Beetle

Basically Freo could have worked with Port for a higher pick to suit us, but now Port need it to secure JHF.

I’m not sure about overpaying. The deal put in front of Brayshaw was on the basis of: A. Them being willing to lose him. B. Knowing he didn’t want to leave and the talk of him considering his options, nothing but grandstanding.

Brayshaw was also in consideration however I think the decision to sign him long term comes off the back of the club knowing Jackson was leaving.

As I said during the year I was told the club were going to offload 2-3 of our best 25 this trade period. Hunt and Harmes were two of those players in consideration. I’d personally like to retain Harmes, but these decisions are clearly being made for the greater good.

It’s about freeing up cap space and at the start of the year, he was unfortunately one of the players in the group that were potentially going to be let go.

One of if not Taylor’s most inspired selections to date. Will never forget his debut against the Saints at the G where one of his kicks literally ran along the ground sideways. Since then the bloke has been a pillar of strength. Will finish as a Melbourne champion. My fave currrent player.

We will come back with a vengeance next year. Unfortunately this team succumbed to being completely banged up. One dimensional coaching didn’t help… Gawn hurt his groin in the warm up tonight and it showed. Sums up second half of the season really.

Changes needed yes…but I’ll reassess next year. Blind Freddie could see how banged up and out on our feet this team was tonight. The club will make changes and players will have the chance to come back refreshed. Book the required surgeries immediately.

And yet relentlessly throw the ball every single game.

Copping it hard and trying to remain positive. Win next week and we are one of four still with the same equal opportunity. That’s all keeping me sane right now. Hopefully a kebab on the way home helps ease the pain somewhat. Props to Clayton and Steven (minus the momentum killer moment).

Brisbane are not built or coached for finals. If they manage to pinch this, they are simply doing the world a favour in eliminating Richmond.

The Royal, Punt Road. See you there. Make sure you have a collar though.

The fact that you even have to ask this just demonstrates that you have a problem.. You should already be half way through the third.

Footage of the Essendon board arriving into the 'Hanger' car park today to decide Rutten's fate.

Doesn’t matter. We don’t lose interstate.

Freo will likely beat GWS so if Collingwood beat Carlton, we will drop to 6th.

If other games go as expected… Win - likely Sydney in Sydney Lose - likely Richmond in an elimination. Calm thoughts, calm thoughts…

I said last year that if we won a flag in my lifetime, I could live with us never winning another game. How wrong I was. It purely creates higher expectations and a thirst for wanting more. In saying that, I am remaining positive and as I said after last weeks I am backing us to still win the flag, provided we sort the forward line issues out. This all comes from a life long eternal MFC pessimist. I’m trying to shake the veil of negativity as best I can.

Haven’t hugged random strangers like that since Jack Watts’ goal on QB in 2017.

We need another tall forward. I don’t care about Weids ongoing form, I think we need him.

You’re assuming we have the ability to land one of the three ruckmen you mentioned, or someone of that ilk. What if we’ve made enquiries and none are willing to come? We can’t just sit on our hands and hope for the best while Jackson makes his mind up. Of course I agree longevity is paramount for the clubs sustained success but the smart thing for the club to do while the window is open, is make the moves they need to, to ensure we bank flags while we can. Early start tomorrow, off to bed. Appreciate the conversation dazzle.

You get what you pay for. But yes I “realise that”…thanks for checking. The club recognise we are in a 2-3 premiership window. IMHO why take the risk on blokes who have had limited exposure and may simply hold down the main rucking role, for the sake of draft position? I acknowledge there is also an associated risk with Grundy given his injury history however.

So if/when we lose Jackson we are left with a single ruckman who’s 30 years old. While I agree there needs to be a balance…..Let’s say Gawn goes down for a period of time…where is this breed of new talent to step in and replace him in the Ruck? Good teams have made a habit of bringing in experienced, older Ruckmen.

Best possibly result. Want him back for the Pies game.

Finish top 4 and I am confident we will win the flag.