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Easy to say this after a big win but... Absolute masterclass by Goody! I've heard knocks on him based on his inability to change up the game plan during a game but tinkering would come at the expense of the players knowing a tried and tested finals-winning defensive system instinctively. We have to believe Goody when he and the club say they are building a squad which will consistently win finals over a number of years. There was a stat going round toward the end of May that we'd lost almost half our games since round 11 2022 (having won our first 10 games straight that year). With alarming (though arbitrary) stats like these getting attention, it can be easy to forget the following: In 2021 we finished first and won all our finals (including the GF) by an average of 63 points. In 2022 we finished 2nd on the ladder. we were "bundled out in straight sets" but were ahead deep into both our finals matches In 2023 we currently sit comfortably in 3rd position having hit nowhere near our best form and continuing to experiment with our forward setup while BBB gets "cherry ripe" in the twos. Finally, I still sense that a large part of our fan base thinks the quality of our list belies the performance of our head coach and indeed places a higher expectation on Goodwin because of some kind of 'head start' he's got having this list at his disposal. But that is flawed thinking as Goodwin and his coaching staff are interconnected with the list managers and the development of players. That is, Melbourne's list managers are rightly praised continually while Goodwin is often criticised but the list managers surely work with Goody to bring in the right player to fit the PROVEN system Goody employs and continues to deploy. Rant Over. Sorry and thanks. GO DEES!

Well put, Kieran! Passionate, eloquent and impossible to argue against. I was sanguine after the loss to Port for many of the reasons you've outlined.

Definitely prefer it to any other away jumper we’ve seen. The white versions and the red backed one just don’t feel like Melbourne.