Roost it far

Whether we tweaked the plan or not we simply can't go with the sides that run and spread better than we can. We have to force a forward half territory game and hope we can find targets inside 50 who can kick goals. The other method is to just run and spread and hope the kicks and handballs find their mark. When they don't we have to have numbers to force a contest and run back to defend. It's just not how we play though. Expected score 11.22.88 10.6.66

The game may well be built around running it out of the backline. However when you have a very strong midfield as we do and Gawn has no serious opponent against a team that can likely out run us I'd play lock it up football in the front half.

To grab by the throught: Is to grab another's thought before it exits his throat.

Absolutely it does but allowing GWS out the back will likely kill us. If we get it into the forward half quickly enough I'm hoping there will be enough post goal ball ups to clear the congestion. It only takes one good kick from 80 metres out to set up a goal.

Best website on the net. Many thanks. Would like to be able to swear but I'll survive.

Thats fair enough, I’m pretty confident we’ve got the run and fitness to match them. If we don’t we could be in for a long season. Clubs like GWS are the benchmark for run. I reckon we’re going to try very hard to lock the ball in our forward 80 which is why goal kicking is so important this week. Kick straight and I’m confident we win.

With Briggs out Gawn should have an absolute field day giving our mids first use. I can see Oliver, Petracca, Viney, Rivers and co giving our forwards plenty of ball. Can our forwards capitalise and can our backs keep the ball in? I can see GWS getting a few transition goals but if we kick relatively straight this is a game we should win well. If they get on top around clearances that's where they will get us, they's no doubt they move the ball really well on the break. It'll be a good test of any game plan tweaks because if we turn it over in space we'll likely get torched on turnover. There's going to need to be times in the match where we'll need to maintain possession and slow the game down. I think we'll be trying hard to make it a forward half territory game. We really need to take our chances in front of goal. Go Dee's, let's start the season with a W.

Absolutely it would.

No chance

Too old to go around again

Thats not reportable

When he knocked Schulz over?

Isn’t Finn coming here next year?

I haven’t been this nervous since the 21 preseason. Thats surely a good omen?

They play a good brand of footy, I’m hoping we do

GWS are going to be tough to beat especially without a proper game under our belts

Hawthorn surely don’t have the offer in them that we do

If we finish 13th and Collingwood finish first I’m never going to the football again, ever.

Yes but if Pickett is adamant and we can get Jackson, that makes it more interesting.

That's positively erotic.

Solid effort

That’s what I’m talking about!

I still think a couple of reasonably mobile tall forwards are the key. JVR and Turner are those guys. AJ can play the pack crasher when balls are lobbed in. Just need Pickett back.

You know you’re in strife when members of your team are making excuses before the event even starts.