D Rev

-15. Am absolutely loving everyones stories here. Thanks to all.

Who is the second tall then? Fritch is mid sized. Melksham stopped playing 4 quarter footy last year (at least) - he won't cut it in finals. Even injured, McDonald is better than Jake. He has kicked 30 goals this year and his fitness (when fit) has been the sort of thing you need to win finals. McDonald is obviously suffering from the back injury related to flying up and down the east coast of Australia before the Suns game. Probably not the time for an aerial tour of Australia, but who am I to judge? I've almost gained faith in selectors this year. If they pick McDonald, then he is right to play and part of our best 22.

He may be lucky to get a run in the VFL next year. Eddie etc will be grateful that Tex has come along to be the very public face of racism in the AFL. Without deflecting from how awful this issue is, it also points out how much of a train wreck the Crows still are. All the boot camps in the world can't change a culture like that.

I normally don't care too much about lauding individual players, leave that for clubs like St Kilda who have no premierships. That being said, the treatment of past players certainly impacts the culture of the club, as well as whether players want to come to it. "Woey" overcame so much to get himself where he did (a Brownlow and playing in a GF) and really should be celebrated more. The whole team of 2000 really should.

I think the class of Bomber as a human has been on display for all to see. At least there is some comfort that he, Bomber, has to wake up being him every day.

Apologies, simplistic question; the AFL website says the game will be in VIC and there doesn't seem to be a game at Marvel on Saturday - so shouldn't it be there? Have I missed something, other than my marbles?

and my axe!

I absolutely love this post. Thank you. Here's hoping someone at the club shows it to Trac with an arm around the shoulder while saying (in a gentle voice): "they're on to you son, time to prove them wrong"

I was tearing my hair out last year when they were trying him as a HBF, just didnt know where to run, when to attack or when to defend. It was like the espresso martini of coaching moves; ruining a couple of things to make one bad things. His tagging (on Libba) on the weekend was terrible and Bevo was able to counter it, meaning we had to move Viney on to him. This, again, meant we lost Vineys attack and gained nothing by having Harmes free. Great athlete though.

I'm really not sure about Harmes' future with this club. Brilliant athlete but no footy smarts. I'd prefer Jones in his place, you know he will give 100%, or maybe give a kid a go.

The Ross Perot of AFL

She looks an excellent pick up from the footage. Uses her body well, has smarts and a good kicking technique. Will be interesting to see how she goes against bigger players, but a really good get - shows we are a destination club too.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take

I've actually felt confident with a few games this season, first time in a very long time. Coincidentally, we didn't win any of them. So...it's probably all my fault. Apologies

I was staggered when I looked at the VFL schedule at the start of the season - so many teams it reminded me of the old County Cricket system before they brought in the Divisions - which is precisely what the VFL (or - AFL2?) needs. Teams need to be incentivized to do better, and be challenged to do so - not just play a collection of wooden spooners every week. It isn't a real competition that promotes the game, improves players or entertains the fans.

Absolutely loved this pod, forwarded on to a number of non-MFC friends who have also enjoyed it. Brilliant content as always, a fixture on my weekly pod rotation. Many thanks again all

I dont know. Whenever I think about this subject I remember the Freo fan bashing that woman in the crowd and everyone standing around nodding with approval.

That may say more about his team-mates than it does BBB

Really interesting thread on an issue of growing import in the game; TOG & player fitness. With the game being so bloody fast now, and with limited interchange, player fitness is getting more focus than ever. For this reason, and its changing nature, I think the management of this issue is a dynamic one; there isn't an established answer. Having our best 6 mids on the park for ~90% TOG may be deliberate for the regular season, allowing them to play more in bursts in finals. Finals are more defensive anyway, so having Jordon etc fresher to come on then may work.

Petraccas disposal is pretty dire at times. Happy to get rack up the touches but not accountable. I thought Gawn started the second half with real intent, which looked inspirational from the stands. Maybe he needs to come out punching everything from the 1st bounce from now on?

I dunno, catch me holding the ball in the forward 50 once - shame on me. catch me holding the ball in the forward 50 twice - shame on me catch me holding the ball in the forward 50 thrice....shame on me

Jackson did compete, but he was pretty ineffectual. He actually looked tired for mine and should probably get a spell. We have Daw and Weidemann both in the twos who can pinch hit in the ruck. Daw may be good in giving us a p/t target up front and Weid (I reckon) plays better roaming the ground. Kozzie and Spargo were almost never sighted, that forward line pressure is absolutely what we need. If they can't do it, we must have someone motivated in the twos who can (at least) try. The effort (and effectiveness) shown in the second half are evidence that the forward line set-up can work, if people put in an effort. Gawn in particular came out with demonstrable intent from the 3rd quarter. We need the other leaders to do the same. Petracca got a lot of it but his disposal efficiency (esp in front of goal) still hurts us. As do the forwards kicking snaps rather than kicking straight. Too much show-boating, not enough intent. This goes triple for Hunt. Letting them get easy goals out the back after 40 seconds cannot continue.

Those caught with the ball in the forward 50 three times in a row aren't having a crack, they're having a brain fade.

If my grandmother had wheels instead of legs, she'd be a bicycle. "Ifs" are great, but we had a team that didn't turn up until half time. That's a poorly coached side. We've now lost 2 out of the last 3, and those against teams that aren't in the top 4. The team looks tired and lackluster. We have a short break now before playing Port, and will get royally touched up if we put in another performance like this. It isn't up to the supporters to get the #1 team over the line against a team that drew with North and lost to Hawthorn. The team needs to get itself up (as GWS did). The first half non-appearance was a disgrace. Any team that needs the fans to paper over their lack of commitment in a half of a game doesn't deserve those fans.

Hunt got caught with the ball 3 times in the forward 50 in the last quarter. I'd argue he didn't try to do something.