MrFreeze

I think Bowza has the foot skills to become the key play maker while Salo is away. He is not as good 1-1 or overhead but Bowza's class can make the difference

None of this [censored] slinging will sort out the real issues with AFL journalism that Bevo did highlight He just did it in such an unprofessional way that it was completely glazed over AFL journalism has cost the mental health of so many players - Watts and Tom Boyd come to mind. Goodwin was luckily in a position to be resistant to it. It continues to be the arm pit of the AFL and demonstrated by the trashy tabloid journos like Morris. No surprise he is of low character himself.

A lot of his work is done off the ball, mongrel punt article highlighted this well HOW IMPORTANT ARE BLOKES LIKE JAMES HARMES AND ALEX NEAL-BULLEN TO THE DEES? This kind of gives me a chance to look at team structure, because these two seem content to play the Melbourne way, and if the ball comes their way as a result, then great. If it doesn’t, but the team also wins, then great as well. And then you look after at the Dogs, it seems like everyone needs their touches. Yeah, they get them – Dunkley had 29, Macrae had 39, Bailey Smith had 33, Treloar had 26… they can get the footy, but their roles are… well, they’re hazy. They tend to step on each other’s toes inasmuch as they’re all after the ball all the time. In contrast, someone like ANB or Harmes doesn’t need the footy as much. They’re both okay with playing a role, making sure their piece of the Demon puzzle is ready to fit, and then, when it is their turn to go, they do so without hesitation. They’re prepared to play defensive roles if necessary, sacrifice their own games, and work as an individual toward a collective goal. That is what makes champion teams.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/712390/flag-defender-to-be-sidelined-for-3-4-weeks-other-dees-pull-up-sore Rivers will likely not be available next week - probably comes in against Essendon

Those 50ms are soft as butter But Carlton look great on bursting out of stoppages, Richmond have collapsed under the pressure

Skills are still below par even with their added players

Very scrappy from both teams, not impressed with Carlton at all so far

Agreed Based on past team changes, Smith has replaced Petty and Tommo came in for Lever today

When we're spoiling in our back 50 and rebounding we are unstoppable Imo it is our biggest indicator that the game is on our terms and was 100% confident we would win after we got that going late in the 2nd

Smith playing well

End of the day this will be won in the guts Defence is shaky but if our team Defence is on and we win contested possession we will win

At least Greene's was in one motion, Danger re-extended his leg to make contact Pretty bad look and will go on to be ignored

It took Ben Brown a season + a preseason to fully transition to being a dees player at our standard Dunstan will need some time also im sure

Honestly wouldn't mind some aflx style weird fun rule set each year

Freo are a worry - however their tall stocks are in good nick WC are going nowhere fast, not an attractive club to go to at this stage

"Only a winger" Our two wingers Langon and Brayshaw were one of the key reasons for our success and one of our key failures in previous years. Short memories forget how desperate we were for two runners 5 years ago.

Wonder if these super high scoring games will continue into the main season

Talking to supporters from other clubs i don't think they understand just how good our drafting, recruiting and development has been over the last few years. The big stars take the shine but there is a lot happening behind the curtains.

Footy has always been more than just raw stats and calculations There aren't measures for heart, toughness, leadership, ability to play to a team system etc etc.

Big deal for the big frittata

Don't forget the absolute swag of picks they gave to St Kilda a few years prior, very few young players getting developed for them atm

Good players look great with an effective game plan, two way running, selfless play and strong coaching Backing in our development team to get the best out of Dunny and totally suspect he will be pushing for best 22 next year

Don't underestimate the value of an extra year of development into a young player. Let's say we picked Kozy (or another small forward) in the same draft year as Bowey, much less likely that he'd be playing the same grade of footy he is now

We have plenty of half backs and smalls at this point Pass

Riv also laid a great shepard on Treloar to set up another Trac goal