Grouse

Playing Collingwood in a semi is the stuff of nightmares. I've only just come out of the fetal position from two weeks ago.

Yes I saw that mentioned but missed it in the game. Must have been a good one. Never seen someone spew like that from contact.

I've been very critical of Salem but last week I thought he was great. Clean hands and good direct passes. Salem in for not sure who. Anb is a real worry for me. Been horribly out of form for weeks. Can't gather without fumbling and can't handball without being caught. Clearly he's not right with that power vomit we saw. Works hard and at his best it very damaging but atm is way off. Not sure what to do about it. No way tmac will be back after such a long stint out.

Demonland couples therapy: Partner A. 'your always being negative and finding problems, can't you just be positive and give some compliments once in a while? We have so much to be positive about.' Partner b. 'I'm not being negative im critically analysing the situation and addressing the problems so things can be even better. They're easy to fix if we focus on them and then once they're fixed I will give compliments.' Therapist. 'I see this isn't going to be a one session fix'.

I have been Salem's biggest critic since he came back but the last two weeks he's played well. I thought he was great on Saturday. Spargo is a difficult one. He's spending most of the game on the wing but I don't think he's suited to that role. He's a true forward pocket / flanker. Hard to drop him on lack of goals kicked when he's not being used as a forward. Would love to see harmes in but not sure who for. Smith is an interesting option. Great versatility but who does he replace? Based on goodwins preference for minimal change, no change.

We kick one in the last and they kick three. Write it in ink.

I have no idea who will win tonight. At our best we can smash any team in the comp, but as we've seen too often there seems to be an inability to finish games off, where half the team goes missing for a half of football. I can only hope that something has clicked during the week and there truly is a hunger to win. If we're up by 30 points and Carlton come back and win I'll be guttered.

Nibbler struggled but I can't help wondering about what's happened Salem. He took one good contested mark and probably got his nose broken, but he just isn't impacting the play. Horribly out of form. His kicking high hospital passes rather than his normal lace out bullets. Has no confidence. At his best he is a freak. But I can't help wondering if bowey wouldn't be better atm untill he gets some form back. He won't be dropped but it's concerning he's not improving. Also, I wonder what impact tmac can havd being out for so long. Will possibly struggle for form as well once he's back.

I agree. Salem has completely lost confidence. Three weeks in a row.

Great thanks @picket fence. Very strange and a little concerning that neither Petty or Laurie trained. Fingers crossed.

We've done well in the past by trading back into the first round. It's highly likely that we will lose either Jackson, Gus or another player looking for a change. That will give us a first rounder or two, depending on who goes to pick someone up. Haven't seen the stocks yet but it makes a huge difference if Jackson stays or not. If Jackson stays I would think we only need a devolving prospect.

Weid!

Dunstans disposal is a liability. Gets plenty of it but consistantly turns it over.

Melksham had surgery on his hand re fight so he's out. We can't go in with tomlinson Petty and lever and no other tall if one goes down. If we're going short in the forward line then that's fine but who will go back if Petty struggles or doesn't come up? Hibbard is a completely different player imv. Great on a mid sized forward but wouldnt cope with a tall. Turner would have to be in for a chance. I've only seen him play once but he looked good. Was intercepting really well in vfl. Depends how the pies line up I guess.

The question is who?

Looks too short on paper. If petty goes down mid game again we don't have a single tall to go back. I have bad memories or mason cox kicking three and winning the game a few years back. I don't mind Bedford for Brown. If we're bombing it in at least we have an extra small to try and make something of it. Worth a shot.

My one and only small criticism of Salem is that he avoids physical contact. He will often pull out of a contest if if looks like he will be knocked. One small observation of a brilliant player. This is the attribute that Gus has in spades. He will commit and win. He goes back and takes marks knowing he will cop some attention. I love Salem and want him in the team but I have loved seeing brayshaw lock down that flank with courage . A difficult decision indeed for selectors.

A 100+ point thrashing and their coach resigning is the only acceptable outcome from this match.

I think there's a balance to be found between enjoying our wins and success but also striving for improvement. Sometimes when a constructive criticism is offered on here there is a swift condemnation, asking 'can't you just enjoy our win', 'are you never content'? But here is an interview from Steven may showing that even after great wins there is a striving for improvement amongst the team. It doesn't take away the win or joy of success but rather ensures that it will continue. I love the attitude of the club atm. It's how dynasties are made. Always hungry for more.

One thing that I really noticed in the Port win was their kicking to a leading forward inside 50. I think they had nearly 20 inside 50 marks. It's something that Melbourne has really lost. We kick long to à big pack and rely on Ben browns reach. Would love to see us delivering to a leading forward out in front. I don't think it's our forwards. All of our forwards are capable of a strong lead. I watch and they just hold back and wait for the long bomb. Probably why our forwards aren't kicking bags atm. Thoughts?

The weid / tmac preference is an interesting one. There seems to be a real split in opinion about the value of the strengths that each one brings. I read all the comments about tmac being the better choice but for whatever reason I much prefer weid over tmac. Even though he didn't mark many I loved seeing weid contest the pack. I think as he builds confidence he will just get better. I don't see the high value that others see in tmac. For me he just can't move the way he once could. Not to say there is necessarily right view but just how I see it.

Areas we are getting absolutely killed. Clearances, contested possession and inside 50 delivery. Just bombing it long. Our back half are making us look good again. Should be slaughtering them but just can't put à team away.

If wied goes back after that game and tmac stays I will be bitterly disappointed. I realise it's just one game but he needs to build confidence. Tmac can't change direction, bend over or let a better placed team mate go for the ball without spoiling them.

I found the game very frustrating even though we had a win. Tmac is my new frosty. Every time he gets near it and spoils one of our own markers I have to restrain myself. I can't understand why he's in the side.

Two frees to sydney inside 50 not paid. Unbelievable.