rpfc

My main frustration with the ‘loading conversation’ was how myopic it became in the affirmative. In 2022 I was trying to point out that we have changed (ruined?) our game style to protect our mids (long bombs into the pocket) and last year that we needed to up our transition game to compete with the best. And yet this place was just having this binary fascination with a sports physiology preparation technique that most teams employ; I’m seeing ‘noise’ in the data and with my eyes because we are in a loading phase of the season.

We are now a young team that is going to have days that we simply don’t perform or perform but still lose against a superior team. My expectation is that we play 4 of the 6 in the same vein of this last 3 weeks. That may mean we win only twice and not make it. I think expectations the last few days are outside of what the team can deliver.

From reports when he signed that deal, Oliver is on a percentage of the cap. We need him to get back to being what he was. I hope he is managing his demons, because his Demons need him.

Thanks for putting the work in, Paul… Umm, he is doing great with the roles that the kids have been given. Rivers and Pickett are more expansive and they have levelled up, even McVee to an extent. But AMW, Kolt, Turner, Windsor, and JVR are just nailing the specific roles they have been given and it makes things smooth; less mistakes, less easy possessions for the oppo, better looks forward, and the whole team has been forced to trust them but they are up to it. At this point in this crazy year, I don’t know if we can make the finals - but if I can see this for 3 or 4 of the next 6 weeks this will not be a wasted year. Far from it. The last month has been really promising.

Nah, just ate.

I don’t think so. But maybe to avoid a teardrop the sexy bit of the team can be born slippy and smack my [censored] up. My [censored] of course being the Scott brothers… We must be careful to not be slaves to the rythym however…

I would prefer JVR remain forward, has Turner rucked before? Draper would cut him in half???

Is that how we are going? My guess is Petty and JVR sharing near half and half. My ‘dark horse pick’ is Petty back and TMac sharing ruck with JVR.

Goodwin is a lovely person. I still think he is too guarded in his appearances and would love to see him come out more.

We can call it. I’ll close up.

Axis! I’m blushing…

This is the key thing - not the centre bounces. If they want to try to win I would free up TMac and bring in Tomlinson. If it is more about giving a fortnight taste to a 'kid' then Fullerton or Verrall. I don't know enough about those two. Any footy sense? Ruckman are usually the dumbest people at the stadium. Yes, I am including fans... Yes I am aware who we are playing this week...

It was great to have him back. He is still our smartest and most selfless forward - he is glue. He really should have a spot on the list next year. Especially as we will get younger on most lines.

You make a really good argument... you've twisted my arm - I also hope they fall out of the 8 and suffer further indignity.

Yes, very impressive but this place is souring on the leader of our Development academy because “wE dOn’T kIcK sTrAtE!1!” Square that circle, Paul. Square that circle.

ATTENTION: MANAGE EXPECTATIONS! I REPEAT: PLEASE MANAGE EXPECTATIONS! Wardens report to your WIP phones.

I thought he showed quite a bit. Certainly enough to keep McVee or Rivers up the ground. Same with Taj. If this year is not a waste it will be through making Rivers a mid and getting reps into McVee through there. Can only happen by letting these kids shoulder some of the burden.

That was a really good performance given where the team is at. But don’t expect that kind of performance (and that kind of second quarter) as becoming more of a regular thing with the youth we have in the side, the injuries we have, and the burden we place on fewer and fewer. Need to keep our expectations in line with reality.

It was a very good performance. To play that well, albeit only potent in a 25 min period, with AMW, Brown, Turner, et al in the 23 is really admirable. I hope it may continue but not expecting it to. Too much burden on too few.

What stealth? I think we will be ‘on the radar’ for the rebuild tomorrow night around 10.45…

Have to give him a month at least.

No need to assume. We had and expected score of 55 from our 47 entries…

55 against the worst team in the comp… that’s indicative. We are going to slide out of the 8 and we have to make the most of it - get Gawn and Viney some rest, get games into some talent in important positions, and continue with the evolved game style. Use this year to get better next year.

Yeeesh…