Rivers of Belief my friend

That’s a very Clive James turn of phrase…

Hmm. It’s a great question. I think in these times of increasing costs of living and disunity across our country and the Western world in general (post-Brexit, post/pre-Trump, the Referendum sh$tshow etc.) the AFL will continue to enjoy support. let’s face it, it’s something to get excited and passionate about. Memberships may slide a little over the next few years as the cost crunch really starts, but it’s a quintessentially Australian thing that unites us - even in respect of all hating Collingwood. The rules need a LOT of tightening. Whoa. Get it right, AFL. Eliminate as many subjective rules as you possibly can. Train and pay the umpires properly. That will go a long way. I’m also getting massively on board the AFLW. Is only a good thing in the medium-longer term. A very good thing.

I keep saying that, overall, psychology is THE most important factor in sport. (Especially if you’re comparing similarly accomplished players/teams) McRae has done a brilliant job. I’ve seen some of his player addresses: he focuses on his players actually enjoying the pressure moments and owning them. We did that in 2021 - esp in finals.

Well, I didn’t watch that, and the result is predictable, right down to a tiny margin. Let’s back in our all-conquering AFLW team. They’re smashing it. Let’s get right behind them. Then bring on 2024 for both teams.

Umpires should allocate votes as part of their post game review (after watching replay) - which includes the calls they made, right/wrong. We should also consider either renaming it a midfielders award or thinking about how we bring other positions back into the running. Eg Steven May had a 15-20 vote season, not a 3 vote season.

Exactly - we need to stop talking about deliberately biased umpiring. Focus solely on the poor standard (which also causes unconscious bias with home crowds).

I guess my question is: how on earth would the umpires be instructed, overtly or covertly, to favour the Pies? Genuine question. the huge partisan crowd would definitely impact decisions - we know that. But a concerted, deliberate effort? I will say that the Pies, while impressive for a season and a half, have had some incredible luck at times. But you know, the harder you work, the luckier you get - and they’ve got some skills I’ll grant them that. And team belief - big time.

Love Garry the player. But to be blunt, he’s a gutless wonder ever since. How about actually contributing to the process, Gaz.

Yes.

Thanks everyone. There’s always next year.

I was thinking back to our premiership year, and how so many of our players had standout seasons. A lot needs to go right to win a flag of course, and one of them is overall improvement in skill and output from the group and individual players. Thinking of 2021: Salem, Langdon, Spargo, Bowey etc. as good as we were for the majority of the year, maybe we also just needed a few more individuals to have breakout years again. As an exercise, I went though and rated all players for their 2023 season for impact above - using: + (greater impact) - (less impact) / (similar impact to previous year) This includes injury affected of course. Not sure if you generally agree…

Thanks for that. Can’t sleep but that made me laugh.

9.17 - that was it.

We needed to bury the crowd. We let them back in. Will be tough. Fritta, Kozzie, Salem need to lift big time. TMac ordinary.

Langdon started well. Salem needs a rocket.

He’s out the door.

I’m tipping TMac to kick 3.

Agree. And I would strongly argue to date Chandler has had more stand out games. He’s not up to that level lately, but he’s had some stellar games.

Agree. Kids don’t play organized MMA though. Those knockouts are brutal. Brutal. (Having grown up on van Damme etc. I still like watching UFC for it’s skill but my interest is starting to fade maybe) Also agree re: if Maynard gets suspended it’s only a matter of time for speccies to be next. Maybe all of this - speccies, tackles, hip and shoulder - has to be informed by the result on the other player…you can do it, but you’re risking suspension. It’s tricky…

The classic “Glass is three quarters / one quarter full”

These are good thoughts. let’s go with something like this. I really think bring back Tomlinson, create the wall again. Bounce off half back. nothing to lose next week - let’s get on a run. Play with enjoyment and fire. [censored] ‘em.

Overwhelmed at the moment. Need to get some control.

I reckon rain will ease up around first bounce, then a second smaller front will pass through halfway through 2nd quarter. Then not much. Speed.

MFCSS - Level 13 Achieved: Looking at the rain radar. My brain: looks like the rain will mostly come and go tonight, leaving the ground very damp but actual game will be dry ish. This will enable the Pies to play their game style, but will leave us fumbly with a slippery ball.

I’ve gotta say, TMac looks fit. The perfect blend of muscle and svelt.