BW511

I am very confident this would describe over 80% of the players - likely more

I remember hearing last year that Burgo was happy with the boys doing some big running weeks during pre-season that were topping out at 37km a week. I know a chunk of that is at intensity but it's so low compared to actual runners. Elite runners and cyclists are incorporating a lot more gym work into their programs so that excuse is gone too. Marathon runners can do 250km a week leading into events (For a 2 hour event) Cyclists would be riding 25+ hours a week (750km+ a week) - Richie Porte, as a known example, would regularly do 1000-1300km weeks leading into TDU (Admittedly these races are much longer each day)

I think you are arguing for the sake of arguing. You agree with the loading ideology but want everyone to know there are other factors at play because you assume no one else can see that. I’m positive the ruthless message was a key focus and I’m also positive that it has only come out because there was a lot of data to suggest we were ready to deliver on that promise. I will reiterate, loading is not the only factor in our poor form but if you asked me the simplest way to negatively impact performance, fatigue is it.

Could the talk of ‘ruthlessness’ be a little bit of code for being fresh. If we come out firing tonight, it looks to most like an attitude issue that we adjusted, when in reality it was just getting to the end of the loading period and we can actually cover the ground required to be ruthless.

I agree wholeheartedly, without having seen the segment or much of the media attention. Science is an enormous part of our game and the general punter can’t/won’t allow themselves to see it. One thing I mentioned a few weeks back was the way Motorsport is covered and in particular, their willingness to get technical beyond what you would think a casual fan could understand. The AFL has long treated the supporter base like fools and I think the supporter base are fools for allowing it. Let’s hope the tables turn tonight and we can tip our hat in appreciation of the exercise science crowd who have transformed our squad

His fall from grace has been quite stark

Surely no one is taking Harmes?

I am sure the club would have this front and centre in their mind. It would be frustrating to lose two established players but from a business perspective, they have the currency to transform into 3-4 very good players who would keep us in the upper echelon well beyond the careers of Gawn, May, Lever etc

Wasn't Gus moved to the wing to teach him to learn how to run both ways? There is a reason he isn't in our midfield rotation and that is because we need some defensive ability in there. Clarry and Trac are streets ahead of him in their roles, so he doesn't fit. If he was on par with them or better, he'd be there. His good form this year has been playing as an intercept defender, that is quite telling

I’d say our biggest issue in 2022 is that we had a ridiculously trouble free run in 2021, I think supporters expected an undefeated season and back to back flags. Injuries/missed games would be next.

We are covering the ground a hell of a lot better than we have been, that’s surely obvious? Now it’s down to the team finding some form together

I haven’t read the last 12 pages but my thoughts watching were all about the way the game is umpired. The holding the ball/incorrect disposal/holding the man rule is an absolute joke (both sides way, I’ll add) There seems to be a real lack of game sense in the way the umpires adjudicate as there were baffling decisions made all night. I genuinely don’t know what the umpires are going to do when a tackle is laid

Weid is attacking the ball in the air

Unfortunately, for Fritta, he will be judged solely on the number of goals he kicks. Outside of that he does not contribute a whole lot, so it makes sense he wants to pump those numbers up as best he can. I have no doubt it's been spoken about internally, even without the media attention. We are not in a position to be throwing away easy goals

Zurhaar > Degoey I wouldn't touch Degoey and would be extremely surprised if Geelong did either. He seems made for the Saints Although I can't understand the logic of we already have one mid-sized forward (Fristch), so therefor we don't need another.

I don't watch many other games each week but I don't mind the idea. We have plenty of opportunistic goal kickers, not many that can create goals through physicality. Would have him

I watched yesterday's game with two mates who support other teams. Fair to say they didn't respect him much The Spargo one was more of a non-decision, than a strong decision. He went halfway between having a shot and passing.

Its a very defensive strategy

May still doesn't appear to be moving all that well in my opinion. Looks very conscious of his body/hammy when he kicks. I understand why the strategy is the way it is but it's a risky move to sit the ball on Max's head all day, every week. He's copped a lot of knocks to this point in 2022

Jason Taylor would be spewing, Holmes is a player

Very sharp work for the Trac goal, then polar opposite for Bowza

The weather should really even the contest up. Hope Viney plays like last week and Clarry gets 45 & 2 around the carnage

If it was anybody else playing this way, we would be begging to get him. His football is very good, everything else leaves a bit to be desired - although I think he would be a long way from the only one acting in the way he is, just unfortunately all happened very publicly for him (Lever, indigenous boys etc)

I think if he 'fills out' any more his mobility will suffer. He is noticeably bigger this year and he appears to have lost a bit of his spring around the ground

Just trying to keep it relatively easy to digest, could get far more complicated but racing days are racing days. Even if you are not trying to win, you still have objectives for the team. Only a very small handful get a free ride and that’s only in specific races ie Grand Tours