Bring-Back-Powell

That’s massive if Walters is out. Has kicked a combined 6 goals the last 2 times we played them and was the key factor in our loss against them in Cairns. I was concerned we don’t have a suitable match up for him.

Are you suggesting he’s been disciplined/suspended by the club? A bit disappointing we can’t see ALL of the “big 3” in action today - Gawn, Trac, Oliver.

TV - Foxtel Streaming - Kayo If you have neither then go to the local pub and watch it.

Oliver, Salem, Brayshaw, Viney, Hibberd, Melksham, B Brown and Weid all out. Meanwhile the Dogs have a near full strength side. Hard to see us winning this one, but hopefully a few lesser lights can step up tomorrow and show that we have good depth.

Aside from death and taxes, if North have a 1 win season you can absolutely guarantee it will be against us down at Hobart. That venue is an absolute disaster for us and I can’t work out what the AFL’s obsession is with scheduling us there year after year. Last year they even rescheduled us there during COVID until the TAS premier closed the border on us.

He had a very nice game with 3 goals as a midfield. Why did we get rid of him? Salary cap or opportunity for Dom?

and there lies the problem. Walters single handedly beat us in Cairns with his 3 goal performance in a 3 goal win. There was a perception that Freo were far to good for us that night but the reality was the they could barely buy a goal either. Walters was able to kick the clutch goals that night which made all the difference. Walters also kicked 3 goals against us in 2019 but we were able to take control in the last qtr. Aside from Fyfe, Walters and a possible lack of hunger (per Cairns) we should be able to beat them in most departments.

That’s a poor effort by Jeff. Could’ve really caused some damage.

Good result as long as he hasn’t highjacked the salary cap. Oliver and Petracca must be looked over as they’re our great hope in building towards a flag. If Gawn plays most of the season like he played against Richmond and hitting the scoreboard then he’s heading towards a PB season and one of the best by a ruckman in the modern era.

Liam Ryan at 11. Reckon Slobbo had a few wild turkeys when compiling his list.

Of 2020.

I don’t think he’s needed if T Mac and Jackson are in the same side. T Mac and Jackson as our key forwards with the latter rotating with Gawn. Then BBB and Weid should be back from about round 4 or 5.

Played a quarter as a ruckman last week against Essendon and looked lost. Needs to play as a full time defender and be given a dose of confidence if he’s any chance of re-establishing himself.

Hopefully we're at the stage where we have the depth to easily cover your Viney's, Picketts, Weidemans, Hibbo's etc... That's when you know you're a pretty decent side.

Very concerned about the influence Walters will have on round 1. He was literally the difference in a 3 goal result in Cairns last year and he's touted to be playing predominantly forward this year. Do we have anyone to go with him? He also kicked 3 or 4 against us 2019.

Yep good pick up. Also said that Viney is unlikely for round 1 while Brayshaw will play a VFL practice match this weekend and Melksham will right for round 1 if we choose to select him. Sounds like Freo are absolute full strength if Sean Darcy gets up.

Good signing. His disposal is far from elite but he’s one of the best players in the league in knowing where to position himself to take the intercept mark. He’ll be important this year in the dying minutes of close games.

Excactly, but this is just me raising the idea. For all we know this idea hasn't been raised by the AFL. I've got no issue with Essendon wanting to play their game at the MCG to maximise crowds, but it shouldn't be at the expense of an already fixtured game on the same day.

He looks half OK in those highlights.

That's the thing, there isn't a broadcaster issue if they agree to switch the GWS V St Kilda game to Saturday night. Both games are on channel 7 which works out fine. The only thing is GWS and St Kilda would have to agree to playing the game on Sat night rather than Sunday. When it's all said and done, I don't think the AFL will agree to do this and chuck it into the "too hard" basket.

I rang Whately this morning and made a suggestion similar to Dr Gonzo's yesterday. 1) Move GWS V St Kilda to Saturday night 7:25pm 2) Move Essendon V Hawthorn to Sunday 3:20pm Everyone's a winner: Essendon and Hawthorn get their MCG wish GWS and St Kilda get some Saturday night exposure Channel 7 don't miss out as both games are on channel 7 regardless Melbourne keep their MCG game as is, and Freo get their one and only MCG game for the year. Whately called the idea "pragmatic."

Is it just me or is there a serious lack of post match coverage and reports following the game on the official MFC website? No official match review, stats, interview from players, coaches review etc....

That could actually work really well. GWS V St Kilda has the potential to be a good Saturday night replacement on Ch 7, plus channel 7 would still retain the Dons game on the 3:20 Sunday game.

My thoughts. They haven’t had an MCG double header since 1986. Can’t see it happening this year.