Temporarily Hopeful Demon

I get that it was only a practice game but I loved what I saw. There was definitely enough evidence to think that we can contend again. If we bring that level of intensity against the Swans we'll win. And what's more important is that Clarry looks just about match ready. It will be massive for us if he'll be able to play as soon as he can.

Sparrow has looked really sharp tonight. Good sign.

[censored] that's devastating. I feel that we really took his importance for granted when he was with us.

I'm totally with @Sir Why You Little here. 2021 was a very long time ago. Yes, the premership was amazing and I absolutely loved it but we haven't progressed since then. The fact is that we have been so painfully stale and predictable over the past two years that it's no surprise that we've underperformed in September. Some people on this site seem way too defensive to realise that it is possible to support the club while pointing out its deficiencies. If we don't make any changes to our gameplan in 2024, we'll be making up the numbers.

While I agree that it's pathetic to suggest that we're doomed and that our season is over, I think it's equally pathetic to say that someone isn't a true supporter when they raise doubts about our form. Both extremes are far too common on this site. Fwiw, I normally err on the positive side but it's perfectly understandable that people have their concerns given our chaotic off season and our inability to win a final over the past two years.

Trac at number 1 is perfectly fair imo. It's splitting hairs between him, Oliver and Gawn really.

I like Hunter. I thought he was harshly judged this year. His endurance is elite and his kicking is nowhere near as bad as some people on here make it out to be. I'm still an Ed Langdon fan but Hunter was the better wingman this season.

Cummins will go down as one of our best fast bowlers in history. No question.

I still think he played most of his best footy with us though

I completely forgot how good Bernie Vince was when he came to us too. He was an absolute gun.

Have you been living under a rock? May became the best key defender in the game after he got traded to us. Not to mention that Lever and Hibberd have had their career best years under us too. Aside from maybe Jeremy Howe, I can't think of anyone in recent years who actually reached their potential after leaving Melbourne.

As much as I dislike Collingwood they have played in some pretty entertaining grand finals over the past 15 years.

I'm starting to think that the brownlow is slowly losing credibility. Neale wasn't a top 5 mid this season, let alone the best.

Reckon Gulden has won this. That came out of nowhere.

Nup Hunter is far better than Jordon. It's just considered cool to dislike Hunter on this site. Also, Langdon was more disappointing than Hunter this year but seems to escape criticism a lot more easily.

Still the best key defender in the game in my eyes. He was single handedly keeping us in front in the final term.

[censored] we might as well give up finishing top 4 every year if this is the [censored] we keep serving up. There has to be an element of fragility in this side. You just can't keep losing finals in the same manner that we have over the past two seasons.

Carlton have been terrible. The fact that we're behind is embarrassing.

Smith is underrated as a forward

Love him. He was easily the best rebounding defender in the game circa 2017-18. I remember how good he and Jetta were together in the backline in those days.

Gawn is carrying the team on his back

I liked the way we eneded that quarter but I don't know where our goals are going to come from. We can't seem to grasp the concept of lowering your eyes inside 50.

I'm not saying Tmac is the problem but he has been a huge downgrade on Melksham so far.

I'm glad that Viney has finally gained some recognition. One of the most underrated midfielders in the league.

What exactly does Jordon have over him though?