kitchen. a recipe for confusion I agree with him as regards paying them though

We've had some great Indigenous guernseys but i'm afraid this one is an eyesore

Players need to keep their mouths shut when it comes to the umpires. I will 100% support a zero-tolerance policy in this regard Trying to police reactions is futile and counter productive. Frustration, disappointment etc will always be apparent in a players demeanour. You can’t fake or curtail it. It will be written all over their face. Rugby Union is as an example where referees are respected no matter what. And it’s a sport full of interpretations. Players will shake their head and show obvious disappointment when decisions go against them. But they never back chat. I think this is the standard we should aim for

It’s a poor turnout. No getting away from it. Easter a factor so I don’t think this game is the best indicator Covid has impacted attendances across the board and is the main reason for lower attendances. There are those who are afraid of catching covid but there are also iso rules still in place meaning isolating fans can’t get to the games and isolating workers can’t man the food and alcohol stalls and all the other supporting services. Once rules and restrictions are finally lifted (and its well past time they were imo), I hope the 10%-20% covid holdouts will return Watching on TV will never replace attending the game live. It’s a social occasion centred around the game for me. Catching up with mates, enjoying the banter and beers and getting the chance to belt out Grand old flag with the rest of the faithful. You can’t replicate that watching on the TV There are 2 types of Melbourne based Dees supporters (I’ll leave out country and inter-state given the logistics involved). Those who find reasons to attend and those who find reasons not to attend. Which are you?

I'd like to add some balance to this thread I hate the Hawks

Ruthless performance. Thoroughly enjoyable to watch. The only time I got annoyed was late in the game when we gave up some junk time goals 🤣 crowds are an issue across the league. Covid main factor. Plus school holidays. I’m down the coast this weekend as are the crew I normally head along to games with. I think Anzac eve will be a better indicator of member engagement. I expect a big crowd (I’ll be there for sure)

The way he’s going so far this year Touk miller will win another AA jacket.