rpfc

I think it is a bit more counter offensive and aggressive with getting an extra to the defensive contest. We are happy to leave May one out against the best he is that good, but we won’t in the future. And I would lean into McVee and Rivers natural desire to run through HB, Salem and Bowey will still be there which is crucial if we want to quicken up the pace - they are elite kicks. So without the footy; press with wings behind footy trying to cut off short kicks toward top of 50 mitigating Lever going full interceptor. You can do this from a stoppage too without the press. Then with the footy; run from interception through HB line as quickly as possible. Have forwards deeper to stretch the field and create space left by the press (no one knows where anyone is on either side) for the initial kick off HB. It would be different from stoppage without the press in place of course. Anyway, high level - lean into Lever and our HBs skill sets as opposed to May. I want opposition mids coming forward to think twice because of how hard they are going to have to work defensively immediately from turnover.

Yeah, as May ages I think we need evolve that back line and what drives it.

Yes, but the premise of your thesis (and I peer reviewed it and it stands up) is that even in our dominance - we didn’t do it for 4 quarters. We simply have to capitalise when it is our turn to - hence the need to open the game up these last 5 weeks and play some effing footy. Trent Rivers and Pickett look so exciting when the shackles are off and this forward line of plucky upstarts and well worn vets and this midfield of lunch pale union guys look happier when they are running and gunning.

It’s a tough call. I don’t think you can drop McVee tho. His dash just needs to be rewarded. I prefer a Spargo-less forward line especially with Fritsch not there. CS is smart with ball in hand but he is like Chris Paul sometimes with how play slams to a stop as he assesses all the options he can no longer use. Fritsch was great at finding that space and making that work. Also, Pickett has to go up the ground and for that to be something we go back to - our forward line needs speed on the feet and ball - CS lacks both IMV.

The Tigers have some pluck about them but we should be challenging the team to push the pressure with forward movement and kick 4 goals a quarter at least. If it is 110 to 90 so be it, I don’t think we can keep good teams to 60 with 6-6-6 and the way the teams at the top play - more likely than not they are going to kick 5 of 7 goals and we just have to meet that in our own way.

He is in the team, like Langdon, for his defensive positioning and ability to understand when to push and when not to. It’s obvious that Goodwin likes to play with the AFL version of wingbacks and he, like Ed, is never going to hit it into the Haymes paint bucket from 30m but they will both be there at the kick out of the D50 and the kick I50. I don’t really think he has been tremendous but meh is an undersell. If Woey had a year like that we’d be salivating.

And the fact that we lack polish isn’t a surprise. 14.13 is good production from about 50 entries. Again, the worry internally will be ‘The Slice through the Press’ but I hope it isn’t. Move the footy better and with purpose - which we saw a bit of today after 2 quarters last week. If you can do a suffocating press once against the best (KB) that’s enough for muscle memory and belief. Just celebrate having 27 scoring shots and kicking 13 goals is where I would go - can we do more of that?

Oh I don’t disagree. Defensive perfection is not an ideal I would shoot for, but tell that to Goody and May because that’s what they seem to pride the team on. We are defensive first and foremost and then willing from there - if this is that changing then I am all for it because - playing to your personnel aside - I don’t like footy like that.

We have a battlin’ midfield right now and that’s ok but it’s going to be cut up for periods. Our press ain’t death atm which doesn’t help. Amazing how stars keep you winning; Viney, Brayshaw, Kozzie… …Chandler… We are still a work in progress with the major frustration being - we are a defence first team but sometimes we are butter to a hot knife.

80% is still a distinction

You should probably apply the ‘rule’ in your last sentence to your first sentence; the FD don’t seem to care about ‘winning the trade’ if they get their targets. We may come out so far ahead in the Jackson trade that they don’t care about ‘paying too much’ for ND1.

Winning form is good form at this point, even if it means going to the Gabba. Having said that, we may prioritise resting May, Gawn, and some other stars.

No idea about talent (haven’t watched my usual 30 mins of YouTube highlights just yet) but getting Lamb and Taylor the capital to do something like this could be glorious. That is why we deathride💀 🚴

When the hamster that lives in @Nasher basement that runs the servers take a break - I often think about what I am doing with my life and where I am go- -Uhh, Demonlands back up!

I much prefer these people have some confidence. Otherwise, what’s the fun in breaking someone’s will that’s already broken?

rpfc with Jaded on that mountain:

Why are you still talking about snake fish eel things?

Nonsense word that ruined my post. Also, I have milk. No need to go up to the shops

Huh? I do two things; drink milk, and conjure the forces of good in this world to down Geelong and smite their ashes. And I’m all outta milk…

Yes, there’s only so much resilience you can build into Perry’s ribs…

Be Better

He ain’t a Goodwin fan so look for that

Heads up to footy fans, the tall bloke from Aunty Donna has a podcast this year called The Footy and it is quite good. More lighthearted and no depth but very funny. Broden is a Dees fan. And he left early last week.