BDA

We can afford it. We have approx. $7m sitting in an investment account from the sale of the Leighoak club last year. This has given us a buffer to weather covid and meant we haven’t had to tap the AFL for a line of credit. If we dip into this fund to pay-out the coach then obviously that means less available to fund a new home base. Also, we don’t know yet whether the pay-out would come within the soft cap for next year. If it does then we would have to make cuts elsewhere to come within the cap.

Agree. Europe has eased restrictions and infections are ticking upwards. Until there’s an effective vaccine they’ll be no crowds.

Not sure about that. If we can move a highly paid under-performing player off the books we’d be fools not to do it. We should be moving him on any which way we can.

Yep. He is our no. 1 list management problem.

Probably not. depends on how we perform in the finals if we get there.

Positives: May, Trac, recruitment, the draftees and Burgess Negatives: miss finals (probably), inconsistent effort, midfield mix, forward set-up, forward half pressure, goal kicking, Tmac Ultimately, I think we’re underachieving based on the talent at our disposal so for me, no finals means a wasted year

His move to half back was a failure but I think your assessment is a little harsh. He has played poorly recently, like plenty of others on the list, because he was played out of position. His strengths are hard tagging, gut running both ways, keeps his opponent accountable, can push forward and kick a goal. His drive and application in the final quarter against Freo almost pulled that game out of the fire. Yes, disposal could be tidier but you could say that about most of the team. Persist with but must be played in his best position.

That would be a lengendary run Nelo. The only way it could be any better is if we beat collingwood in the granny

I’ve had enough of the rollercoaster. Some boring certainty would suit me just fine.

I admit I was confident before the Sydney game, less so for Freo. I wasn’t thinking in terms of percentage either. I think we are a team with everything to play for coming up against a demoralised, disinterested mob. If we have our wits about us we should win well. Will we turn up, switched on? We’ll find out on Saturday at 2.10pm

We should definitely consider but I doubt we can meet his wage demands.

True. My point was more that Essendon are so bad we are capable of giving them a hiding.

Essendon are a rabble and have checked out. If we can get our foot on their throat early we can beat them by 10 goals. We need a collingwood type performance from us. Accurate kicking critical.

Weids is a perfect example. One of the best sports doco’s I’ve seen is the “The Brady 6”. It tells the story of how Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback ever to play the game, was overlooked by every team but was eventually taken with the very last pick in the 2000 NFL draft. There are interviews with scouts who discuss the supposed “flaws” in his game. He didn’t rate highly in any of the key metrics, he was too slow, arm not strong enough etc. etc. They admitted however there is nothing scouts can do to measure a man’s heart, his drive, or his determination, qualities that Brady has in spades as he has proven over the last 20 years. Well worth a look for those interested in gaining an insight into the recruitment process and its limitations.

did i just see mason cox take a bounce

why on earth did he play on. i think that's the death knell for GC tonight

Gold Coast looking sharp. they're switched on tonight. Game on i reckon

Don’t know what ye’re all talking about here. Mummy’s a lovely lad.

Highlights reels always look great. Even Cale Morton looks good in his highlights reel. Tank not big enough to play wing. Suspect defensively. Explosive burst of speed, can take a grab and not a bad kick for goal. I think he is good enough to cement a forward spot. Keep for mine.

but they did beat the saints with half a team so i think they redeemed themselves somewhat.

True but they have to start making inroads early otherwise they might become demoralised. You’d think they will need a 2 goal lead at 1/4 time and at least 4 by halftime.

I agree. Freo’s form is holding up well. They’ll give the dogs a real game this weekend. I’m confident of that and won’t be surprised if they win. Sydney was our worst result of the year. A shocker. The Swans didn’t even have to play all that well. Extra man in defense playing into the breeze. With the wind ensure kicks inside 50 to the forwards advantage. Kick straight. Simple formula.

Nothing wrong with Viney setting standards and demanding others do the same. That’s leadership in my mind. The problem is his skill deficiencies and other flaws in game. He’s got to back up the demands on others with consistent performances otherwise team mates won’t listen. Why should they when his performances fall short? His value can’t be based on effort alone. I like Viney. If he’s on our list next year I won’t be upset. But his contract must be proportionate with his capabilities. Fundamentally I don’t think his performances are good enough based on the expectations I have of him as a player.

or Rivers

Don;'t forget Melbourne. We need prayers more than anyone.