DemonicFinalFantasy

The AFL needs to divest itself of the governance of Australian Rules Football. It has proven itself time and again to be unable to handle conflicts of interest, review and implementation of rules and guidelines, introduction of technology, fixtures, umpiring, and a myriad of other aspects they have botched over the last few decades (Tasmania anyone?!!). We desperately need a separate entity, like most sports have (eg. Football Association in the UK), that are the gatekeepers of the game. That truly provides independant direction for this unique game. The AFL can continue to be the peak competition, and market itself accordingly, but it needs to hand over responsibilities that conflict with its main mission.

I don't see how a person can decide to brace for contact and not have the option to decide for a "don't argue" fend-off. If it was a team mate he was headed for and not an opponent, it would be a safe bet which option would be chosen. Duty of care for one, but not the other.

I actually think that if Gus decides to continue playing, the club will discourage him from doing so. I can't imagine how everyone would feel if Gus decided to play on and in 2024 happens to take another hit (no matter how small). At some stage one needs to err on the side of caution, not go in with fingers crossed.

Of course ... Gus should have had one of those full length training pads that the trainers use to protect themselves at training. /s

Grundy will be practising his set shots all week after this. Van Rooyen one week no doubt.

Having viewed the replay again, he's more often than not behind the ball in a more defensive role which doesn't free him up to run with the ball if it comes out the back. Coupled with being on the non-preferred wing its possibly a reason why he doesn't get into the usual DL votes as often these days. Curious if it will change heading into finals. Cheers guys!

I feel Langdon is at about 75% of his usual self from past years. His fluidity and accuracy seem to be lacking and he sometimes looks lost and all at sea in positioning. I can only see the game on TV so dont get a full or true perspective. He's a player that we admire for his altheticism and ability to move the ball forward, to our favour, but it doesn't seem be happening of late. Increased pressure? Different role? My own skewed perception?? 🤪

I hope BBB and JvR do a lot of talking (like May, Petty, Lever) but are never jointly contesting. Divide and conquer! Its the smalls time to stand tall and deliver. A frighteningly hard game but one where we click at the right time, in the right location, and score. Recent losses be damned! We are now onward and upward. Us by a modest 19 pts. ❤️💙

Consistently bombing it on top of his head isn't going to see JVR develop much craft at AFL level which is a pity.

Hoping the smalls hit their straps and have a respectful spread of goals. One outstanding quarter, either the first or last, I dont care. Both rucks to stand up and mark strongly. Hyper-awareness of teammates and sniper deliveries by hand and foot. Overhead handballs should be outlawed. How did that get in there?? Dees by 22pts.

I only get to watch games on TV from here in Perth, but for the most part, when cameras focus on the coaches' box, Chocko doesn't seem present in the game or involved with players. It's just something I've noticed. Does it mean anything? ... shrug!!

I don't see getting Oliver back is magically going to solve our ball skill errors and turn our behinds into goals. Sure, he is a talisman, but not the second coming!

Okay, my anger has dissipated into disarseappointment now. Call me when we start playing like a team from hell. Apologies to JV & bowser.

Gawn not knowing what to do with his free kick was telling!! You're the captain. And there ain't no plan.

Wibbly wobbly wheels for weeks now.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda. Seething, seething anger!

Sam and German actor Rick Okon (SBS tv series Das Boot)

What's with the blind overhead handballs? Fumble, fumble, fumble!! Turnovers galore, inside 50 kicks to no one in position. No small fwds anywhere near the drop. Out-positioned time and time again. Slack, almost token tackles, loose and lost opponents. So not Demons, but so Melbourne!

Dees by 21pts, confining the Cats to their appropriate place in the annals of 2023. Go Dees

While I voted for Jack's dance, it was a close call, knowing that Hunter's bulldozing of WH-E would have equally stunned 'dogs fans. Am I a bad person to gloat about it?!!

Agree, great to see his commitment both in the signing and on the field. I've seen enough of his early skillset, scoring (albeit not recently), defensive pressure, one grab marking and fine delivery, etc to be happy. I do wonder where this places Jordon tho.

Trac must have kicked it. 🤪

I really hope the younguns take the confidence gained from this game and never doubt themselves, that they can take on and easily be as good or better than much more fancied opponents. A wonderful team effort, and when the chips were down, they ground it out and stood up with their more experienced team mates. Joyous day!

A score for every i50 would be nice, 50/50 goals/behinds would be better, 100/0 in first qtr would be Deelightful! Go Dees, light up the score board!

Cheers. Shows how much I focus on the Dees and not so much on the other (how many now are there?) teams.