Bring-Back-Powell

Round 3 2018 was the last time we played them at the G. That was the game we broke our 11 year losing streak to them. In terms of a potential smashing, I don’t think we’re playing clinical enough footy at the moment to do a number on them and unlike Richmond they’re basically full strength.

Very happy with his development. Whilst Richmond aren't the powerhouse they once were, to kick 3 goals and lay that important tackle on Vlaustin on the big stage in front of 84,000 is a massive performance and a good sign ahead that he could step in September.

Scary thing is Collingwood were missing their two rucks, Murphy, Howe, Lipinski, and McStay. They were nowhere near full strength.

Pies are missing their Moore-Murphy-Frampton defensive trio that was working for them in the first 3 rounds. Their defensive structures are falling apart and their lack of rucks are hurting.

Since when did Kyle Langford become a star of the comp?

On pace for a 4 goal game and an Anzac Day medal in his pocket if they win?

Any chance Collingwood and Essendon can split the 0 points tomorrow so we can remain top 2?

Shout to Chandler. He’s kicked 10 goals in 6 games and kicked some crucial goals against Sydney and Richmond in the third quarter of both games when the heat was well and truly on. That holding the ball and goal in the 3rd quarter was one of the plays of the year for us so far, and will lock him in the side for many weeks.

Certainly was. You know it’s a big crowd when the top level of the AFL members is almost full.

25 points down would have to be the biggest lead we’ve pegged back since the Geelong round 23 2021 game?

Viney’s been our best player the last 3 weeks after a slow start.

Who’s idea was it to have a 4 gamer lead our forward line tonight on the big stage?

Spot on. I'd rather be dominant at the MCG and lose a few interstate games rather than be dominant interstate and be patchy at the home of football, as per 2022. On the matter of the crowd tonight, there are some level 2 seats available in the AFL members which is unheard for marquee games. So maybe the crowd won't be as high as everyone was hoping.

Two numbers of significance that may just see St Kilda break the drought year. 150 57

I think we'll get as high as the late 70's. Don't think it will be any lower than 70K. King's Birthday we should be getting at least 80K if both sides are up and about.

I'm sure this issue will get sorted and the game will go ahead in Alice. All just a bit of media hot air. If not, there are only 2 MCG games that weekend and 1 at Marvel so there is plenty of availability to bring the game back to Melbourne. We could even look at GMHBA if there is a cheque attached to it to make up for the cash shortfall that NT would've provided. We must not accept a game in Darwin. We're playing for sheep stations this year and have the hard running St Kilda at Marvel the following weekend. We can't afford to have our preparation compromised in such a key game (St Kilda). Even last year we ran out of gas the week after playing in a mid 20's Alice Springs day.

I think they ARE the real deal and they’ve beaten three teams that are at least 3-3 with two of those sides being in the top 4 at the time of playing them.

I’d go as far to say they’re a premiership contender. I see a fair bit of Melbourne 2021 about them. Fit, disciplined, motivated, able to carry out the game plan for 4 quarters and extremely hard to score against with their defensive mindset. Could be their year in their 150th, albeit I expect to see Geelong and Collingwood in the GF.

Saints have a very good defence in Wilkie, Dougall and Battle (albeit Curnow’s getting the better of the latter) As Sydney showed last night, and when we’re missing Lever or May, it’s so important to have your three key pillars down back.

Crowd will be closer to 63,000 than 83,000

Brisbane are flying at the moment, particularly from an offensive point of view as they’ve beaten a range of sides - from premier contenders to mediocre and poor sides. However, can anyone honestly seeing them beating a Collingwood or Geelong in a prelim or grand final at the MCG? I certainly can’t. On another matter, we’re probably going to have to win by about 8 goals if we’re to catch Geelong on percentage. Their apparent demise after round 3 was greatly exaggerated.

Very poor win by Port given the quality of opposition.

You’d have to say Lever- MFC’s next captain.

That is absolutely correct. My concern is that our direct competition for the top 4 in Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon only travel 6 times each, compared to our 8. Essendon only travel once in their final 9 games. That’s a competitive advantage we’re ceding to the other 3 VIC sides from a preparation point of view as well as on-field results if our early interstate form is any indication.

And add in the fact most of the players clearly have no issues with hubbing, per the 2021 finals series. I think we clearly missed a trick and the Dogs were smart in reducing their hectic travel schedule as they had a couple of days in Adelaide post game and then flew to Perth at their leisure. Smart. The Dogs were physically and mentally on. We were physically and mentally off.