Bigfoot

Round of applause for Judd McVee for his game this week (and last week, in fact for his whole season). He is fast becoming one of my favourite players. The kid never looks flustered even on the big stage in front of 85,000 people. He's skillful, balanced & poised. He is a great judge of the play and knows when to leave his man. This was best highlighted when he left his man and forced the turnover that ended with the Hunter bump (great highlight too) that ended with Grundy having a shot for goal. Can't believe he hasn't received a rising star nomination yet but I'm positive he'll have one by season's end.

Sensational interview @Demonland. I really enjoyed that one. Troy is very well spoken and seems to have a sound knowledge of the game. We're lucky to have him.

Any updates on Clarry's condition?

Couple of big matchups in defence on Kings Birthday. The bigs Mason Cox, Ash Johnson & Brodie Mihocek. All 3 are have given us problems before. Pains me to say it but I’m worried the most about Cox. Who takes who? We usually struggle against the Charlie Cameron/Tom Papley type small forwards. Who runs with Bobby Hill?

Are we playing one small forwards too many? Should we be playing another midfielder that can be rolled into the midfield rotation?

I'll add that anybody who claimed that Michael Hibberd was finished can join the Charlie Spargo naysayers.

It's no secret that we have not had a settled backline this season with injuries to some key members at different times May, Lever, Hibbo and Salo and Petty playing forward. We also seem to struggle once the ball hits he deck. Teams are finding it very easy to score against us in the chaos. Is this a symptom of not getting a good run of the same 6 or 7 players or is the ball coming in too quick? I fear some of the stronger teams will destroy us.

Loving the podcast. Raising the bar every week. Love to get the panels thoughts on Josh Schache's debut match for the Dees this week.

I've noticed that we've been using the underground handball a number of times this season and it was used quite often last night. What do you think of this tactic? Effective; yay or nay?

I'd love to have a crack. I'll PM you a link to my portfolio.

I thought Brodie Grundy absolutely stood up in his role of lone ruck. Not only did he win the hitouts but he took marks around the ground and was an extra mid at times around the ground racking up 21 disposals. How did you rate Brodie's game?

How much are you taking out of the final 12 minutes of the match?

Thoughts on Tommy Macs game. 13 Disposals 4 Marks and missed a very gettable goal with no pressure right at the end. I didn't notice him much on the night and haven't watched the replay and cause I wasn't paying close attention to him on the night I can't talk to any work he did off the ball. Not suggesting he be dropped off one performance but interested to hear your thoughts.

Rise: Carlton Fall: Bulldogs -------------------------------------------------------------------- Who is the one player that would be the biggest loss to the team if they were ruled out before a game?

Welcome back fellas. Great to have the podcast back in weekly rotation. I'd like to sing the praises of Jake Bowey for a moment. Clearly he fell out of favour late last year and I think it was @binman last week who mentioned that it would probably more from a development perspective than anything else. But boy oh boy has he come back with a vengeance and stamped his card for Round 1. 19 possies and his disposal is just elite. 100% Disposal Efficiency. Chef's Kiss.

He's quick and handles and uses the ball really well. I like this potential acquisition. I have a feeling that the Covid period did his development no favours and getting a proper run at it will greatly benefit him.

Looks like we've primarily gone for height and key positions this draft. Perhaps next season we need to get our next gen of midfield bulls.

Is the panel happy with the snippets of the draw that have been released so far?

We forced more turnovers than Sydney 81 to 75 yet they scored 70 points from turnovers from their 91 points in total and we weren't able to capitalise when we turned the ball over? We folded under the pressure of Sydney's high pressure. How can we combat that in the future? If we get through the Lions and somehow get through the Cats we are most likely going to have to play the Swans or Collingwood in a Granny and we've seen the results of our 4 matches against those 2 high pressure teams.

I assume that James Jordon did not play for Casey because he was not eligible due to not having played enough games in the 2s during the season. If James is not selected to play for the Demons this week and barring injuries it is unlikely that he will play who do we play on the other wing?

Love the podcast. Look forward to it every week. My question: Salem’s late withdrawal gave Jake Bowey an opportunity to remind us what he can bring to the side. He’s a calm presence down back and has a great kick. Obviously Salem is best 22 but what does this mean for our lucky charm?