Bring-Back-Powell

Agreed. Should stay in the side and I think the club rates him as they have given him plenty of opportunities when he hasn't been injured. I was very impressed with Sparrow on Saturday night and that goal he kicked showed some fantastic composure and that he does belong at this level. He actually had a better game than Jordon IMO. I wouldn't be adverse to Melksham coming back this week for some crisp goal kicking but not at Sparrow's expense. if not this week, then he'll be in the side shortly after.

It's predicted to be 22 degrees at opening bounce. Should be a lovely evening for a game of footy.

This game will tell us a lot where we are as a side. Will we have the maturity to win a game interstate while starting favorites? Or will we lose and once again chase our tail all year and endure another rollercoaster of a season. Win this game AND one of Geelong or Richmond and I'm confident we mean business this year. Our last two performances at Manuka have been utterly terrible. In 2017 GWS had an 8 goal lead at 3 qtr time while in 2015 we somehow blew a 6 goal lead to lose by 7 odd goals.

Weid for Jackson? We lose some resting ruck ascendancy but gain some goal kicking ability, of which Jackson appears to have none of at the moment. Not saying we should replace Weid with Jackson but unsure if we can fit another tall in.

Surprise Steele only got 1 vote between both coaches. He impresses me as a player. Well done to Salem for getting the 5 from one of the coaches. That spread of votes (mostly comprising Dees players) is more reflective of a 7+ goal win.

I think that was our best win since 2018 when you factor in the opposition and playing them at the venue they clearly play their best footy. Maybe you could argue the Collingwood win last year at the Gabba was our most complete performance since 2018 but this one was more satisfying. With regards to our inaccuracy, I’d rather win a 3 goal margin by having 13 more scoring shots than winning with having 5 less shots because we had to rely on the opposition’s inaccuracy. Disappointing to miss so many but at the same time it was good signs and reflected our dominance for much of the game.

Literally every single set shot that Fritsch has taken this year has been on a difficult to very difficult angle. Name me a player that’s going to have elite conversion with the high degree of difficult set shots that Fritta takes. Either Fritsch needs to lead more central or our players need to use him way less as an option as his set shots are going to cost us a game soon. A pity as he’s a classy and important component to our forward line. He is a clever snap on goal so hopefully he gets a couple of those opportunities next week.

He’s one of favourite players at the club but he’s always taking shots on the flanks and hence affecting his accuracy. Would love to see him take some some marks from a regulation 45 metre out directly in front.

Every good club has 3 rock solid defenders over 190cm and it’s looking the case with Tomlinson.

Geelong led for 93% of the game. Deserved the win overall. Brisbane only have themselves to blame for a garbage first quarter. Geelong also had Danger, Duncan, Menegola and Cameron out. I can’t stand them but full credit to them for the win.

Higgins is a major addition to their fwd line that didn’t play last year (and Gresham) Has been impressive in the practice matches and round 1. I think they have the best small forward department in the league. Higgins, Butler, Lonie, Gresham and Billings is a sensational combination.

Saints have recruited brilliantly in terms of their small forwards. Buying low in terms of Butler after a poor season and Higgins in terms of a serious health issue. Meanwhile Lonie has improved out of sight and Gresham and Billings are classy. I rate St Kilda a top 2 side this year so it’s going to take something special from us to upset them.

I think you might be on the money. Last night’s crowd of just 51,000 emphasises that not all folks are ready to attend the footy yet. Plus most MFC fans don’t attend Marvel.

In 2017. We beat St Kilda at Marvel and then Carlton at the MCG. A most impressive start under Goodwin. Then lost the next 3. I think St Kilda are made of the right stuff this year and a bit of adversity such as backing up from the wet weather on a 6 day break won't bother them.

Because we're accepting international travelers in a few weeks and the virus will no doubt be imported back into the community given this state's track record.

Oliver's not a free agent so I would be fascinated what Carlton could offer us in return, or any club for that matter. Oliver's a once in a generation midfielder at our club and it would be an absolute disaster to lose him. And Trac will be out the door when he hits free agency at the end of next year if we miss finals once again.

If we start the season 3-1 I reckon we’ll play finals as it would’ve meant we’ve beaten a probable top 4 side in St Kilda and/or Geelong AND we then have a month of footy against last years bottom 8 sides from round 7. (although you could argue it’s the bottom sides and the lack of respect we show them that is the main cause for us missing finals under Goodwin) 13 wins will get us in. 12 with a good percentage.

Enjoy the game mate. Hopefully we put in a better performance than the last 2 disasters at Manuka.

Two weeks in a row Max will be playing on basically nobody. Last week he was playing on a debutante and this week he's playing on a SANFL journeyman with a sprinkling of Shaun McKernan. I'll be disappointed if he goes 0/2 to start the season against far inferior opposition.

Is that the same player that once got a 37 possession 3 goal game playing as an inside mid?

Well done to Lord Nev for his inside word about the Harmes injury. Harmes has been off the boil for a while now and may have been in contention to be dropped for Viney anyway.

He also played in the guts in the last couple of centre bounces and looked very unhindered.

People were excited because we re-signed a capable goal kicker. Hunt kicked 21 goals in 2019 and ended the 2020 season with a 4 goal performance. Any idea why one of our more naturally talented goal kickers and reliable set shot for goal isn't a forward this year?

I guess so. His most recent game before round 1 was round 18 2020...

Two out of his last 3 games he’s had an influence on the result. Against GWS late last year he kicked 2 goals including a massive set shot from 50 in the last qtr to give us a great chance of winning. Then on the weekend he had a hand in a few goals and his passing and pressure was excellent for a small forward. Hopefully his good games start outweighing his bad and we might have a player on our hands.