Roost it far

There’s no doubt our game looks quite different from rounds 1-5 as opposed to rounds 6-11 and the data shows that. In rounds 1-5 there was still a lot of long bombs kicked into F50 and a lot of long down the line kicks from HB/wing. There’s a few reasons for the difference imo. First and foremost it’s attack on the contest, which was there in round one but gone in rounds 2-5, it’s now the standard. Second and only marginally less important is the return of our best 22 and the continued improvement of Tracc, Oliver and Viney. Thirdly are the intangibles, belief, confidence and mojo. Belief in the system, the coaches and your teammates, confidence grows from this and for mine mojo is the slight swagger a team gets when belief and confidence grow to a certain point. Think 21 finals series. We haven’t got mojo yet but you’ll see it when we do. Teams don’t win a Flag without it. So yes our game looks completely different but this is a style we’ve been working on since the preseason of 24. Mojo takes time but I think it’s coming.

We turned Combden into Wayne Carey, a truly chilling day at the football. I wanted them all sacked after that.

One thing I haven’t looked at and would be interested in others thoughts on is do we set up defensively further back when inside 50? In doing this when the opponent clears the ball from our F50 it creates more space in our F50 for us to force a turnover and then reenter. We’ve had the discussion on here about our clogged 50 and how that hampers our entries. I’ve certainly noticed that we regularly hit the 45 kick from the wing and then if going long we head to the top of the square.

I was choosing a slightly extreme example I’ll admit. My point remains about depth. However if your system is truly bedded down across your list you should be able to replace 3ish players from the bottom 15 at any given time and not suffer too big a fall in form. If you can’t you’re going to struggle over a season without luck. The thing with our depth I think once you fall past Laurie, Henderson and ?? you get into uncharted territory. Do Sestan and Brown have the ability? Anyway we’ll likely find out as we’ve just lost Spargo for 4-6 so the next injury to a running/small will likely see one of these guys get a game. In the talls we’ve got JVR and Jefferson and then we’ve got Campbell to replace Gawn, heaven forbid.

I was confident preseason, found the first 5 weeks terrible. A bombers fan friend said to me after the Essendon game “your list is so much better than ours” Admittedly that was part of a broader conversation. At this point I just want us to remain relatively injury free. If we do that then anything is possible. I’m not putting limits either way on this year. As for next year, it’s flag or bust!!

Look how well it’s working!

The thing about depth is it’s fine to a point. Who on that list is replacing Gawn? Not saying you’re wrong but depth always looks better on paper.

I love it when you talk to yourself. 😀

Jackson will offer us more as well but I agree, let’s not overpay

What’s Gawn worth?

Noah Yze still looking for a home

The big change and it’s been noted by Goodwin is we’re back being animals at contest, partly due to the improved form of Petracca, Oliver and even Viney before he was injured. Also we’ve added our best players back to the field and are now largely uninjured. I think it’s fair to say we’ve changed considerably over the last 6 weeks although I’d agree those changes were thoroughly practiced in the preseason. Since round 1 we’ve added Pickett, Windsor, McVee and Langford. On top of that Oliver has found his best form for 2 years.

Definitely no religion

If I was being totally honest I’d say we’re a shoe in by a solid margin this week. I think our form is too good to turn around and lose this. Of course I wouldn’t say this out loud except on here, a few footy chat groups and to my family.

Hahaha, it’s a kind offer but in my world there’s no Presidents!

You might be right. I was more talking out of hope than reality. I do that from time to time. Like in Roost it Far world there’s quite a lot of differences to current reality. I won’t bore you with details.

No ones paying all of that. He’s a first round pick and $750, Carlton can pay the rest.

Yes I’ve noted it previously. I have no problem with him or any other player doing it. It’s the smart play. Lives being ruined over foolhardy acts of bravery playing a game need to be protected. Not only by the game but the attitude around the game by players and supporters. I’m not sure his name but there’s that ex WC recruit who’s had a series of neck operations and still can’t live a fruitful life. It’s simply not worth it. Personally I’d like to see the knee that’s driven into backs and heads regulated. Not got rid of as the high mark is worthy of protection but don’t drive the knee.

I’ve heard the “he’s cooked” about so many players who have then moved clubs and regained past form. To be honest above all I’d take Jackson. I reckon a mobile, strong marking ruck who can play forward would be ideal. It’s also a magnificent story and an up yours to Freo. It’s a win win win. Who doesn’t love a win win win?

I’d go after Sam Walsh. Get him fit and back on the outside and he’d be awesome for us.

There’s a dearth of good picks available for the next 3-4 seasons

I just look at how May moves and think he’s getting less and less mobility. Perhaps he can continue to improve his mobility as full fitness returns. Time will tell. The Jackson trade really hangs on one thing, does he want to come bad enough. If he does then a deal will likely get done.

Hawthorn and GWS are the 2 teams I see us moving above on the ladder. Fremantle are the other side we’re competing with. Adelaide are also no guarantees to keep winning and our game against them should be a belter. Our current form looks as good as anyone’s and I’ll just keep saying it, If we remain injury free, keep improving incrementally then we could easily go deep in September. Don’t anyone underestimate just how good Gawn, Petracca, Oliver and Viney can be when all in form, which it appears they are and also improving. I keep thinking in terms of the next 3-4 matches and their importance. In reality it’s just StKilda that matter. Win that, dust off and go again.

I’m hoping Sinnema is the next smooth moving, good kick who can become best 22 in his first season. If that’s the case then it’s really only May who will likely need replacing, although maybe he’ll keep improving his movement and go again next year. We have the luxury atm of very few injuries and if AMW can continue to improve he’s another asset. I like your confidence of a returning Jackson and I’d take him back in a heartbeat, 2 future firsts would be unders I think so we may need to find a way to grease that wheel.

I actually think we match up incredibly well with the pies.